This project implemented a hybrid solar-diesel pumping system in Yemen, designed to enhance water access for agricultural irrigation while significantly reducing reliance on diesel fuel and operational costs.

1. System Configuration:

The system was built for reliability in a challenging environment, combining solar energy with existing diesel infrastructure:

• Solar Array: A 15 kW photovoltaic system configured with 60 panels, each rated at 250 watts.

• Water Pump: A three-phase submersible pump operating at 380V with a power rating of 11 kW, suitable for extracting water from wells or boreholes.

• Hybrid Solar Pump Inverter: A specialized hybrid inverter (model: SP4015) with a capacity of 15kW, designed to operate at 380V. This unit intelligently manages power input from both the solar array and the diesel generator, prioritizing solar energy to maximize fuel savings and reduce runtime on the diesel generator.

2. Impact and Advantages:

The installation provided a more sustainable and cost-effective irrigation solution, leading to:

• Significant Fuel and Cost Savings: By leveraging solar power as the primary energy source, the system achieved a 20% reduction in diesel consumption. This translated directly to lower operational costs and reduced dependence on costly and often scarce diesel fuel.

• Enhanced Operational Resilience: The hybrid design ensured a reliable water supply even during periods of low solar irradiation, as the diesel generator could provide backup power. This reliability is crucial for food production and livelihoods in Yemen's vulnerable context.

• Environmental Benefit: The reduced diesel usage led to lower carbon emissions and less local air and noise pollution, contributing to a cleaner environment.

This case demonstrates how hybrid solar-diesel pumping systems can offer a practical and efficient transition towards renewable energy in regions like Yemen, where reliability and fuel savings are critical for agricultural sustainability and energy security.