Instituto de energía solar

The world of agriculture is very concerned about the high cost of electricity (grid or diesel motors) for irrigation. For example, in Spain, the cost of electricity for irrigation has increased in the range of 600% to 1200% regarding the costs of 2008. Therefore, the need of cheaper means to irrigate is a clamour of farmers, irrigator communities and agro-industries.

We are working on developing large power PV irrigation systems to respond this need, researching on the solutions that allow matching the PV pumping system production with the irrigation demand, and on solving the problems associated to the intermittent character of PV power. In this framework, we are coordinating the H2020 MASLOWATEN project leading this research line in Europe.

Contact person: Dr. Luis Narvarte

Selected publications

1. L. Narvarte and E. Lorenzo, "Sustainability of PV water pumping programmes: 12-years of successful experience", Progress in Photovoltaics, vol. 18, pp. 291-298, Jun 2010. (DOI:10.1002/pip.959)
   
   
2. J. Fernández-Ramos, L. Narvarte, and F. Poza, "Improvement of photovoltaic pumping systems based on standard frequency converters by means of programmable logic controllers", Solar Energy, vol. 84, pp. 101-109, 2010. (DOI:10.1016/j.solener.2009.10.013)
   
   
3. L. Narvarte, F. Poza, and E. Lorenzo, "Specification and testing of PV pumps for a Moroccan project", Progress in Photovoltaics, vol. 14, pp. 733-741, 2006. (DOI:10.1002/pip.701)