How to Use a Solar Water Pump
Solar water pumps have revolutionized agriculture by freeing farmers from dependence on grid electricity and fossil fuels. They provide a consistent supply of water to livestock and crops, day and night.
Most systems use storage tanks and may include batteries for better performance during cloudy times. A linear current booster can also be used to get the pump going in dim light conditions.
Solar Panels
Solar water pumps provide a clean, affordable alternative to grid or fuel powered pumps for irrigation. They offer long-term savings on maintenance costs and fuel for generators, and they avoid the cost of extending utility lines to remote locations. Our solar-powered pumping systems are also capable of maximizing crop yields, reducing waste and avoiding over watering.
Solar pumps are changing the face of agriculture worldwide. In the desert state of Rajasthan in India, for example, solar water pumps are revolutionizing farming by tapping ancient underground waters that have never been tapped before. They enable farmers to grow crops all day long and end their reliance on costly diesel fuel. But the pumps’ success is “threatening to empty many aquifers that are already at risk of running dry,” warns one economist.
Most solar water pump applications use PV direct pumps that run directly off the sun, bypassing batteries. In these cases, a non-pressurized tank or cistern can be used to store the excess energy for times when the sun is not shining. For more powerful applications, a battery-based PV system can be added to create additional power for operation at night and on rainy days.
Pumps
Powering pumps with solar energy reduces electricity SOLAR WATER PUMP costs and environmental impacts. Traditional electric pumps rely on fossil fuels and can cause high electricity bills. The solar water pump system uses renewable energy to lower these costs and eliminates the need for maintenance of the power lines.
Solar water pumps are available in a variety of sizes and can pump a wide range of volumes, from small garden plots to industrial farms. It is important to consider the volume of water needed and the size of your solar array before selecting a solar water pump.
A pump is designed to provide a flow (GPM) for a given pressure or lift (“head”). Pumps can either be surface pumps or submersible. Pumps also come in various voltages. Most solar water pumps require a controller that converts the output of the solar panel to more current during low sun periods.
It is important to record the cut-in and cut-out pressure settings of your solar pump so you can monitor your system performance over time. In addition, a float switch can be used to control the pump. The float switch can be connected to the float of your storage tank to shut off the pump when the storage tank is full.
Batteries
Solar water pumps with battery backup provide off-grid electricity to run a fountain, waterfall or any other outdoor water feature when the sun is not shining. They work on a similar principle as the standard solar powered fountain only they have a built-in rechargeable lithium battery to power them when direct sunlight is unavailable.
Battery-based systems utilize photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electric energy. The solar power is then stored in a battery for use at night or when sunlight levels are low.
Adding a battery to a solar fountain system increases the operating capability and allows it to be used during the winter. It also increases the longevity of the system because it can be used even if there is cloud cover.
Adding a battery requires a larger solar panel to be able to power the pump and charge the batteries at the same time. Start by calculating the power use of outdoor led solar lights your fountain and multiply it by 24 hours to get the total amount of solar energy required. This will help you to choose a solar panel size that is right for your solar water pump needs.
Chargers
When using a solar pump, it’s important to use one designed for the voltage that your panel puts out. It doesn’t have to be an exact match, but should be close. Pumps that don’t match the panel voltage can burn out or be damaged by overvoltage. Ideally, you should also have a line voltage booster in the system as well, this will help to get the pump going when the sun isn’t shining as brightly.
In areas with little or no access to electricity, solar water pumps can be a powerful solution for providing clean drinking water. Solar water pumps are also more cost-effective than diesel fueled systems as they don’t require fuel.
The power of sunlight can also be used to pressurize pipes in a hydroponics system or in a garden if an elevated tank isn’t possible. This can save on storage costs and energy usage, while reducing maintenance. It’s best to power a solar water pump directly from the PV array, eliminating the need for batteries. This provides maximum efficiency and eliminates the need for expensive battery charging equipment.
Controls
Many systems are designed to be powered directly from solar panels (without batteries). These require a controller known as a Linear Current Booster or MPPT Solar Controller. The controller extracts maximum power from the solar panel array, even on cloudy days. It increases the power output of the solar panel to provide the pump with enough energy during peak sun hours to keep it running.
The pump controller also controls the temperature of the water going into and coming out of your Solar Hot Water tank – preventing overheating that can cause premature degradation of the heat transfer fluid. It can also be set to shut off when the top of your tank reaches a preset pressure limit to prevent scalding if no one is using hot water.
Connect wires from the ‘Power IN’, L1,L2,L3 and ‘Ground’ terminals on the controller to the matching numbers on the pump leads. Some controllers also come with extra inputs to monitor, log and control your system using water level sensors, float switches, etc. – follow the manual for details.