Solar Water Pumping Systems

Pumping water is a sensible and effective use of solar electric power. During the hot months, when water requirements are highest, a solar pump will provide a reliable water source for the farm.

A solar water pumping system is essentially an electrically driven pumping system. Electricity, in this instance is produced by the sunlight energizing photovoltaic (Solar) modules. 

A solar pumping system is available for almost all applications where an electric pump can be used.  Because solar energy varies from one location to another, and over the course of a day, system design is important. 

Adequate water storage ensures that water is available whenever needed, and balances daily variations in water supply and demand. Thus a small pump only running when the sun shines, plus water storage, can provide the average requirement for water supply. 

Solar Pumping Systems

Although solar water pumps have been developed from some fairly sophisticated ‘hi-tech’ components they are relatively simple, uncomplicated packages of equipment. 

Solar water pumping systems consist of three basic components:

• Power source (photovoltaic solar modules),
• Motor/pump assembly, and
• Power controller (maximizers / optimizers / MPPT's) for matching the changing electrical output of the array to suit the motor/pump.

Benefits of Solar Pumping

• Solar pumping uses a free, easily accessible and renewable source of energy.
• Power bills are eliminated.
• With solar pumping, maintenance costs are minimized. 
• Solar modules are strong, robust and encapsulated into toughened glass, in a sturdy, aluminium frame that will last even in harsh environmental conditions.
• Using solar allows opportunities for livestock, vegetables, trees and other crop production to be developed in areas where other forms of pumping are impractical.
• Solar water pumping systems are reliable.
• Solar water pumps perform at their best and provide water throughout summer months when demand is greatest. 
• Solar water pumping systems need little supervision requiring only periodic checking. 
• Solar pumps automatically start soon after sunrise and continue to work unattended until sunset. 
• Solar water pumping systems operate all year round, even on cloudy dull days with little or no direct sunlight. 
• Solar modules have no moving parts and an expected working life of at least 30 years.