Economic assessment of large power photovoltaic irrigation systems in the ECOWAS region

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2018-07, Vol.155, p.992-1003
• Main Authors: Lorenzo, C., Almeida, R.H., Martínez-Núñez, M., Narvarte, L., Carrasco, L.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative energy; Diesel; Economic assessment; Economics; Feasibility studies; Internal rate of return; Irrigation; Irrigation system; Irrigation systems; Photovoltaic; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaics; Renewable energy; Solar cells; Water tanks
• ISSN: 0360-5442; 1873-6785
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.05.066

This paper presents an economic assessment of large power (from tens to hundreds kWp) PV irrigation systems in the ECOWAS region, evaluating the economic feasibility of substituting diesel-powered and grid-powered systems with PV ones. Seven countries from the ECOWAS region were considered and two irrigation operating modes were compared (pumping to a water tank or at constant pressure). Net Present Cost (NPC) values are in the 0.33–41.5 × 105 $ range, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) values are in the 8–47% range and Payback Period (PBP) values are in the 2.1–10 years range. The economic savings in terms of Levelized Cost of Energy, LCOE, were also evaluated. LCOE for PV irrigation systems are in the 4.5–17.4 $cents/kWh range, which represent percentage savings of 30–84% if compared to diesel-powered and grid-powered systems. •An economic assessment of PV irrigation systems in the ECOWAS region is presented.•NPC, IRR and PBP indicators show very good profitabilities.•PV-powered systems offer percentage savings in the range 30–84%, in terms of LCOE.