Solar-Powered Automated Sprinkler Irrigation System for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Manual irrigation practices in agriculture often result in inconsistent watering, excessive water consumption, and increased labor, particularly in areas with limited access to reliable electricity. This study aimed to design, develop, and evaluate a Solar-Powered Automated Sprinkler Irrigation System with automated watering, remote monitoring, and web-based control features for agricultural applications. The study utilized the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) using the Waterfall Model as the research and development approach. The system was developed using a solar panel, ESP32 microcontroller, relay-controlled water pump, sprinkler mechanism, and a web-based interface for irrigation scheduling and system monitoring. The developed system was evaluated in terms of functionality, usability, and reliability through system testing and user assessment using a Five-Point Likert Scale. Results revealed that the system effectively automated irrigation processes, maintained consistent water distribution, reduced manual labor, and minimized water wastage. The web-based interface allowed users to conveniently monitor and control irrigation schedules remotely, improving accessibility and operational efficiency. Respondents also expressed satisfaction with the system’s performance, ease of use, and reliability in managing irrigation activities. The findings demonstrated that integrating solar energy and automation technologies into irrigation systems can improve water management, promote energy efficiency, and support sustainable agricultural practices. The developed Solar-Powered Automated Sprinkler Irrigation System proved to be a practical, cost-efficient, and environmentally sustainable solution for small- to medium-scale agricultural applications.