Some small scale irrigation systems (< 2 ha) powered by wind or solar do not require subsidies, but this paper discusses ways to achieve an economical renewable energy powered center pivot irrigation system for crops in the Great Plains. By adding a solar-PV array together with a wind turbine and partitioning the center pivot irrigation system between a winter crop and a summer crop, the goal of a cost competitive large scale irrigation system powered by renewable energy may be attainable. Adding on-farm uses for the excess wind and solar energy during the winter months to produce valuable products on the farm enhances the prospects of a profitable system.
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