Intelligent Solar Water Pump with Grid Backup

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions in agriculture has led to the integration of renewable energy with conventional grid systems. This paper presents the design and development of an Intelligent Solar Water Pump with Grid Backup, aimed at ensuring reliable irrigation while reducing dependency on fossil-fuel-based electricity. The proposed system operates the pump primarily on solar energy during daytime, utilizing a photovoltaic (PV) array with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to maximize efficiency. When solar energy is insufficient, either due to night-time operation or unfavorable weather conditions, the system automatically switches to grid supply to maintain uninterrupted water pumping. An embedded controller monitors PV output, grid availability, and load demand to enable intelligent source selection with minimal transition losses. The prototype incorporates protective mechanisms such as overload protection, surge suppression, and anti-islanding measures to ensure safe operation. Experimental results demonstrate that the system effectively prioritizes renewable energy while guaranteeing reliability through seamless grid integration. The proposed hybrid approach provides an energy-efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for agricultural water pumping, particularly in regions with inconsistent solar availability.