Overview

Heliostrome aims to create software that helps to better design irrigation systems, particularly focusing on solar power for irrigation pumping. The dimensioning of these systems and the sizing of components is critical to their successful operation. However, optimal design for projects requires data and scientific knowledge from a range of scientific disciplines, including agriculture, irrigation engineering and solar photovoltaic system sizing. The required inputs include the choice of crop, soil and weather conditions at the location, land area, water distribution and field application methods and available energy resources. Combining input from end users, satellite data and scientific best practice, Heliostrome aims to provide scientifically informed, locally applicable, and granular advice for system designers of individual projects. This enables the efficient use of land and water, the effective use of funds, and increased yields for end users of the designed irrigation systems.