Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 29, Issue 1, 2023; Page No.(41-45)

CUTTING EDGE ADVANTAGE OF SOLAR OVER THECONVENTIONAL ELECTRIC POWERED GROUNDWATER IRRIGATIONIN VILLUPURAM DISTRICT OF TAMIL NADU, INDIA

V. Nandhini, R. Venkataraman and S. Ravichandran

Abstract

Solar energy is the major renewable energy source in the world. In the world energy use scenario, solarenergy has occupied second position and it’s share in renewable energy is 27.5 per cent. In India, solarenergy is first position in renewable energy capacity and it’s share in renewable energy has 33.5per cent.Solar photovoltaic is conversion of solar energy into electricity which can be used for solar water pumping.With the above background of the present study is attempted to focus on the impact of solarand electricoperated tube well irrigation in the sample farms. A quota sampling selection procedure andsnow ballsampling technique were used for this study.A sample size of 45 each of solar and electricoperated samplefarmers altogether 90 sample respondents were contacted for the conduct of this research study. Garrett’sranking technique was used for assessing the merits and demerits of solar and electric operatedtubewellirrigation as opined by the sample respondents. It was observed that free electricity for motorpumpingwas the prime most important attribute which influenced the farmers preference for electricenergy followedby efficiency in lifting water from higher depths with good discharge rates. The foremost bothering issue inelectric energy use was the limited hours of 3 phase electric power availability and frequentvoltagefluctuations. The availability of huge subsidy component in the initial investment and reductionin theenergy bill were the foremost important reasons for the adoption of solar power motor pumpsin irrigation.The foremost bothering issue in solar energy use for irrigation was unavailability of battery forpower storewhich was expressed as the major drawback in solar energy irrigation pumping. To promotethe large scaleadoption of this important renewable energy all the merits of this energy source expressed by the farmersshould be widely propagated among the farming community. The demerits in the use ofexisting devices ofthis energy source such as battery for storage, efficiency improvements with higher horsepower’s shouldbe addressed by gearing up the Research and Development wing to focus on these issues expressed by thefarmer stakeholders.