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Hi,

Just some random thoughts from my side:

a) ensure that system is used as efficiently as possible: this could be by regulating flow during the day - and thus have some capacity during the evening. Ensure that leakages are minimal

b) Batteries still need charging - this would then be via additional panels? Battery supplied solar systems usually do lengthen the time of the pump: it can run at more stable speed (instead of stop-go-slow-speed-up if the pump is directly dependant on the sun).

c) A temporary solution may be adding pumping capacity using a generator. Though far from ideal, this will allow monitoring: one can check if the boreholes sustain 16hr pumping (and allow 8 for recovery) Run this for at least 3 months during dry period to make reasonable stimate. If they do - then enhanced power will be cheaper than new boreholes.

d) Both generator supply and battery have a distinct risk of robbery.

e) check if there is anybody already supplying generator power (e.g. for mill). Maybe that person can be hired in (and tariff will need to be adapted accordingly).

f) whatever the solution is, costs will increase and thus contribution from community as well. Ensure that this is well covered! Maybe 12 lpppd is financially sustainable, but 40 lpppd is too expensive (as battery/generator/new boreholes are needed). That latter point obviously is a tough call.

Good luck!

Arjen

Hi,

Just some random thoughts from my side:

a) ensure Ensure that system is used as efficiently as possible: this could be by regulating flow during the day - and thus have some capacity during the evening. Ensure that leakages are minimal

b) Batteries still need charging - this would then be via additional panels? Battery supplied solar systems usually do lengthen the time of the pump: it can run at more stable speed (instead of stop-go-slow-speed-up if the pump is directly dependant on the sun).

c) A temporary solution may be adding pumping capacity using a generator. Though far from ideal, this will allow monitoring: one can check if the boreholes sustain 16hr pumping (and allow 8 for recovery) Run this for at least 3 months during dry period to make reasonable stimate. If they do - then enhanced power will be cheaper than new boreholes.

d) Both generator supply and battery have a distinct risk of robbery.

e) check Check if there is anybody already supplying generator power (e.g. for mill). Maybe that person can be hired in (and tariff will need to be adapted accordingly).

f) whatever Whatever the solution is, costs will increase and thus contribution from community as well. Ensure that this is well covered! Maybe 12 lpppd is financially sustainable, but 40 lpppd is too expensive (as battery/generator/new boreholes are needed). That latter point obviously is a tough call.

Good luck!

Arjen