Despite the modernization carried out in irrigation in Spain in recent decades, the recent episode of drought has once again put this strategic sector in a fragile situation in the face of one of its main challenges:
How to combat the effects of the global climate emergency.
In the conclusions of the XXXIX National Irrigation Congress, held in Úbeda in October 2023, digitalization and the use of new technologies to improve irrigation efficiency were insisted on as one of the main actions to face the current situation, without forgetting the institutional support in simplifying bureaucracy and streamlining financial aid for investment. In this sense, the implementation of PERTE for irrigation with the support of European funds has been excellent news.
‘ Solar energy has emerged in recent years as a viable alternative energy source for irrigation systems.’
At Vector Energy we have been betting on technology in irrigation for years and we consider its democratization to be essential, that is, reaching the maximum number of irrigators who can contribute to efficiency and the reduction of water and energy consumption. Solar energy has emerged in recent years as a viable alternative energy source for a large number of irrigation systems. The increasingly efficient evolution of the available technology has been accompanied by a reduction in the costs of solar panels and auxiliary equipment, which makes solar energy the irrigator’s great ally.
Solar inverters and frequency converters for pumping are the main equipment present in photovoltaic installations for irrigation. Inverters, with their high capacity to generate electrical energy and convert direct current from solar panels into alternating current ready to be consumed in the installation, are common devices, although they are not always the best option.
Solar-powered variable frequency drives are a more efficient solution for water extraction in all types of situations, whether isolated from the electrical grid, or in combination with the grid or a generator set. In remote areas where the connection to the electrical grid is non-existent or weak, the drive is extremely effective and, furthermore, its implementation is usually accompanied by the reduction or replacement of generating sets with clearly unsustainable fuel consumption.
Unlike these generators, which require ongoing maintenance and have variable costs due to fuel prices, solar pumping has a predictable and stable cost structure. Once the initial investment in solar panels, variable frequency drives and inverters is made, operating costs are minimal. This means greater economic security for farmers, who can plan their budgets without worrying about energy market fluctuations.
In installations that require little power, the investment necessary for solar pumping is reduced.
In installations that require little power, the investment necessary for solar pumping is low and requires carrying out few adaptation works on the land. With the right drive and a modest installation of a few solar panels, it is possible to supply a few hectares of irrigation. In the case of large installations to supply large irrigation communities, drives prepared for solar pumping offer great flexibility in the control and management of complex systems with several pumps, as well as advanced tools for monitoring and visualization of the main installations data in real time.
Whatever the size of the installation, it is essential that the irrigator has access to the most appropriate technology and has the necessary technical and administrative support to make it effective. Only with this combination of knowledge of irrigation, technicians and public administration will it be possible to guarantee the viability and sustainability of farms and the competitiveness of a country’s agriculture.
RICARDO MOLINA CTO of Vector Energy
Opinion article published in iAgua magazine number 4