Spatial assessment of solar PV-based irrigation potential in Kenya

In this paper, we present a spatial modeling framework for assessing solar PV-based groundwater-fed irrigation potential in Kenya at subcounty resolution for maize, onion, and tomato crops. The model results show that 56 out of the 290 subcounties are technically and economically viable for solar PV irrigation farming when the depth-to-groundwater table is limited to 25m. These 56 subcounties are concentrated in Western and Mt. Kenya regions where current agricultural activities take place. Using the net present value of cashflows, the model results show that maize crop is not economically viable for solar PV-based irrigation farming. On the other hand, tomato is a more economically profitable crop than onion. Using the tomato crop as a reference, the model results show that all the 56 viable subcounties can be well served by systems of less than 4kWp/ha and the maximum capital cost ${\$}$27,000/ha. The payback period for the tomato and onion crops for the 56 subcounties is less than 2 years and 4 years respectively.