Despite their relative novelty, solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) have earned a reputa- tion for contributing to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a single technology. Pumping water irrigating fields by harnessing the sun’s power seems like a viable contribution to the goals of zero hunger (SDG 2), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), as well as climate action (SDG 13). Irrigation improves agricultural productivity and therefore income, food security and nutrition. Ultimately, irrigation can make a decisive contribution to reducing food imports and thus strengthening independence from a volatile world market in times of crisis. However, SPIS must be implemented sustainably to reap all of its potential benefits. By considering the interdependencies between achieving water, energy and food security for human well-being, it can benefit from the synergies between these of- ten-competing sectors.