Lontar Physics Today
Vol. 5 No. 1: February 2026

Performance Assessment of a Solar Water Pumping System Under High-Head Conditions in Sumba, Indonesia

Emerita Setyowati (Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Computer Science, Universitas Kristen Immanuel)
Anita Yuan (Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Computer Science, Universitas Kristen Immanuel)
Shanti Dharmawanti (Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Computer Science, Universitas Kristen Immanuel)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Feb 2026

Abstract

A 2.4 kWp Solar Water Pumping System (SWPS) was installed in Kadaghu Tana, South West Sumba, to provide clean water from a total head of 115 m. The site receives 4.8-6.0 kWh/m2/day of solar irradiation. The system uses Photovoltaic (PV) modules connected to a Lorentz DC pump through an MPPT controller. Performance was evaluated through simulation and field monitoring. Key parameters assessed were flowrate, hydraulic energy, wire-to-water efficiency, motor efficiency, and daily pump operating hours. The pump operated 07.00–16.00 WITA, slightly earlier than the simulated 08.00 start time. The average monitored flowrate (1.07 m³/h) closely matched the simulated value (1.08 m³/h). Monthly average output was 10.75 m³ (monitoring) versus 10.83 m³ (simulation). The PV system produced 7.34 kWh/day, yielding a yield factor of 3.06 kWh/kWp/day. Hydraulic energy output was 3.31 kWh/day, resulting in overall system efficiency of 26–30%, consistent with typical Lorentz DC pump performance. System performance aligns well with simulation predictions. Operation is strongly influenced by irradiance, ambient temperature, total dynamic head, and well characteristics. The SWPS demonstrates reliable performance for remote clean-water supply in Sumba.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

lpt

Publisher

Subject

Description

This journal aims to be a platform for the dissemination of research findings, conceptual studies, and innovations in Physics and Physics Education that are relevant to academic needs. This journal bridges the worlds of physics research and physics education practices, enabling the results of ...