In the past 5 years, the fuel price in Lao PDR has increased steadily, resulting in a near-doubling of the diesel price.

The solar water pump system provides a reliable and long-lasting technique, which is more cost-efficient than normal diesel water pumps. As the solar-powered water pumps run on a renewable energy source, the future cost can be better calculated, as opposed to insecure standard fuel prices. In addition, they cause fewer problems with noise, dirt, and fumes, so emissions can be reduced and they contribute to ecological sustainability as well. Low maintenance and an easy-handling technique are further advantages of this energy solution, and make the solar water pumps an affordable replacement for fuel-burning engines, windmills and hand pumps.

This irrigation system offers the opportunity to increase the income of the rural population, because farmers can use it successfully with drip-pipe irrigation to produce cash crops such as vegetables, feed, fruit trees, and medicinal herbs.