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What Is Solar Pump?

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Solar systems are used all over the world for the production of cheap

electricity. The use of the solar system is increasing day by day. This is because
the solar electricity cost is low than other sources of electricity. The solar
system is used to drive different systems such as a solar water pump, turbines,
and many other units.

What is Solar Pump?


A solar water pump is a type of pump that is driven by the
electricity produced from solar panels. Solar pumps are
manufactured to supply an eco-friendly and less expensive solution
to pumping water in areas where there is no access to the power
grid.

It consists of a water storage tank, electrical cables, a breaker/fuse box, a


DC water pump, a solar charge controller (MPPT), and a solar panel array.

It is more efficient to operate. These pumps have low maintenance and


installation costs.

Solar-powered pumps have a lower environmental impact compared to


pumps powered by IC engines or utility electricity. These pumps are best
suitable for reservoirs and irrigation systems
These types of pumps mainly use in areas that have electricity issues. Solar
pumps are best suitable for use in rural areas, farms, and remote locations
where conventional grid electricity is either unreliable or unavailable. These
pumps may also be used in livestock watering, irrigation systems, and for
domestic water supply.

It is an ideal water withdrawal system for green energy that combines the
advantages of reliability, economy, and environmental protection.

Solar Water Pump Construction


The solar water pump consists of a controller, electric motor or
battery, water pump, and solar panels (PV).

The solar panel is used to capture energy from the sun. The pump controller
regulates the power flow from the panel to the pump. When the pump gets
power by the panels, it starts working and pumps water from a well or other
water source. Some solar systems also contain a storage tank to store water for
later use. 

Working Principle of Solar Water Pump


A solar-powered pump works on the base of the photovoltaic principle.
During the working of a solar pump, solar panels absorb solar energy and
transform it into DC voltage. There is a controller between the pump and
solar panels. This controller takes power by the solar panels and transfer
this power to the pump according to its requirements.
In case of an AC pump, an inverter is also installed. This inverter converts
the DC voltage of the panels into AC voltage, which drives the pump. These
inverters also adjust the output frequency and voltage in real-time,
corresponding to variations in the sunlight intensity to attain the highest
power point tracking.

As the intensity of the sunlight becomes low, the water lifting system
realizes the function of switching the municipal power that works as
auxiliary energy for the water lifting system.

Solar pumps are usually used in water circulation, swimming pools,


foundations, horticultural and agricultural fields.

Types of Solar Water Pumps


Solar pumps have the following types:

 Submersible Solar Pump


 Surface Solar Pump
 DC Solar Pump
 AC Solar Pumps
1) Submersible Solar Pump
Submersible solar pump have the ability to lift up to 650ft of water and can
install in large wells. As long as the well water is more than 20ft above the
surface, these pumps operate directly to turn off batteries, solar panels, and
in some cases, electricity.

When the sun is shining, the pump pumps the water during the entire day,
and water is stored in tanks to be used when needed. The water can’t be
pumped in bad weather because the sun can’t shine in bad weather.
Therefore, it is advisable to store the water only in good climate conditions.
These types of solar pump are most commonly used in deep water and
undrilled areas. These pumps also use for livestock watering, pond
aeration, home water systems, irrigation, pressurization, and well pumping.
The maximum recommended pump depth is 50m.

2) Surface Solar Pump


The surface solar pumps are used in streams, storage tanks, shallow wells,
or ponds. When the well water supply depth is 20ft or less from the ground,
you should use a surface solar water pump.

In general, these pumps cannot pump very high water from deep wells and
can pump water up to 200ft or more. These pumps can easily lift water
from depths of up to 20m.
3) DC Solar Pump
This pump has an electric motor that uses DC power. Therefore, these
pumps don’t need battery or inverter.
4) AC Solar Pump
The electric motor used in this type of pump works with alternating
currents. It requires an inverter which is used to transform the DC voltage
produced by the panels into AC votage to run the pump. This conversion
can lead to power outages during production and use

Components of Solar Pump System


The solar system has the following major parts:

1. Water Pump
2. Solar Panels
3. Batteries
4. Pump Controller
5. Inverter
1) Water Pump
A water pump is an important part of the solar pumping system. The water
pumps have various types such as sump pumps, booster pumps, circulating
pumps, and submersible pumps.

