Design and Fabrication of a Low-Cost Solar-Powered Water Pumping System for Rural Communities in Kebbi State

Access to clean water remains a critical challenge in rural settlements across North West Nigeria, where erratic power supply limits the effectiveness of conventional electric pumps. This study presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a low-cost solar-powered water pumping system tailored for off-grid communities in Kebbi State. The system integrates a 150-watt photovoltaic panel, a centrifugal pump, a charge controller, and a battery storage unit assembled from locally sourced and readily available components. Design parameters were derived from the estimated daily water demand of a community of 200 persons, and material selection prioritised cost-effectiveness without compromising structural integrity. The fabricated prototype was tested under varying solar irradiance conditions representative of the Sahel climatic zone. Performance indicators including flow rate, pump efficiency, and daily output volume were measured and compared against design targets. Results indicated that the system achieved an average flow rate of 18 litres per minute under peak irradiance, meeting approximately 85 percent of the projected daily demand. Cost analysis confirmed that the total fabrication cost was significantly lower than commercially available alternatives, making the system viable for community deployment. The study recommends integration of a simple filtration unit in future iterations to enhance water quality. Findings contribute to engineering solutions that address sustainable development goals relating to clean water access in underserved Nigerian communities. Keywords: solar-powered pump, rural water supply, photovoltaic system, Kebbi State, sustainable energy.