Sizing and Performance Analysis of a Photovoltaic Water Pumping System via PVsyst: A Case Study from the Sahara Desert, Algeria

This study evaluates the technical performance of a standalone photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system for a deep well in the Algerian Sahara using PVsyst simulation software. The primary objective is to assess the technical feasibility of solar-powered water pumping under the harsh climatic conditions of arid regions and to investigate the influence of environmental factors on system performance. The proposed configuration comprises a 5.4 kWp PV array directly coupled to a 2.2 kW submersible pump operating without battery storage, while an elevated water reservoir ensures continuous water supply. A detailed hydraulic model with a total dynamic head of approximately 120 m is implemented in PVsyst using local meteorological data to estimate the annual energy yield and water pumping capacity. Simulation results indicate that the system delivers approximately 40 m³/day (about 14,600 m³/year), fully satisfying the annual water demand while achieving a performance ratio (PR) of 77.8%. Despite seasonal variations in solar irradiance and the elevated ambient temperatures characteristic of the Saharan climate, the PV array provides sufficient electrical energy to ensure reliable year-round operation. The PVsyst loss analysis identifies thermal losses as the dominant source of performance degradation, whereas inverter and wiring losses remain relatively low. These findings confirm the technical feasibility and reliability of standalone PV water pumping systems for agricultural applications in remote desert environments and demonstrate that PVsyst is an effective tool for system design, performance prediction, and pre-feasibility assessment.