Overview
Economic
analysis that considers two systems (water pumping and reverse osmosis water
desalination) and three power supply options (PV, diesel and electric grid) were developed. Net present value, annuity, cost annuity per equivalent hydraulic
energy and cost annuity per cubic meter of permeate water were used for
comparison. Actual performance data from
installed PV pumping systems were processed and used as inputs for the
base case. Different sensitivity
analysis scenarios have been considered to provide a study that can be applied
to other locations and different conditions. The effect of system oversizing,
due to a mismatch of water supply and demand patterns, on the economic viability
of PV water pumping systems was illustrated based on real data and experience
of eight installations over a three-year period of operation. Investment
prospects in PV water pumping applications at different water selling price
scenarios have been investigated. Different scenarios of power supplies (PV,
diesel and electric grid) for both water pumping and water desalination systems
were analyzed and economic results are presented.
Sample Results
Figure 7.2.3.2.1.
Cost of water as a function of equivalent hydraulic energy capacity for PV and
grid connected water pumping systems
