Solar Water Pumps

Solar water pumps are currently being used to water livestock, to provide potable drinking water and to irrigate crops. But unlike generator-powered water pumping systems, solar water pumps do not need fuel or even constant maintenance. Solar pumps usually cost less when it comes to operation and offers modular capability for it to be expanded quickly as the demand changes or increases, as compared to windmill or generator water pumps.

Features Of Solar Water Pumps 

With the advancement in technology, most solar water pumps nowadays have more improved features such as the following:

- Submersible solar pumps that can pump up to 200m heads.

- Pumps that are capable of pumping larger water volumes.

- Low maintenance requirements for as long as 3 to 5 years.

- Good performance that requires fewer solar panels but can still pump the same amount of water.

- Some solar water pumps can be backed up using a genset to generate electricity for addition water using the same pump.

- Good quality and more reliable pumps.

- Very simple to install.

- Requires very minimal attention since they are self-starting.

- Solar water pumps are good when used in boreholes as the can pump water the whole day.

- Weaker boreholes can be used effectively using a low volume pump as it pumps 8 to 10 hours per day.

- In several cases, a solar pump is considered as an ideal solution when it comes to diesel options that require operating funds, maintenance, and fuel for logistics, installation and de-installation.

- Tracking arrays can easily be used to increase the daily pumping rates of water.

- Solar water pumps can offer clean solutions as it does not pose any danger of contaminating the borehole.

Theft of solar photovoltaic panels has become a problem and so solar pump owners should know how to take preventive measures to avoid such incidents.

Solar Water Pumps Are More Cost Effective In The Long Term

Cost comparison was conducted for both solar and diesel water pumps based on the range of pumping heads as well as the range of daily flow rates. On the comparison conducted, all-inclusive costs were also taken into account. The operating costs, replacement cost, maintenance cost, initial upfront cost were all included in the comparison. To fairly compare the solar pumps against diesel pumps, all -inclusive costs should be calculated to get a more accurate result. The all-inclusive cost may usually take a long-term approach and should be calculated in a period of over twenty years, which is the minimum life expectancy of the solar panels as well.

The result of the comparison has shown that diesel pumps are almost 2 to 4 times more expensive than solar pumps in a span of 20 years, while pumping the same amount of water on average per day. So before buying water pumps for your home, make sure to do a little research. If your research and calculation show that you can save more when using solar water pumps, even with the cost of solar panels included, then it will be much better to opt for these types of pumps instead of the diesel dirty water pumps.

Solar water pumps are considered a more practical choice since it is cost effective in the long run, and does not need any means of energy-source aside from the sunlight that is generated using solar panels. To verify your cost calculations, you may wish to consult people who have used solar pumps and those who are using diesel pumps for more accurate comparison.

(Source: http://www.aboutpumpsguide.com/solar-water-pumps.html)