Assessment of Performance of Solar Powered Direct Current (D.C) Water Pumps for Boreholes in Kaduna and its Environs

Abstract

Irregular power supply and frequent grid failure are regular phenomenon in Kaduna metropolis. The use of photovoltaic array for water pumping system is one of the most promising techniques in solar energy applications. Deployment of PV based solar pumping system for domestic applications is a viable alternative to replace conventional grid electricity .In this studies, theoretical design, performance and simulation analysis of PV based water pumping system in some selected area of studies in Kaduna with the use of the computer software package PVSYST 7.4.2 version is carried out. The purpose is to evaluate the performances of photovoltaic pumps in the selected boreholes in the studies areas. According to the analysis, the solar water pumping system has an average system efficiency of 57.9 %. Which is in fair agreement with the previous literature, it was concluded that solar water pumping system should be strongly recommended for both urban as well as rural water supply system.