Solar-Powered Pumping
The inverter converts the PV energy source into controlled AC output for the irrigation pump.
Project Case · Sri Lanka
Solar Pump Inverter for an Agricultural Irrigation Project in Sri Lanka
A solar-powered irrigation project in Sri Lanka uses a FU9000SI-2.2KW-SS2 solar pump inverter to operate the pumping system from solar energy. The installation can deliver up to 100,000 liters of water per day for agricultural irrigation.
Project Snapshot
Project Configuration
The system uses a 2.2 kW FU9000SI solar pump inverter for PV-powered agricultural irrigation,
with a daily water delivery of up to 100,000 liters.
2.2 kW
FU9000SI-2.2KW-SS2 solar pump inverter
FU9000SI-2.2KW-SS2 solar pump inverter
Up to 100,000 L/day
Daily water delivery
Daily water delivery
Sri Lanka
Agricultural irrigation application
Agricultural irrigation application
| Project Item | Project Information |
|---|---|
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Application | Agricultural irrigation |
| Solar pump inverter | FU9000SI-2.2KW-SS2 |
| Inverter rating | 2.2 kW |
| Primary energy source | Solar PV |
| Water delivery | Up to 100,000 liters per day |
| Operation | Automatic start and stop |
Project Requirement
Use Solar Energy for Daily Irrigation Pumping
The project applied solar pump inverter technology to an agricultural irrigation system. The practical objective
was to use available solar energy to operate the pump and provide a substantial daily water supply without relying
entirely on conventional grid or fuel-based pumping.
Daily Water Delivery
The irrigation system can deliver up to 100,000 liters of water per day.
Automatic Operation
Automatic start and stop operation is identified as one of the functions used to simplify day-to-day system operation.
System Configuration
How the Irrigation System Works
The system uses the FU9000SI-2.2KW-SS2 between the PV array and the irrigation pump.
The inverter converts solar DC input into controlled AC output and adjusts pump operation as available solar power changes.
Solar PV Array
DC Solar Input
FU9000SI-2.2KW-SS2
Water Pump
Agricultural Irrigation
For a new project, check the pump voltage, phase and rated current together with PV module Voc, Vmp,
array power and site temperature before selecting the inverter and string configuration.
array power and site temperature before selecting the inverter and string configuration.
Drive Selection
Why the FU9000SI Is Relevant to Irrigation
Irrigation pumping is a variable-energy application when solar PV is the power source. Solar irradiance changes
through the day, while the pump still requires controlled motor voltage and frequency.
The solar pump inverter manages that interface and allows the pumping system to operate from the available solar input.
Functions Relevant to the Project
- solar PV input for pump operation;
- MPPT-based solar pump control;
- controlled AC output for the motor;
- automatic start and stop operation;
- pump-oriented operating and protection functions.
Project Evidence
Field Installation in Sri Lanka
The field installation shows the solar-powered irrigation system operating in Sri Lanka.
The project demonstrates how a compact 2.2 kW solar pump drive can be applied where daily water demand
is matched to the local pump and solar conditions.
Project Result
Up to 100,000 Liters of Water per Day
The irrigation system can deliver up to 100,000 liters of water per day under the project operating conditions.
Daily output will vary with hydraulic head, pump characteristics, available solar energy and operating time.
Daily water output depends on pump characteristics, hydraulic head, solar resource, PV array design and operating hours.
A new irrigation project should be sized from its own site data.
A new irrigation project should be sized from its own site data.
Engineering Checklist
What UFELE Needs for a Similar Irrigation Project
The 2.2 kW Sri Lanka project is useful as an application reference, but a new system should not be selected from
inverter kW alone.
| Required Input | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Pump rated power | Initial inverter size check |
| Pump voltage and phase | Determine compatible inverter output class |
| Pump rated current | Confirm drive output-current capacity |
| Required daily water volume | Define the irrigation target |
| Required flow rate | Establish pump duty |
| Static/dynamic water level | Calculate hydraulic head where applicable |
| Pipe length and diameter | Estimate friction losses |
| PV module Voc and Vmp | Check DC maximum and MPPT operating range |
| PV module wattage | Size array capacity |
| Site temperature | Check cold-condition Voc and equipment derating |
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