 Submersible Pump: The submersible pumps pump water


from deep depths, e.g., underground water sources such as
shallow wells and boreholes.
 Circulator Pump: These pumps circulate the water to keep it
warm and prepared for utilization and ensure a continuous
water supply.
 Booster Pump: The booster pump provides the pressure
needed to pump water from a storage tank and deliver it to the
entire home or facility.
2) Solar Panels
The solar panel is one of the major parts of the solar pumping system. A
group of solar panels is called an array. Solar panels generate electrical
energy by separating electrons from atoms by permitting photons and light
arrays, which create electricity

Solar panels are made up of small units called solar cells that change
sunlight into electrical energy. There are several types of solar energy
technologies including concentrated solar energy and solar thermal. These
work differently than PV solar panels. However, these also use the energy of
sunlight to generate electricity to drive water pumps.

3) Batteries
The battery of the solar pump is used to store the power produced by the
solar panel. In the presence of sunlight, the energy produced by the solar
panel is supplied to the load and a battery.

If the load requirement is more compared to the energy produced by the


solar panels, then the battery delivers a stable source of energy to the
pumping system. The battery ensures that the water pumping system is
working in the sunlight or not.

Deep cycle batteries often use for solar energy purposes because they are
repetitively and deeply discharged.

4) Pump Controller
The controller can adjust the pump system parameters to meet user needs
and shield the pump system. It regulates the power flow from the panel to
the pump.
5) Inverter
The inverter converts the DC power of the battery into AC power. The
transformation of direct current to alternating current is required for a
wide variety of electrical equipment involving AC solar water pump.

Therefore, the inverter is an important part of the solar water pump system.
However, if you have a DC pump, you don’t need to install the inverter.

In cloudy or dark weather, the inverter becomes a high-performance


backup source of energy; due to that, the pump can continue to run without
solar energy or sunlight.

How to buy a Solar Water Pump?


The prices of solar water pumps have decreased in recent years. The
following are the factors that should be considered while purchasing a solar
water pump.  

 Economics
 Social justice
 Water management
 Standardization of products and services as well as quality
control
 Money accessibility
 Maintenance
 Operation and installation.
With these factors in mind, solar pumps can offer tremendous socio-
economic and environmental advantages at the national and agricultural
levels. This technology can provide reliable power to control areas at the
farm levels, particularly areas that aren’t linked to the electricity grid or
where supplies of traditional liquid fuel are rare.

Advantages of Solar Pump


 The solar pump has an easy installation.
 It requires less maintenance.
 It has low operating costs.
 Solar systems work without fuel.
 Solar water pumps are easy to move.
 It doesn’t require regular utility power.
 It can also use in remote areas.
 These pumps have high durability and performance.
 Solar pumps have long service life
 These have easy maintenance and use.
 These are environmentally friendly pumps.
Disadvantages of Solar Pumps
 The initial installation cost of a solar pump is higher than
traditional electric pumps.
 They require a continuous supply of solar energy to work
properly.
 The solar water pump requires a water storage tank and
battery.  
 The output of solar panels varies on the weather conditions.
 They need regular maintenance to work efficiently. 
 The solar pump system requires the use of a battery to store
electricity so that it can use the battery power in low sunlight
conditions.
Solar Pump Applications
 Solar pumps are used to supply water to animals.
 They are used for irrigation applications.
 They are used to supply water for drinking and cooking
purposes.
 These pumps may be used to power waterfalls, fountains, and
other water features in landscapes and gardens.
 They are used in aquarium systems to deliver aeration and
circulation for fish tanks and ponds.
 Solar pumps are used for water treatment applications.
Difference between Solar Pump and Diesel Pump

            Diesel Pump               Solar Pump


Continuous Investment in diesel &
One-time investment.
operations.

It generates zero noise and


It generates noise pollution.
ecological noise.

Its maintenance is expensive. It has a low maintenance cost.

Short life. Long Life.

Diesel pumps generate high noise. Its operation is very quiet.

Continuous manpower need. It doesn’t need manpower.

Environment Pollution. It is environmentally friendly.

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