Solar Water Pumping Systems

Solar water pumping systems are one of the most convenient ways to get water where you want it.

Simple Design

These systems are made up of one or more solar panels, a charge controller, batteries and a pump. This can be sized for round the clock use in the case of cattle watering systems or for pond aeration pumps or fountains.

Another system design is made up of one or more solar panels, a linear current booster and a pump. This design is good if it does not matter if the system shuts down at night. In the case of watering cattle a large tank or trough will be required to supply the cattle's needs.

Sizing

 
To find out how many panels are needed, we need to look at the load or for example in the case of beef cows that load is 15 gallons of water per head per day. It takes about 2 watts of solar panels to supply that need. Therefore to supply water for 75 cows it will take a minimum of 150 watts of solar panels.

For other applications please call or email for sizing. Each system will be sized according to load based on pump size as well as how long it will be pumping.

Batteries

Deep cycle batteries used in solar applications are much different than those use to start cars or trucks. Deep cycle batteries are designed to handle repeated discharges day after day. Automotive batteries are designed to give a large burst of energy for a relatively short period of time.

There are 2 basic types of batteries; the sealed and the flooded batteries. The flooded batteries are very common and are often used in electric golf carts. They stand up well but as with any battery will require some maintenance. If there is a risk of the battery tipping over we recommend a sealed battery.

Pumps

In the solar water pumping systems, pumps are 12 and 24 volts DC. An integrated pump as shown in the picture is very convenient because the pump can be located at the water source and the discharge can be located hundreds of feet away with a shut-off or a tank float. This pump has a capacity of 4.5 gallons per minute or 18 litres per minute. An inline strainer at the inlet keep unwanted debris out of the pump. The pressure tank acts as a buffer to prevent the pump from rapidly cycling on-off.

There are 24-volt DC submersible pumps available for drilled wells and pumping water long distances.

Charge Controllers

The charge controller takes the energy from the sun and directs it to the batteries.

It is the brains of the system and is connected to the solar array, the pump, and the batteries.

When the batteries are full it stops charging to prevent damage from over charging. It also disconnects the load form the batteries to prevent the load from completely dicharging the batteries. Also, we only sell systems with a low voltage disconnect.

Agriculture Pumping Systems

The agriculture pumping systems that we provide are designed to be a cost effective and resilient solution for watering any livestock. We are able to assit you in providing a pumping system that meets your animals' watering needs.

Please contact us to put a solar water pumping system together for you.