What Are Solar-Powered Pump Systems?

 

Solar-powered pump systems are designed to draw energy from the sun to drive mechanical bits that move water from one source to another. These are often used on farms, orchards, and vineyards. They can also be installed in homes and villages.

This is a very cost-effective solution. However, a few important factors must be considered when designing a solar-powered pump system.

The first consideration is the location of the water source. Suppose the remote water source is located far from the main power line. In this case, petrol pumps might be the most economical option. While gas or diesel generators have low initial capital costs, they also have a high maintenance cost.

This is why it is recommended to choose a pressure pump location that is close to the water source. It can also be advantageous to use a non-pressurised water tank to store water when not in use.

Another consideration is the number of available hours of sunshine. Peak sun hours vary depending on the region and climate. During the winter, the sun's intensity dwindles to 4.5 peak hours. Therefore, a solar pump can only be partially functional during the winter months.

Ideally, the PV water pumping system should be located at a site where the sun shines for the majority of the day. Even though it can be costly, the reliability of solar electric power makes it an excellent choice for a remote water pumping system. Some cattle ranchers even use solar pumps to pump water through pipelines or to distribute it directly to outlets.

Depending on the size of the PV array, a small pump can lift 900 gallons of water over a 10-hour period of full sunlight. This is enough water to supply a herd of cattle or 40 fruit trees. Alternatively, a larger solar array can increase the gallons per minute that a pump can deliver.

There are many different types of solar pumps available on the market. These range from small ones that can lift up to five litres per minute to large ones that can lift more than three thousand litres of water in a single hour. Many small pumping systems only require one small solar panel, while a larger system might include two or more.

Regardless of the size of the solar pump, it can only work during daylight hours. Cloud cover can reduce the amount of sunlight available, which can cause the pump to run at a low flow. A controller may be required to prevent this. Some advanced controllers include a float switch, which can turn the pump on or off when the tank is full.

If you are planning on investing in a solar-powered pump system, contact the most reliable provider today to consider its viability in your lifestyle. Contact Think Water for more information.