Assessment of Solar Energy Potential for Irrigation Pumping in Kebbi State

This study assesses the solar energy potential and feasibility of solar-powered irrigation pumping systems for smallholder farmers in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. Kebbi State is one of Nigeria's foremost rice and vegetable-producing states, with significant dry season irrigation activity along the Kebbi River valley. However, diesel-powered irrigation pumps impose high and volatile operational costs on smallholder irrigators, reducing profitability and access to year-round water supply. This study adopts an energy audit and feasibility assessment methodology, using solar radiation data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and NASA POWER database for the Argungu, Birnin Kebbi, and Yauri sites. A solar irrigation pump system is designed and sized for a representative smallholder irrigation plot of 0.5 hectare, covering solar panel array, battery bank, and submersible pump components. Life cycle cost analysis compares solar and diesel alternatives over a 20-year horizon. Findings reveal that Kebbi State receives average daily solar radiation of 5.8 kilowatt-hours per square metre per day, significantly exceeding the minimum threshold for economically viable solar pumping. The solar system life cycle cost is 42 percent lower than the diesel equivalent over 20 years, driven by lower fuel and maintenance costs. Initial capital cost remains a barrier, averaging 380,000 naira for the modelled system. The study concludes that solar irrigation is technically and economically viable in Kebbi State. It recommends lease-to-own financing models to address upfront capital barriers for smallholder irrigators.

Keywords: solar irrigation, pumping system, Kebbi State, renewable energy, smallholder farmers.