Solar Water Pumping in urban areas of Argentina

Argentina currently experiences frequent power cuts, which affect the quality of life of many residents in urban areas. One outcome of the power cuts is that water becomes unavailable, as the electrical pumps that usually pump the water to the roof top water tanks (typically used in the region) cannot operate. This project, therefore, aims to install a solar pumping system in order to maintain an adequate flow of water to the building's rooftop water tank which will, in turn, ensure the constant provision of water to the apartments in the building. Once the project is implemented, the solar pump will pump water on sunny days from morning to evening. If there is a shortage of water, due to high consumption during the day or at night, the existing electrical pump will be used to pump the necessary additional water. The selected building has 45 apartments, housing about 300 residents. The photovoltaic modules will be located on the terrace of the building complex. The maintenance of the system will be organised by the building consortium and the operational and maintenance costs will be covered by incidental expenses. The project will demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of the concept which is expected to be easily replicated by the housing sector of Santa Fe and, probably, in other provinces of Argentina where the landscape is flat and water is provided via roof top water tanks. The Sub-Secretary of Renewable Energies, a government entity of the Province of Santa Fe with practical experience in promoting the use of renewable energies in the province, will coordinate the project.