Feasibility analysis of photovoltaic systems for kiwifruit irrigation: A case study in Shaanxi province, China

Although photovoltaic (PV) irrigation systems are widely used in China, feasibility assessment of these systems is important because of differences in the distribution characteristics of solar resources and crops. In this study, kiwifruit planting in Shaanxi province was considered, and a calculation model for PV irrigation system evaluation was developed. Based on the geographical distribution of kiwifruit planting, as well as the spatial and temporal distributions of solar energy in Shaanxi province, the application potential of PV irrigation for kiwifruit was investigated comprehensively from the perspectives of technology, economy and irrigation feasibility. The results showed that the proportion of the PV module scale to the irrigation scale in all the kiwifruit planting areas in Shaanxi province was far less than 1.5%, and there were no technical obstacles. In Baoji, Weinan, Hanzhong and Ankang, the annual cost of the PV irrigation system was greater than that of the diesel pump irrigation system. Regarding irrigation feasibility, farmlands with a slope of 0%–8.75% were considered highly suitable for installing a PV irrigation system. The results revealed 32,269 ha of farmland appropriate for PV irrigation among the 66,371 ha of kiwifruit in Shaanxi province.