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TitleA comparative assessment of photovoltaics, handpumps and diesels for rural water supply
Publication TypeMiscellaneous
Year of Publication1987
AuthorsCabraal, A, Seiss, A, Slominski, L, Buresch, M, Kenna, J
Paginationviii, 170 p.: fig., tab.
Date Published1987-01-01
PublisherNational Technical Information Service
Place PublishedSpringfield, VA, USA
Keywordscosts, diesel engines, economic aspects, efficiency, evaluation, hand pumps, photovoltaic systems, rural supply systems, technology, water demand, water resources
Abstract

This report is an economic and technical assessment of photovoltaics, handpumps and diesels for water supplies in rural areas of developing countries. The requirements and problems associated with rural water supply systems are examined within the context of regional resource conditions, water needs, and cost and performance of the technology. This study found that photovoltaics rural water supply systems can supply water more economically than handpumps or diesels for villages of moderate size where the water table depths are 20 to 40 m. On the average, the cost-effective village size ranges from about 300 to 2000 persons per village for photovoltaic rural water supply systems. Contrary to popular belief in many cases, on a per capita basis even the initial cost of photovoltaic systems is equal to and even less than that of comparable handpump rural water supply systems. Numerous sensitivity analyses were conducted and are provided to aid water supply planners decide wether photovoltaic systems would be appropriate for their specific needs. Preliminary specifications and market estimates were also compiled to aid photovoltaics manufacturers develop technology appropriate for the rural water supply market

NotesBibliography: p. R1-R3
Custom 1232.0

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