Design, Simulation, and Economic Analysis of a Solar Photovoltaic‐Powered Pumping System for Drip Irrigation of a 1‐ha Bean Farm in a Tropical Climate

A successful agricultural system, be it large‐scale or small‐scale, requires adequate irrigation of plants, regardless of seasonal changes in rainfall. Unreliable electricity supply in tropical regions has necessitated the use of alternate power sources for efficient irrigation. Consequently, this study focuses on evaluating the performance, energy efficiency, and economic feasibility of a solar‐powered photovoltaic (PV) pumping system for drip irrigation in Kaleo, Upper West Region of Ghana. Through theory and PVsyst simulations, it was determined that the optimal tilt angle for the collectors is 16°, facing south. The solar pumping system comprised a 2.43 kWp solar array, one 1.3 kW brushless DC motor, and a 1.8 kW maximum power point tracker DC converter. The pump operating energy was recorded at 3025 kWh, which fulfilled approximately 92.6% of the water demand for the 1‐ha bean farm, making the system 82% efficient. The performance ratio (PR) provided a view of the PV system’s efficiency and energy conversion performance over different months. The average PR of 67.8% suggests approximately 32% losses in the proposed system. The performance of the PV array was experimentally confirmed using weeklong data collected from a 1.1 kW solar water pumping system that supplies water to a poultry farm. The experimental findings closely matched the output data from the PVsyst simulation. It was discovered that there was an 8% discrepancy between the experimental and simulated results. Financial analysis revealed a positive net present value of $13,097.77, a short payback period of 1.3 years, and favorable profitability, demonstrating the economic viability of the solar project. The positive financial results underscore the economic feasibility of introducing solar‐powered irrigation systems and represent a promising avenue for sustainable agricultural practices in the region. While the solar PV system is a major component, the highest costs stem from the drip emitters, storage tanks, and, notably, well drilling. These factors make the system expensive for the majority of smallholder farmers in Kaleo, highlighting the need for policymakers to consider financial support, subsidies, or alternative low‐cost solutions, such as local production of system components, to improve affordability and accessibility.