Using Solar For Different Water Pumping Applications
Using solar to pump water is very versatile. In general, pumping water using solar power is going to result in a smaller amount of water pumped at one time compared to a grid-tied pump. But the pumping of water is more efficient so it requires a smaller amount of energy for the same work done. And it can be pumped ALL DAY LONG.
Pws Stainless Steel 316 Solar Water Pumps
PWS is a 24V 316 Solar Water Pump made using stainless steel. This solar pump has an HP of 0.4 and operates with a 24v Direct Current. Moreover, this pump can lift water to a height of up to 320 feet, and its flow rate is 7.7GPM. Sensors are added, so this pumping system is making it fully automatic.
With MPPT controller, it drives the high-efficient brush-less Direct Current pump motor, using latest MPPT tech ensures that maximum flow will be delivered all through. Furthermore, it will also protect the submersible pump from having frequent start-up even in low-light conditions, running dry, and overheating.
Pros
- Best for home & industrial use
- It comes with an MPPT controller
- The package includes sensors
Enter The Solar Powered Water Pump
Over the years these pumps keep getting better and better. They require less energy to do the same amount of work. These types of pumps can use up to 50% less energy per gallon as a conventional AC pump. With such a low power draw these types of pumps can be used with renewable energy devices like solar, and wind turbines Solar pumps offer a clean and simple alternative to fuel-burning engines and installing expensive power lines. With the right setup they can be made portable – endless options and benefits.
You May Like: How Much To Replace Solar Panels
Electrical And Plumbing Issues
One of the larger issues surrounding solar pump installations is the incorrect configuration of panels when connecting the controller. Over-voltage of the controller can result in the instant destruction of core components, resulting in the need for a new controller. On the other side of the coin, the controllers all have a minimum required operational voltage to run their pumps. Making sure that there is enough power to run the pump, but not enough to over-voltage the controller, is vital.
When installing the solar array, pay close attention to the maximum and minimum required operating voltages of the controller. This information and more is available in the LORENTZ owners manual, the side of the controller and inside the cover.
When everything electrical is sorted, the next concern moves to the plumbing of the system. Unnecessary bends, changes in pipe size and unused components create head pressure which may be affecting your pumping performance. Usually the simplest solution is the best, where a handful of carefully selected components contribute to controlling the system without introducing too much complexity.
Using appropriately sized pipe is a must for solar pumps, and incorrect selection of plumbing can dramatically affect your delivery. When sizing LORENTZ solar pumps, the sizing software will calculate the minimum and recommended pipe sizes to help deliver what you need, without running the risk of poor performance.
Why Solar Powered Water Pumps Are A Better Option
Works Where the Sun Shines
Its not always possible to power a water pump with grid-tied power, but it is possible to power water anywhere the sun shines – and even if it doesnt shine that much. Solar water pumps can be used in remote places – easily – with only a few components.
Cheaper Than Utility Power
Starting at around $4.75 a foot to run grid-tied power lines, the costs add up fast. Even small distances can take years to pay off. Additionally, each year youll have a power bill that keeps going up. Solar water pump systems can last up to 20-years, and solar panels 25-years.
Portable for Irregular Water Pumping
Solar water pumping kits are so simple they can be made into a portable system and moved around the farm. So if you have areas that dont require constant watering a portable system could be just the solution.
Pull Water from Any Source
Solar powered water pumps generally have a soft start feature and do not require torque arrestors. pull water at a much slower rate, but more consistently. They can also be outfitted with switching mechanisms and timers to control when the water pumps. They make a great option for slow filling wells, or shallow water sources.
You May Like: How Is Solo Stove Smokeless
Can Solar Panels Run A Water Pump By Itself Without A Battery
Yes – an efficient water pump designed to work off solar and other DC devices can use the sun as its only source of power. These types of pumps are mechanically different and do not require the same big power consumption as older AC powered water pumps. Pumps designed to work on solar power are much more efficient and cheaper to run.
Disadvantages Of Solar Water Pumps
The solar water pump has both advantages and disadvantages but with technological improvements, the disadvantages are decreasing and in the future, we will see a cheaper and more efficient solar pump.
Don’t Miss: How Does A Home Solar System Work
Selecting The Solar Water Pump
You should be aware that different water pumps are used for different applications: Usually, the water level will determine which pump to use. Different types of water pumps can be selected to be used in streams, wells, or in ponds. We can divide water pumps into two types:
Jenenseries Solar Water Pumps
JENENSERIES is a 48V Direct Current Solar submersible Water Pumps. This pump has a 3 diameter and a max head of 120m.
Its flow rate is 1.8m³/h and is powered with a 9.8 feet extension cord. JENENSERIES is fitted with an intelligent water-shortage sensor for protection when the source has no water, the pump auto switch off.
JENENSERIES utilizes NSK bearing, which has a permanent-magnet brushless and synchronous motor. This water pump controller uses MPPT tech.
