Abstract

The world is having an energy crisis and currently there is a strong drive towards renewable energy. A renewable energy option is solar energy, where by means of photovoltaic (PV) modules electrical energy can be produced. A residential as well as industrial application for these PV modules is solar water pumping systems. Disadvantages of solar water pumping systems are low performance and low energy efficiency. This paper provides a review on the factors that influence the performance and efficiency of solar water pumping systems, with a specific focus to South Africa. The principle factors discussed include: 1) environmental conditions, 2) PV panels, 3) controllers, 4) energy storages, 5) converters and inverters, and 6) pumps and motors.

Key words: Solar water pumping, photovoltaic, performance, efficiency.