In the SPIS project of the Province of Ilocos Norte, it was noted that the Php 100,000 per unit is costly for farmers but is a good investment in the long run because they will no longer have to spend on fuel [1]. As part of DA's Small-Scale Irrigation Project, four SPIS were installed in Abra increasing cropping cycle from one to three [2]. This could mean an income increase for farmers.

Per DA, the mandatory requirements of SPIS projects include the following [3]: (1) sustainable water source in the proposed sites (2) right of way agreement for the location of the reservoir/storage tanks and solar array (3) engineering plans and detailed design and program of work signed by a licensed Agricultural Engineer The high initial investment cost of SPIS would need innovative financing models or subsidies. Maintenance training would also have to take place. [4]

The solution ensuring availability of water for irrigation could indicate general social acceptance among farmers.

Using solar power reduces carbon emissions. If not managed well or regulated, however, SPIS projects can lead to wasteful water use, over-abstraction of groundwater, and low field application [4].