This ensures maximum flow is offered in every light state. The controller also protects the pump from recurrent start-up, overheating, and running dry.
Pros
- It has a Maximum Flow rate of 7.9GPM
- Offers a maximum head of 120m
- It comes with a controller with MPPT technology
Cons
Also Check: How Heavy Are Solar Panels
Ballard Ranch Lavina Montana
A tracking PV array replaced an old and unreliable windmill onthe Ballard Ranch near Lavina, MT. Photo: NCAT
When their old water-pumping windmill finally died, Jim and Adele Ballard installed a solar pumping system to replace it. The new system pumps water from a 65-foot-deep well to a pair of stock tanks holding about 4,000 gallons. Four 80-watt PV modules on a tracking rack power a submersible piston pump that delivers a maximum flow rate of 5.5 gpm, enough to water 100 cow/calf pairs. The system produces average flows of 2,000 to 3,000 gallons per day during the summer months. Solar component costs in 2001 were $5,500.
This solar pumping system on the Hirsch Ranch near Deer Lodge, MT, is protecting stream banks along Racetrack Creek, an important trout spawning stream. Photo: NCAT
Book Your Site Survey Now
Agrismart has developed a range of 3 Solar Powered Water Pumps ensuring that however much water capacity, distance or head is required, we have a solution to suit your needs.
Our solar water pumps provide a complete solar water system contained in a sealed box providing a completely automated water infrastructure.
It is ideal for industries such as agriculture, golf course irrigation, large public garden irrigation, caravan parks, food processing and water transfer in the construction industry.
The solar water pumps range is renewable energy water pumps in a box that can include water treatment to ensure water quality.
You May Like: How Long Can Solar Panels Last
Hirsch Ranch Racetrack Montana
Rick and Pam Hirsch installed a solar pumping system on a 10-foot-deep, backhoe-dug well on their property to water 36 cow/calf pairs. The pumping system uses two 64-watt PV modules, a passive tracking rack, and a submersible diaphragm pump equipped with a sand shroud and low-water cut-off electrodes to protect the pump. The system is designed to produce flows of 2,600 to 2,800 gallons per day during the summer months. Solar component costs in 2001 were $2,400.
A trailer-mounted PV system is improving range management and water quality along Painted Robe Creek near Lavina, MT. Photo: NCAT
Solar Pump System Components
The most basic form of solar pumping consists of a small direct-current solar pump, a pump controller, one or more solar modules, a replacement well cap, electrical wiring, and polyvinyl chloride piping. Anyone who can use a screwdriver and pipe wrench should be able to assemble a solar pump kit. These systems are very basic. They dont require power inverters or batteries, and working with 12- or 24-volt DC power is safer than connecting a 240-volt alternating-current pump to the electrical grid.
Solar pump. Systems requiring only a few gallons of water per minute from wells less than 100 feet deep will typically only need a small 12- or 24-volt DC submersible pump. Deeper wells or setups that need higher flow rates may require submersible pumps in the 48- to 90-volt DC range, powered by a much larger solar array. Solar-powered pumping systems are also available to pump surface water from a stream or lake up to a stock tank located at a higher elevation.
Pump controller. In addition to separate terminals to connect the pump and solar modules, a solar pump controller will also include wiring terminals for optional float switches, which can be used to stop the pump when the tank is full or when the well level is too low. While you could theoretically wire the DC solar pump directly to the solar array, the solar pump controller offers many special features that will increase system performance and provide overload protection for the pump motor.
Read Also: How To Connect Bluetooth To Sole Treadmill
How Many Solar Panels Does It Take To Run A Solar Pump
It can be as small as a 50-watt solar panel or as large, or larger as a 2,000-watt system. One of our largest pre-designed solar pumping kits is 1,820-watt of solar and can draw from 820-feet down check out a powerful kit here – Grundfos SQFlex Pre-designed Kit using 11 sqf-2 pump 11 gpm
Instead of Solar Sizing – Start With Your Water Needs
When sizing any solar water pump system you should start with the water, or better yet the amount of water needed. To size a solar pumping system youll need to know:
How much water do you need?
Whats the water source?
Measurements from and to your water source.
A solar site analysis.
Total Dynamic Head .
Then choosing a pump and sizing the solar is simple. Check out our resource here for System Sizing. Or you can hit the Quoet Me at the lower corner of your screen and well get you some recommendations.
Monthly Customer Photo Contest
Congratulations to Helmut in Wisconsin! He wanted to create a pond to act as a water source for his 40 acre deer hunting property. His well is about 60 feet deep and the pond is on the smaller size, 50 square feet and about 3 feet deep. We sized Helmut for an RPS 200, which is just happily pumping along continuously throughout the day. He sent us a note -MAKE SURE AND TELL EVERYONE HOW HAPPY I AM WITH MY TURN-KEY RPS SOLAR PUMP. THANKS FOR THE HAT .
