Optimize solar irrigation with WEG AC drives - ADV200SP

Published the 02/02/2026

Efficient, flexible, and easy-to-manage photovoltaic pumping systems

The fall in photovoltaic panel prices, coupled with the trend of rising fossil fuel and electricity prices, has led to a boom in photovoltaic-powered irrigation systems.

Among those seizing this solar-powered irrigation opportunity is the Spanish engineering firm, RiegoSolar. The company has chosen the support of motion drive specialist WEG in the construction of a solar-powered irrigation system to meet the water needs of 48 hectares of arable land.

The solar-powered water pumping system

The plant and land are located in Rueda, a Spanish village and municipality in the province of Valladolid, part of the autonomous community of Castile and León. RiegoSolar has completed the construction of a solar-powered irrigation system with an 89 kW peak power (kWp) photovoltaic system with solar trackers.

The plant is equipped with pumping systems with asynchronous motors. The first system consists of a submersible pump to transfer water from the aquifer to a 280 m3 reservoir.

The second pumping system includes a distribution pump to the pivot irrigation system. Solar energy is captured by photovoltaic panels that produce direct current.

The direct current is then transformed into alternating current by WEG drives to power and better manage the asynchronous motors of the pumping systems.

The WEG ADV200-SP drives

RiegoSolar has chosen WEG ADV200-SP model drives, one 22 kW and one 55 kW. Powered only by photovoltaic energy to control the two pumps, the converters maximize energy production from the sun thanks to MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) control and the intermediate circuit regulator.

Solar trackers allow you to increase system performance by allowing the panels to follow the movement of the sun throughout the day.

A dedicated irradiance sensor also allows continuous monitoring of the irradiance level, in order to fine-tune the system automation logic.

Adaptability to different system configurations

A distinctive feature of the drive The ADV200-SP offers the ability to adapt to different system configurations. The converter is perfectly suited to isolated systems with a single energy source coming from the photovoltaic system (such as RiegoSolar's Rueda plant). But it is also suitable for dual energy source systems that alternate the solar source with a secondary AC source. Finally, the drive can also be used in hybrid configurations in which the two energy sources are used simultaneously to power the system.

A special function integrated into the converter allows management of the energy sources, ensuring a smooth transition from one source to the other. This function allows you to prioritize the use of free solar energy to maintain irrigation continuity.

The ADV200-SP drive boasts a wide power range. It ranges from 1.5 to 400 kW in a single module and up to 1.8 MW with modules in parallel. Thus, the drive is suitable for irrigation systems of all sizes, even the most extensive.

Specialized software functions and ease of use

To provide comprehensive support for the protection and operation of pumps, The ADV200-SP incorporates several specialized functions into its software.

These functions include programmable automatic start and stop, tank level control, dry run protection, flow and pressure loop control, and pump cleaning.

All of these functions help ensure smooth and efficient operation of any pumping.

Another key aspect of the ADV200-SP drive, considered in the design phase to meet the needs of operators in the agricultural sector, is ease of use.

With a simple and intuitive interface, as well as assisted tools for startup and system optimization, the drive is accessible to both experienced professionals and newcomers to solar pumping technology.

Dedicated remote control and the guarantee of 14 hours of irrigation in summer

In the Rueda plant, RiegoSolar completed the system with a dedicated remote control solution. The irrigation system and process can be monitored remotely and scheduled appropriately based on weather conditions and the type of crop being grown.

According to plant managers, the irrigation system integrating WEG drives and RiegoSolar's application expertise allows for 14 hours of irrigation per day in the summer, exceeding initial expectations.

For more information: WEG

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