Economic Assessment of the Use of Solar Energy and National Electircity Network Energy in Pressurized Irrigation Systems

The present research was conducted in 2017 with the aim of investigating the possibility of using solar energy (photovoltaic systems) compared to energy from national network of electricity in three irrigation systems of Tape, Center pivot, and Fixed classical sprinkler irrigation in Alborz province. At first, 2 dominant crops in the region (wheat and maize) were identified and the water requirement of these crops was determined under Karaj conditions. Then, the energy needed to supply the necessary power in each of the irrigation systems using the electricity network and solar power was determined. Afterwards, the number of solar panels needed to supply this amount of energy and the initial cost for the construction of the solar system was examined, as well as the costs of using the electricity network. Then, by evaluating the crops yield performance in the region and its economic value, the profitability of the products was determined in the region.  The t-test was used to determine the difference between the mean cost and revenue or profit of the systems statistically. According to the economic results in the analysis period, in network electricity with irrigation systems of Fixed classical sprinkler, Center pivot, and Tape irrigation, net present value was estimated as 753.7, 770.3, and 1212.2 Iraniak million Rials, and benefit cost ratio in these systems was estimated at 1.64, 1.67 and 2.1. In solar system with irrigation systems of Fixed classical sprinkler, Center pivot, and Tape irrigation, net present value was estimated as 322.6 , 713, and 988.8 Iraniak million Rials, and benefit cost ratio in these systems was estimated at 1.2, 1.59, and 1.73. Therefore, based on profitability indices, national power network with drip irrigation system treatment is recommended as the better treatment.