Solar powered water pump introduction
Solar is more than just an environmentally friendly power source – it’s convenient, low-maintenance, and can get you off the grid even in the most remote areas.
Land users in remote areas often have two options: run an electric well pump using a distant grid, or use a fuel-powered pump to pump water from a pond or river.
When new power lines must be run, connecting to the grid can be costly, which then incurs recurring usage costs.
Likewise, gasoline or diesel powered pump units can be expensive, require constant refueling, and can be prohibitive to maintain.
With solar power, pumps become much easier to install, maintain and use, whether you are giving your garden a fountain or you want to power your irrigation system without increasing your electric bill.
Solar Water Pump Alternatives
Solar water pumps can provide an economical and energy efficient solution for remote watering needs. With just a few simple components, solar pumps can be used in a variety of environments.
Here, we list the benefits of solar pumps, detail how these systems operate, and explore ideal situations for their application.
We compare the costs of connecting solar pumps to the grid and look at some real-world application case studies.
Basic Elements of Solar Pumps
A solar pumping system has two main components: a solar panel array for harvesting energy from the sun, and a mechanical pump for moving water.
In order to take full advantage of the potential of solar energy, it is important to understand the function of a solar pumping system. Let’s start with the sun.
Solar Energy Basics
Every solar installation starts with photovoltaic cells. These cells generate electricity from solar radiation. Many photovoltaic cells are connected to create solar panels. These panels can be connected to form a solar cell array.
Solar panels produce direct current (D/C) electricity instead of the alternating current (A/C) used in homes. The amount of power produced by the system depends on the material of the cells, the size of the panels, and the number of panels in the array.
The power of a solar panel is measured in watts. A watt is a unit of power used to describe the energy output or demand of an electrical device. You may be familiar with this concept for everyday household gadgets such as 60-watt incandescent light bulbs.
For solar systems, wattage refers to the power source. Individual panels come in a variety of wattages, ranging from 50 watts to panels as high as 400 watts.
The output of each panel is not as important as the total output of all the panels used in the array. For example, a 300-watt array can be made with three 100-watt panels, two 150-watt panels, or one 300-watt panel.
In short, solar panels are the power source for pumping water.
Water Pumps
A pump is any device that uses energy to move a fluid.
In our case, a pump is a tool that mechanically pumps water from a water source and delivers it to a desired location. There are many types of pumps used for this purpose, but some are better suited for solar energy.
In particular, pumps that require less power to operate at maximum efficiency are ideal. For deep wells, positive displacement pumps are recommended. These pumps move a fixed amount of water in each rotation cycle, and they pump an amount proportional to the amount of power supplied.
Compare these to centrifugal pumps that typically use AC power. If you have a deep well supplying water to your house and you are on the utility grid, then you are probably using a centrifugal pump.
Centrifugal pumps draw a lot of power to pump as fast as possible. However, at lower power levels, they do not perform well. For example, at half power, a centrifugal pump can only pump at a quarter of its maximum pressure.
In contrast, submersible D/C pumps use only 20 to 50 percent of the energy required by an A/C centrifugal pump to deliver the same amount of water. That’s why solar energy works so well with D/C pumps.
Are solar pumps competitive in the long run?
In many cases, it may be much cheaper to install a solar water pump than to extend a power line.
For any situation where an electric utility’s infrastructure must be extended more than a quarter mile, solar water pumping offers a clear cost advantage.
One drawback of many solar pump setups is that they may require maintenance and periodic replacement of components. For example, smaller well pumps may need to be serviced every two to four years, while larger well and ground pumps will need to be serviced about every 15 years.
In addition, most solar panels today have a life expectancy of between 20 and 30 years.
Ensuring that equipment is adequately installed and maintained for its intended use will offset some of these problems. However, the replacement of solar cells and pump components is inevitable.
The practical use of solar pumps
Introducing solar irrigation in poor and remote areas
In an era when the entire world is converting to solar energy, the use of solar energy in pumping systems can greatly help and accelerate agricultural development in African countries and many other poor and remote areas. This concept is known as solar irrigation and is being used in many areas today.
