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32nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition; 2811-2816, Utilization of solar energy in water pumping is one of the most economically viable photovoltaic (PV) applications especially in remote areas. The accurate sizing of PV array is essential, as under sizing will make the pumping system unable to satisfy the water demand. On the other hand, over sizing of PV array leads to extra cost. This paper presents a novel approach for sizing the PV array of water pumping systems. This approach depends on the solar irradiance data of the shortest sunny day over the year to increase the reliability of pumping system. This approach depends on determining the proper starting value of the solar irradiance on the global solar radiation curve for tilted or moving surfaces. A design algorithm has been proposed for applying this approach including the converting process of solar radiation values from horizontal surface to tilted surface. A case study from Buraydah city in the middle of Saudi Arabia has been selected for applying the sizing approach.