Economic and Environmental Analysis of the Use of Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems Compared to Conventional Irrigation in Wheat Production: A Field Study in Al-Hawija District, Iraq

This study aims to evaluate the economic viability and environmental efficiency of two irrigation systems—traditional (diesel/electricity-based) and solar-powered—used in wheat production in Hawija District, Kirkuk Governorate, Iraq, during the 2024 growing season. A field survey was conducted on a sample of 100 wheat farms, evenly divided between the two systems. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, and analyzed using various statistical tools including T-tests and sensitivity analysis. The findings reveal that the solar irrigation system significantly outperforms the traditional system in terms of net income, benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and return on investment (ROI). Additionally, the solar system offers lower operating costs and greater environmental sustainability by substantially reducing carbon emissions. The study recommends expanding the adoption of solar-powered irrigation systems and providing both financial and technical support to facilitate their uptake by local farmers.