Filling and transporting water bottles to irrigate crops on farms
The truth is that solar energy is probably the easiest way for farmers to produce energy, especially for those who live near the grid with poor household infrastructure. As a result, the use of solar pumps in agriculture is becoming increasingly common. The concept of solar irrigation represents a virtuous cycle – when the sun shines, it irrigates the irrigation system and feeds the crops that depend on water in sunny weather. Thus, a lot of energy is released just when it is needed most.
Solar pump VS Electric pump
Solar pumps are easier to set up, especially if a unit has all the necessary parts and has an online resource that can help with assembly. It also requires less maintenance, as they run in the sun and use DC current, which requires fewer parts while being more efficient than their electric counterparts. Best of all, solar power allows you to pay no electricity bills!
The disadvantage of solar pumps, however, is the high initial cost, as solar components are still more expensive than electrical and mechanical alternatives.
| Solar Pump | Electric Pump |
| Powerful | |
| Low initial investment | √ |
| Low maintenance cost | √ |
| Low maintenance efforts | √ |
| Environmentally friendly | √ |
| Predictable source | √ |
| Portable unit | √ |
| Varied product innovations | √ |
| Many design options | |
| High control opportunities | √ |
| Easy assembly and installment | √ |
Digging a well: the hidden costs of solar water pumping?
Solar pumps are divided into two main categories: above ground and submersible.
Above ground pumps are simple to apply. In any body of water, these pumps can provide an average flow rate of 4 to 10 gallons per minute and do not consume much power.
In addition to pumping water from natural bodies of water, this is a good option for cisterns and other water catchments.
For deep wells, a submersible pump is required.
Submersible pumps designed for solar power are more energy efficient to build, so the power supply from the panels can sustain the pumping load.
The question is, how deep into the ground do you need to go and how much water do you need? The deeper it goes, the more it costs, a fact that applies to all wells, not just solar pumping wells.
However, as mentioned earlier, there is a limit to the vertical height at which a solar pump can move water. Most pumps have a maximum head between 75 and 350 feet, and while some pumps can go deeper, the higher design requirements will increase the price of the pump and reduce cost savings.
In most applications, it is not necessary to sink the well deeper than the upper edge of the water table. For plants and livestock, the safety of domestic water is not a necessity, so shallow wells are usually sufficient. The lower flow rates of these pumps supplement shallow and slowly recovering wells.
Advantages and trade-offs of solar water pumping
Solar water pumping is an energy efficient solution for many off-grid irrigation applications.
The technology is suitable for a wide range of water needs, but optimized for low-flow systems.
Solar pumps are also well suited for areas where other power sources are not available or where access costs are too high. The most relevant applications include crop irrigation, recharge of livestock ponds, and reservoir regulation of ponds and lakes.
Solar pumps can be used to power gravity-fed systems and distribute stored water. Pumps can be used for surface water or groundwater sources.
The biggest trade-off is power and unit life.
Solar pumps sacrifice boosting power for pumping efficiency, and even at peak solar intensities, there are limits to the rate at which solar energy can be converted to electricity.
For very deep water or high flow requirements, solar pumps are no longer economically competitive. Even if functioning properly, using a system near its upper limit increases wear and tear on the pump assembly, which only accelerates the need to repair or replace the system.
Regardless of the power load, solar panels and pumps require regular attention and require periodic upgrades.
While the lifetime of such systems may be limited, there are still plenty of practical and cost-effective applications to justify the investment.
For more technical consulting services and product requests for solar pumps and water pumps please contact us
Solar Water Pumps: Things To Know and Tips For Use [2020]
Mechanical pumps have a lot of uses nowadays. They are common in pumping water from wells, aquarium filtering, pond filtering and aeration. When it comes to water pumps, the main use of this device is the exchange of fluids such as water.
From agriculture to the energy industry, pumps are found in a wide range of applications. The main working principle of a water pump basically depends upon the positive displacement principle and kinetic energy which helps pushing the water.
