Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International

Background: The activities of agricultural farms in the state of Jalisco have been limited by the availability of water resources, since they depend on the rainy season and electricity for pumping water. Therefore, a more sustainable and economical alternative is necessary to meet their energy and water needs.

Aims: The objective of this study is to determine the technical and financial feasibility of a photovoltaic system (PVS) to meet the energy needs of an agricultural farm in Jalisco State.

Study Design: The study has a quantitative approach and correlational scope, where sustainable technological innovation is intended for the energy demand of an agricultural farm in the state of Jalisco (pilot) that can be replicated in other farms.

Place and Duration of Study: RH Farm located in the municipality of Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, Jalisco, Mexico, between January and December 2021.

Methodology: The farm is located in the municipality of Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, Jalisco, Mexico, with a total area of 11,283.48 m², with 311.11 m² of construction, 1'175.45 m² of fruit trees and 5,515.86 m² for the production of vegetables and grasses in the rainy season. The farm has a well with a Static Level (NE) at 30 m depth and a Dynamic Level (ND) of 30.87 m with a pump at 35 m depth. The available solar resource was determined with data from the meteorological station of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco. Subsequently, the water needs of the Farm (livestock, agriculture and services) were calculated. The water needs of the crops and the most appropriate irrigation system for the conditions of the farm and the geometric and agronomic design for the best efficiency of the crops were analysed, considering evapotranspiration.

Results: Data from the weather station showed an average annual solar radiation of 6,068 kW/m². The water needs of the Farm were: for services 1120 liters per day (l/d), livestock demand 680 l/d and agricultural demand 55,567 l/d, with a total of 57,367 l/d. The design flow rate (Q) was 2.5 liters per second. Based on the flow rate, the best option was a pump with a rated power of 7.5 HP. For the sizing of the direct solar pumping system, modules with a capacity of 450 watts under standard conditions and a protection factor of 1.4 were used. Taking into account the actual power of the 7.5 HP motor, it was found that 18 photovoltaic modules are necessary. For the energy consumption of the other areas of the farm, 12 more panels are required and for the night energy in an isolated system, 10 battery batteries with a capacity of 120Ah are required. The financial analysis shows that the isolated photovoltaic system with a battery bank has a cost of $563,170 Mexican pesos and with inflation of 8%, the recovery period is 10 years. While a photovoltaic system with interconnection has a cost of $395,668 Mexican pesos, and with inflation of 8%, the recovery period is 7 years.

Conclusion: Technically, the implementation of the isolated PVS with battery bank is feasible, however, financially, the return on investment extends to 10 years, being unattractive. Meanwhile, the technical and economic feasibility of the interconnection of an PVS to the National Electric Service is the best option; since, despite the remoteness of interconnection, it is technically viable, financially feasible and attractive with a lower PVS cost and with a recovery period of seven years.