Some Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Water Pumps
We're not surprised that solar water pump systems have grown in popularity lately!
The installation cost of a solar water pumping system can be high in the beginning, but it will become cheaper to install it in your home/business in the long run. Some people are often surprised by the existence of solar water pumps, we receive a lot of questions about solar water pump systems.
That's why we've created a guide to FAQs about solar pumping systems. Let's take a look:
What is a solar water pump?
The solar water pump is also called a solar photovoltaic water pump system. The system is similar to the old pumping system you know, except it is powered by solar panels instead of electricity. A complete solar water pump system will include one or more solar panels, a motor pump set, and a controller device to operate the pump. Depending on the situation, an inverter and battery may be required.
The way it works is that the solar panels generate DC (direct current) when hit by light, which is then used to power the pump. In some cases, the pump/motor may require alternating current (AC), and in these cases, an inverter is used to convert the DC to AC.
Solar water pumps are ideal when you need to extract water from rivers, boreholes, or other water sources for irrigation, livestock, and other purposes.
What is a submersible pump Vs a solar surface pump?
The difference between these two types of pumps can be seen in their names. A submersible pump is a type of pump that needs to be underwater at all times to operate. These are best used in boreholes and wells. They tend to be more expensive to install and maintain.
On the other hand, a surface solar pump is a pump that stays on the water. Best used where the water table is 10 meters deep. These pumps are easier to install and maintain than submersible pumps. Plumbing is attached to the pump to direct the water from the source and take it where it needs to go.
What is the difference between AC and DC solar water pumps?
A DC pump is a pump with a motor that runs on a DC current. These types of pumps do not require an inverter because the solar panels already produce DC current. This is not the case for AC pumps that have motors running on AC current and therefore require an inverter to operate.
Does it work on cloudy/foggy days?
The pump uses solar power to drive the motor, so cloudy/foggy days will affect the proper operation of the solar pump unless it is connected to a hybrid power source. It is not recommended to connect your water pump to an alternative power source without consulting your solar water pump expert.
Also, we expect cloudy/foggy days, which is why we include a water tank when designing a solar water system for your project.
The tank acts as a sort of "battery" as it stores water for you on sunny days, and you can use it later on cloudy or foggy days.
Why use a solar water pump?
There are many reasons why you should use a solar water pump. For starters, it has low recurring/maintenance costs. Once installed, the solar pump does not require electricity or natural gas to operate. This saves you fuel and electricity costs.
What are the different types of solar water pumps?
There are 4 types of solar water pumps; submersible, surface, AC, and DC pumps. They have been studied in the previous question.
Do I have to use batteries with solar water pumps?
Usually, you don't need batteries when setting up a solar water pump system, especially if you have somewhere to store the water you pump. Having said that, if you have high water consumption and need to pump water everywhere, then you should integrate the battery with your system.
What maintenance does the solar water pump need?
There's a reason we say solar pumps are cheaper in the long run. They require little maintenance compared to their diesel or even electric counterparts. They have a longer life expectancy (they can still generate electricity for 25 years). The most required maintenance on the panel is cleaning the solar panel. Cleaning keeps the panel running efficiently, as dust and dirt can affect its efficiency.
The above FAQs we have compiled hope to help you. If you want to know more or want to buy a solar water pump, please contact us.
TPON is a professional custom solar water pump manufacturer. In order to control product quality and reduce cost prices, we will bring customers the most cost-effective and competitive solar water pumps. All the important parts of the solar water pump are manufactured and processed by our factory. The workshop is equipped with automatic winding machines, finishing equipment, advanced assembly lines, and precision testing machines. Each solar well pump will be rigorously tested before leaving the factory to ensure product quality.