Recommended Reading: How Much Do Solar Panels Cost In Oklahoma
Painted Robe Watershed Group Lavina Montana
The Painted Robe Watershed Group has been developing off-stream sources of drinking water for cattle along Painted Robe Creek, a tributary to the Musselshell River with water-quality problems. The group received a trailer-mounted solar pumping system from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. It was first installed on the Leo Schraudner Ranch to water 150 cattle at the site of a 60-foot-deep well. Seven 60-watt panels on a fixed, trailer-mounted rack use an inverter to convert solar-produced DC to the AC electricity needed by the submersible centrifugal pump. Water is pumped into two 1,100-gallon tanks. The system is designed to produce average flows of 2,880 to 4,000 gallons per day during the summer months. Solar component costs in 2001 were $10,650.
How Big Of A Solar Pump
Pumps are sized based on the flow rate for a given amount of feet of head, called the total dynamic head. The total dynamic head is the vertical lift of water, measured in feet, from the level of the water source up to a tank or higher discharge point, plus the head loss caused by friction in the piping and pipe fittings between the two points.
While a larger-diameter pipe will result in less friction-induced head loss, you dont want to oversize the pipe from the pump to the tank because most solar pumping systems operate at a much lower pressure and flow rate than larger grid-connected AC pump systems. If the flow rate is too low, the water may not have enough velocity to carry sand or gravel picked up by the smaller pump located near the bottom of the well up to the surface. In general, a pipe flow velocity equal to or greater than 2.6 feet per second will alleviate this problem. Check the table Flow Velocity in the photo slideshow to make sure the flow rate for your pipe size exceeds this minimum.
Knowing the total dynamic head will help you select an appropriately rated pump for the flow rate that you require. For example, if you were to pump water at 4 GPM through 80 feet of 12-inch PVC pipe from a static water level located 40 feet down a well to a nearby tank located 10 feet above ground elevation, the total dynamic head for this system would be 63.7. Heres how that calculation would be broken down.
40 feet + 10 feet = 50 feet of head due to elevation
Don’t Miss: Government Program For Solar Panels
Why Pumping Water Using Solar Makes Sense Cents
Water pumps have come a long way. Older pumps only operated on AC power – meaning the pump needed to be connected to the power grid. If you didnt have access to the power grid your options were to get the utility company to run powerlines or to lug a generator around wherever you needed the water to be pumped.
Having the utility company run powerlines can cost between $25 and $50 a foot – or between $64,000 and $132,000 per half mile. A solar powered water pump kit can cost you between $1000 and $7,000 based on your needs.
Using a generator sounds like a great idea until you realize you have to fill it up with gas every few hours – which uses valuable manpower.
But now some water pumps can operate on AC or DC – and sometimes either AC or DC.
Take for instance – one of our FAVORITE solar powered water pumps – the Grundfos SQFlex solar pumps. This pump can be connected to solar panels, wind turbines, generators, batteries, inverter, or directly plugged into the house. Made by the largest manufacturer of water pumps in the world – Grundfos. Learn More About Grundfos SQFlex Solar Water Pumps.
Water And Accessing Water Plays A Pivotal Role For Livestock Operators Around Australia With An Endless Array Of Pump Technology Provided To Farmers To Assist In Pumping Water An Easy Affordable And Reliant Water Pump Is What Counts When Finding The Right Solution For Livestock Needs
The LORENTZ range of solar water pumps provides livestock farmers with technology designed specifically for agricultural applications. However, the ability of solar water pumping is not a concern, it is the installation of the system that is paramount. Not installing your solar water pump correctly can result in an ineffectual process of pumping water from bores, rivers, tanks, and wells. Lets find out the five mistakes people make when installing solar water pumps for livestock purposes.
Don’t Miss: How Much Cost Solar Panel Home
Surface Water Sources And Livestock
Livestock, crops, and people often depend upon surface sources of water or wells accessing underground aquifers. Because of a variety of benefits, and increased regulations in some states, it is often desirable to move water from a surface source to a different location, elevation, or drinker, or to pump water from a remotely located well.
For surface sources, a well-vegetated riparian zone establishes a buffer that filters and purifies water as it moves across the zone, reducing sediment loads, supporting soil stability, improving water quality, and enhancing wildlife habitat. Excessive livestock pressure on surface sources often causes nutrient loading, streamside vegetation damage, erosion, pollution, and decreased animal growth and health. One approach is to remove or limit access to these areas however, often this is the only viable water source for producers. Fortunately, research shows that in many cases pumping water to a different location, combined with a managed rotational grazing plan , optimizes animal performance, pasture use, water quality, and wildlife in these zones .
While cows may wade out to obtain better water, calves tend to only drink from the shore. By wading into surface sources, cattle pollute the water with their urine and feces and may disturb the water with their wading action. Eventually cattle may refuse to drink, and they will have to be moved even though local forage is still plentiful.
