Title:	Introducing Solar Water Pumps to Female Farmers in India
Author(s):	E. Schüpbach, U. Muntwyler, A. Vezzini, A. Müller, D. Urena
Keywords:	Developing Countries, Dissemination, Education and Training, Rural Electrification, Water-Pumping
Topic:	PV - A MAJOR ELECTRICITY SOURCE
Subtopic:	PV Globalisation, Policies and Administrative Issues
Event:	29th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
Session:	7AV.6.51
Pages:	4106 - 4108
ISBN:	3-936338-34-5
Paper DOI:	10.4229/EUPVSEC20142014-7AV.6.51
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper

Abstract/Summary:

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Today, over 20% of the global population lack access to electricity, most of them in rural areas. In such non-electrified and under-electrified regions, renewable energy and especially solar technology offer a particularly great potential. For the development of rural areas, the critical issue is affordable water availability for crop production. Small-scale farmers hence depend on rainwater and the wet season. In the dry season, crops can sell at a price up to three times higher if irrigation is possible. Harnessing solar energy for irrigation during the dry season can, therefore, open the door for additional sources of income. Aiming to meet these needs, Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) in Switzerland developed a small power (40W-120W) photovoltaic water pump (“SunLight Pump“) that is now locally produced in Bangalore, India. As Indian women play a predominant role in earning a livelihood for their families, the pump was also tested with female farmers. Current deployment is with the female farmers’ association in Kudumbashree; the association operates the Swiss “SunLight Pump” as part of an irrigation system with water tanks and micro sprinklers in view of validating a possible business model.