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Research Questions
Research Questions
What are the opportunities and challenges for grid-connected solar irrigation adoption?
Will large-scale promotion of grid-connected solar pumps promotion lead to higher groundwater depletion?
Phase 1: Field-Based Qualitative Insights
Phase 1: Field-Based Qualitative Insights
Visited 200+ Stakeholders across 22 sites in Gujarat for semi-structured interviews
Phase 2: Survey data Collection
Phase 2: Survey data Collection
Surveyed 3565+ Farmers across 42 sites in Gujarat with digital quationnaire-based survey
Publications
Patel, P. M., Scott, C. A., & Brent, D. A. (2024). "Four birds with one stone? opportunities and challenges in adopting solar irrigation for a sustainable water-energy-food nexus with carbon credits." Water International, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508060.2024.2345494
Growing Impact Podcast
Growing Impact Podcast
The groundwater levels in India are consistently dropping year to year. In fact, India uses more groundwater than any country in the world. However, it is also a nation that lacks water availability, and its population continues to grow. A team of researchers is analyzing how an Indian government policy aimed at installing and using solar irrigation pumps in agriculture may further lower groundwater levels, impact energy use, and help or hinder food production in India. Link
Solar Irrigation
Solar Irrigation
Solar irrigation is the use of solar photovoltaic (SPV) energy that converts solar radiation to electricity for pumping water for irrigation needs. This is also termed as solar electric pumping or solar pumping in short.
Solar irrigation is the use of solar photovoltaic (SPV) energy that converts solar radiation to electricity for pumping water for irrigation needs. This is also termed as solar electric pumping or solar pumping in short.
Why solar irrigation?
Why solar irrigation?
- SPV system capacity and ability have expanded.
- Prices of PV panels have dropped exponentially.
- The increased number of manufacturers and suppliers of SVP makes the market more competitive.
- SPV is cost-competitive with diesel ad wind pumps in all sizes and capacities.
- SPV is being mainstreamed for higher adoption across sectors, and awareness and know-how are growing.
Fieldwork in Gujarat
Fieldwork in Gujarat
Gujarat is agriculturally vibrant state of India with proactive agriculture and irrigation policies. Gujarat has piloted various solar irrigation initiatives and has been torch bearer for solar irrigation promotion in India. Suryashakti Kisan Yojna (SKY) scheme is the most prominent large pilot for grid-connected solar irrigation with more than 4000 farmers.
From December 2021 to June 2022, the survey team visited more than 42 feeder locations in Gujarat (covering more than 100 villages) and interviewed more than 3500 farmers. Objective of the survey was to collect survey data on their perception of solar irrigation as well as changes in their agriculture & irrigation practices since the adoption of solar irrigation.
Major Takeaways
Major Takeaways
Survey Data Analysis
Survey Data Analysis
The survey collected farmer-level data on farmer demography, agriculture and irrigation practices, crop choices in the current year and in 2018 (pre-solar), cost of solar adoption, cost of irrigation, and perception about solar irrigation during December 2021 - June 2022. The data is being cleaned, compiled, and analyzed to understand the impacts of solar-irrigation adoption on irrigation practices and groundwater.
Collaborators
Collaborators
For more information on solar irrigation project, please contact Praharsh Patel (praharsh@psu.edu)
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