BRAC builds mobile solar irrigation vehicle, claiming lower pumping costs

BRAC International developed a mobile solar irrigation vehicle for Bangladesh and is building more units, New Atlas reported. Called Ponkhiraj, the modified electric three-wheeler carries folding 3.3-kW solar panels that power a 3-hp pump through a hybrid controller. The pump draws water from canals or lakes at up to 60,000 liters per hour. BRAC claims the vehicle can irrigate approximately 2.5 acres per day at a cost equivalent to about 80 cents, compared with roughly US$8 for a diesel pump over the same period. The vehicle can move between farms on narrow rural roads. Irrigation depends on access to a nearby water source.