Permanent/solid set/fixed refer to a stationary sprinkler system (see pictures). The permanent sprinkler system is designed for a specific field and crop. The system cost is higher than for the hand move system mainly because the installation cost is higher. Once the system is installed, the labour requirement is minimal.

Permanent or solid set systems are usually found in areas with high labour costs and high value crops.

In a typical permanent system, all mainlines, submains and laterals are buried and permanently installed. These pipe lines are most often rubber ring joined PVC pipes.

Permanent or solid set systems typically use low output single or double nozzle impact sprinklers, full or part circle or can have heavy duty/ big gun sprinklers for large areas (see pictures).

Individual blocks, or irrigation zones are isolated by manual or automatic valves. Most systems are irrigated in shifts. In some cases (using big guns) the system can be made semi-permanent by moving the big gun sprinkler or riser assembly to the next zone (see pictures).

A permanent sprinkler irrigation system can be designed and installed for any field shape, crop (i.e. pastures, orchards, nurseries, potato, etc.) or application. Also, it is commonly used for frost protection and crop cooling.

The soil type, crop and cultural practices determine the sprinkler size and spacing. Generally, the spacing varies from 3.5 m x 3.5 m to 20 m x 20 m for low and medium sprinklers and from 36 m x 36 m to 72 m x 72 m for heavy duty/big guns, while application rates are between 4 mm/hr to 10 mm/hr and 10 mm/hr to 46 mm/hr.

The turn-key price for a solid set sprinkler system may be 5,800-7,500 AUD/ha based on the sprinkler type, spacing, filtration degree and automation requirement.

Application efficiency can be up to 70-85% with careful design, operation and management.