This study presents the usage of photovoltaic electricity in an automated irrigation system. The experimental setup consists of the controller, control valves, photovoltaic (PV) panels, back up batteries, and sensors. The system is capable of irrigating the fields at a pre-specified time, day/s of the week, and duration, It can also automatically irrigate the held if the soil is dried below a certain specified value. This type of automated system will optimize the quantity of water required for a particular crop and for a specified area. There are few natural springs of water used for irrigation purposes in the Kingdom. This system will also help in conserving water, besides its other advantages. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.