Planning Wind Pump Systems
- Even though life cycle cost of a windmill is often less than engine-powered pumps, the investment cost are higher. A windmill cost USD 5,000-10,000 and the borehole is another USD 10,000. On top of this comes the need for water storage, a reservoir is an other costly item. Decision to make such an investment should not be taken lightly.
- The demand needs to be properly assessed. Average sized wind pumps will deliver between 10 to 50 m3 at 10m depth. Such outputs may be too low for large communities or irrigation requirements (see also School Gardening).
- Further, there is a need to train maintenance staff where pumps are installed
