Utilizing Solar Energy for Water Pumping and Brackish Water Desalination in Agriculture
Sponsor:
U.S. Agency for International Development
Grant Type:
Project Status:
Active
Start Date:
12 May 2014
End Date:
31 July 2015
The historically high capital cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules (above US$ 5/Wp) and the high energy requirements of desalination membrane systems have precluded the large scale implementation of solar energy for water pumping and desalination. However, recent advancements in PV technology have reduced PV module prices to below US$ 1.0/Wp, and nanofiltration (NF) membranes show good potential for treating brackish waters to a level acceptable for agricultural use, at nearly twice the energy efficiency of reverse osmosis (RO). This project seeks to assess the technical and economic feasibility of water pumping and brackish water desalination using solar energy for agricultural production.
Research Results and Progress Reports
Progress Report: April - June 2015
Posted: 18 September 2015 | Progress Report
During this reporting period, the research team:
Progress Report: January - March 2015
Posted: 18 September 2015 | Progress Report
During this reporting period, the research team:
Progress Report: October - December 2014
Posted: 26 January 2015 | Progress Report
During this reporting period, the research team:
Progress Report: Inception - September 2014
Posted: 15 September 2014 | Progress Report
During this reporting period, the research team:
