Solar water pumps, which use solar energy to power the pumping mechanism, are used in a range of applications, such as agriculture, home water supply, and water treatment. There are three types of solar water pumps- surface suction, submersible, and floating. The pumps are simple to install, need minimal maintenance, and have a long lifespan, making them an affordable alternative for water pumping requirements. These pumps are ideal for usage in rural areas where traditional power sources are not accessible or reliable. Hence, various initiatives have been taken to use solar water pumps across the globe. For instance, in September 2022, in Spain’s southern province of Huelva, the Sur-Andévalo Irrigation Community completed the installation of a 1.6 Megawatt floating photovoltaic plant for solar pumping. The system is based on 7,168 Isifloating 4.0 floats supplied by Spanish expert Isigenere and 3,584 solar panels, each with a rated output of 450 W. It is located on the Dehesa de las Yeguas pond in the municipality of Cartaya. The plant's solar energy will assist in reducing the energy expenditures of the irrigation community's water pumping. Additionally, the floating solar plant will aid in the reduction of water evaporation and algae blooms. Owing to such factors, the solar water pump market is expected to grow in the coming years.
Key Drivers of the Global Solar Water Pump Market
Growing Use of Renewable Energy
Global solar water pump system growth can be attributed to rising renewable energy generation, particularly solar electricity. For instance, according to the International Energy Agency (2021), renewables are expected to account for about 95% of the increase in global power capacity by 2026, with solar PV accounting for more than half of it. The amount of renewable capacity added between 2021 and 2026 is estimated to be 50% more than between 2015 and 2020. The key factor behind this is that solar water pumps operate on sustainable solar energy, removing the need for fossil fuels such as diesel or gasoline. This results in much lower carbon emissions, which contributes to reducing the negative environmental effect.
Government Schemes and Initiatives
Governments across the globe are initiating efforts to increase the use of solar water pumps. They offer subsidies, tax credits, and grants, which minimize the cost of installation for the user, resulting in high demand for solar water pumps. For instance, the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) gives a 30% subsidy to farmers and a 50% subsidy to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) farmers to install solar water pumps. A subsidy is available for the purchase and installation of photovoltaic water pumps up to 2 HP for agriculture and drinking water supply.
Expansions and Innovations by Major Market Players
The solar water pump market has significant contributors such as Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd., Shakti Pumps Ltd., Grundfos Pumps Corp., Bright Solar Ltd., C.R.I. Pumps Private Ltd., and SunEdison, Inc., among others. These players assist in the market’s growth with the launch of new and innovative solar pumps and through collaborations and investments. Some of the recent developments in the market include-
• In March 2023, SafeWater, a strategic business unit under Grundfos, announced a cooperation with World Vision's Zambia WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program to deliver cost-effective SQFlex solar water pumps in rural Zambia as an easy-to-use and sustainable alternative to conventional hand pumps. World Vision's Zambia WASH program has already converted 80 new Grundfos solar pumps, benefiting over 20,000 people, and plans to reach thousands more by 2030.
• In September 2021, Grundfos introduced the SQFlex Large, an expansion of its long-standing SQFlex solar powered submersible pump line, into five Asian regions for usage in agricultural industries. While the motor works on both AC and DC from power sources such as solar panels and generators, the SQFlex Big incorporates a built-in frequency converter, ensuring power compatibility from any source.