Solar pumps, for water lift systems, is becoming popular in rural areas for supplying drinking water in dry seasons when its need is elevated. The development in technology has also made solar pumps readily available and cheap which has increased its demands. So, for scattered settlements having a limited budget for operation and maintenance costs, solar pump is preferred over grid connected electrical pumping systems. This primary objective of the study was to design a solar photovoltaic pumping drinking water supply system for a small health post which is about 45 km east from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The study also compared and verified the final design with the system's existing design prepared by a development agency. The water source for this study was a confined aquifer 115m below the surface. The water demand was calculated to be 11m3 per day. A 1500 kPa submersible pump attached to a motor was selected and installed. Along with that twelve solar panels, reservoir, transmission main and distribution main was designed. The outcomes conclude solar photovoltaic pumping water supply systems to be cost-effective with an estimated cost of only USD 0.84 million per MLD. Solar pumps require low maintenance and operation costs and its repairs can quickly be done by the local people. The study also shows that solar technology produces no sound, needs no fuel making it environmentally friendly.
We convey gratitude to Mr. Ram Kaji Kafle and Er. Rajendra Shrestha, from Division Water Supply Office, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage for all thehelp during this study. Also, we acknowledge Er. Suresh Raj Pandit, WASH Officer, UNICEF Nepal, for his support during site visit and for provision of all necessary information. Furthermore, a thank you to Mr. Santosh Shrestha from Suryodaya Urja Private Limited for his help in designing of system.