Solar powered water pumps are usually used to replace existing pumping systems for your backyard pool. These water pumps are generally running constantly in order to keep your pool clean, and can use a lot of energy as they continuously operate.However, many people have installed backyard pools in regions where there is plenty of sunshine, and would benefit from transferring some of their energy usage from the local electrical grid to using energy generated form solar energy.
Benefits of Using a Solar Water Pump
For your Backyard Pool
Solar water pumps are designed to work best using DC, whereas traditional pumps accept power using AC. One of the advantages of this is that pumps running off of solar power can operate over a wide range of power inputs, rather than requiring a constant supply of power. As a result, solar powered water pumps can more a small amount of water over a longer period of time, minimizing the total amount of electricity used to filter the pool. AC pumps are always operating at the maximum power, and will draw a large amount of power in order to operate, thereby increasing your electrical bill.Solar power water pumps can operate at the maximum load when they are needed most; at times of the day where it is extremely warm and sunny. Solar water pumps are a great alternative if you live in temperate regions where solar energy is plentiful at times when you are using your pool the most.
For Agricultural Purposes
Another common usage for solar water pumps is for areas that have a large amount of crops to water, or to raise livestock. These areas in particular would benefit from the use of a solar water pump, as you would be able to reduce your electrical bill as well.Farming regions generally have limited access to the electrical grid, and must connect vast distances through extensive wiring. A solar powered water pump could be installed anywhere in your pasture or farm, and would not need to be connected in some way to the rest of the electrical grid. Instead of connecting a new electrical source to the grid, the installation of a solar water pump can not only save you money on the long-term operation costs, but also in the one-time connection fee for the electrical grid. In some areas, this could be an additional $10,000. This is an important thing to keep in mind, especially if you are looking to increase the size of your farm or increase the amount of animals that you raise.
Aquaculture Operations
Aquaculture is the process of farming fish or seafood in regions of ocean, or in contained vessels on shore. This process generally involves the use of aeration (to maintain a stable oxygen level for the fish involved), circulation (to remove old and dirty water while circulating new water that has been filtered) and de-icing (bubbling water in order to prevent the water from freezing during the coldest times of the year).Aeration and circulation are required most at time where there is peak sunlight, which means that there is an opportunity to save money as a result of switching from a traditional pump to one that is powered by the sun. However, in winter, it is necessary to install additional equipment in order to compensate for the limited amount of sunlight during the winter months.
Types of Solar Water Pump Installation
The simplest way to connect a solar water pump to an application is directly, whereby the electricity that is generated from the solar panels is used immediately by the water pump. These direct systems can either be:
- Fed by gravity (usually best for irrigation and water delivery for animals in regions where there are hills)
- Fed by a storage tank with a booster pump (store excess water, and deliver it when needed with a pump); or
- Fed by a oversized pressure tank (whereby water is pressurized immediately, and then delivered by a valve when there is demand for water)
Solar water pumps can also operate off a battery storage system. However, this kind of installation is generally the most costly, and the other alternatives generally can meet your needs, without the use battery storage. Battery storage systems are generally only able to power a small amount of your overall energy needs, and would only be useful if you plan to operate your pumping system overnight for extended periods of time.
Electricity Needs and Solar Siting
Determining your electricity needs is dependent on a variety of things, and if there are questions about how to install a pumping system, it is best to connect with an irrigation specialist or a pool pump technician. However, if you are switching an existing system from a traditional pump to a solar powered pump, this is generally easier to calculate.The power needs will be similar between the two pumps for an existing system, however it is always best to be conservative with your estimates. If there are worries in regards to how much power your pump will require, contact a pumping specialist in order to calculate it appropriately. Your solar panel installation should be as close to the pumping system and water source as possible in order to minimize the amount of wiring you will require to install. The solar panel should face south, and should be away from any trees that can obscure the solar panels. You can also look to install a tracking system for your solar panels, which can increase the amount of power you can expect to generate, as it allows for more direct sunlight throughout the day.
Pump Selection
You can get access to some of the most valuable insights into designing your solar power pump system by connecting with a hardware shop or a home improvement store. If you are looking to install the pump for your home pool, it might also be good to check with your pool technician to determine what kind of pump would suit your needs.As all applications of pumps are different, it is important to consider the pumps that are available to you. Connect with the experts in order to find out which pump is right for you.
Conclusion
Solar water pumps are a great way to reduce your energy consumption, and work to help reduce the cost associated with connecting to the grid in a remote location. As a result, they have become more popular for a variety of applications, from home pools, to farming, and to raising cattle and aquaponics systems. Replacing an existing system can be as simple as replacing the pump with equipment that operates on DC, while installing additional solar panels in order to produce the amount of electricity required for the pump. If you plan to install a new system on your own, it is important to understand the power requirements for the water you plan to move, the amount of energy that is required in order to move that amount of water, and the savings that you can expect in order to track them over time. It is best to connect with professionals who size solar pump systems, and with home improvement stores to help you determine the kind of pump that works best for your application.The savings that you can expect from switching from a traditional system to a solar powered pump system will be significant, and will be worth it over the long term.