Solar water pumps are a relatively new concept in mechanics. A solar water pump system is commonly seen in residential and commercial uses, as well as for irrigation of agricultural land. Through solar panels, the pump can eliminate the cost of energy and provide a more feasible option that uses energy from the sun (and not fuel-burning mechanisms) for pumping water.
Introducing solar-powered irrigation for poor and remote areas
In times when the entire world is switching to solar, using the sun’s energy in water pumping systems can significantly help and accelerate the development of agriculture in African countries and many other poor remote areas. This concept is known as solar-powered irrigation and is used in many regions nowadays.
The truth is, solar energy might be the easiest way for farmers to produce energy, especially for those living off the electricity grids with poor infrastructure around their homes. Therefore, the use of solar water pumps in agriculture is becoming increasingly popular. The concept of solar irrigation represents a virtuous circle—when the sun shines, it feeds the irrigation system and feeds the crops which are dependant on water in sunny weather. Therefore, a large quantity of energy is being released right at the time when it is needed the most.
Solar irrigation is a concept that works through solar water pumps. Below, we are describing them in detail.
What is a solar water pump and what are the most popular types?
As we discussed before, solar pumps present a clean, simple and energy-efficient alternative to traditional electric and fuel-driven pump sets. They are part of an environmentally friendly approach in agriculture and can be used to exploit every region, whether its developed or poor.
Due to their immense potential for productive use and agricultural productivity, solar water pumps are now powering more and more agriculture projects. Knowing that 40% of the global population relies on agriculture as its main source of income, access to water remains an ongoing struggle for many people. This is what solar aims to change and introduce a cost-effective future for around 500 million small-scale farmers all around the world.
The main components in a solar pumping system include a photovoltaic (PV) array, an electric motor and a pump. Solar water pumping systems, on the other hand, are classified as either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) systems based on their motor’s ability. Recently, the concept of brushless DC (BLDC) motors for solar pumping water applications was presented as well.
Classification and types of solar pumps
When it comes to stand-alone solar pumping systems, the main types include rotating and positive displacement pumps. Centrifugal pumps are the common choice for rotation and are designed for fixed head applications. Their output increases in proportion to their speed of rotation.
Additionally, pumps are also classified as submersible and surface pumps, based on their placement (underwater and above the waterline).
All in all, the main aspect related to the efficiency of a solar water pump is based on three variables including pressure, flow and input power to the pump. Wire-to-water efficiency is the commonly used metric that determines the overall efficiency of a solar water pump (as the ratio between the hydraulic energy that comes out of the pipe and the energy coming over the electrical wires through solar panels).
Why solar-powered water pumps are the ideal way to boost agriculture in remote areas (And Africa)
A solar-powered water pump is a concept that is environmentally-friendly. importantly, it is a concept that gets rid of any power grids or fossil fuels used to pump water out of the ground. Below, we are listing the advantages and disadvantages of their use.
Advantages of solar water pumps
The first advantage of solar pumps is that they are reliable in regional and remote areas. A perfect example of this is Africa, which is one of the poorest remote regions in the world with an abundance of water—but also the most dominant region when it comes to most days of sun in the year. On the flip side, Africa is thought to possess 9% of the world’s freshwater resources which translates to around 4,000 km 3 of water per year. Deploying solar water pumps in Africa is, therefore, the perfect alternative to any other fuel-based sources—and an alternative which can stimulate life in every part of this continent.
Easy to transport and relocate, solar water pumps can be organized as per the needs of the farm and have extremely low operating costs. Both of these are major advantages, paired with their cost-efficiency in the long run, show that a solar water pumping system is the perfect solution for regions with sunny days and plenty of water on their grounds.
Major disadvantages
The main disadvantage of deploying a solar-powered irrigation pump for agriculture is its cost (initial investment). Even though it depends on the power of the specific pump, one 120 Watt solar pump which promises to produce 2,100 gallons of water per day can be found on online marketplaces from around US235. An entire system for a solar-powered irrigation pump based on one pump can also be found for around 498. Other sites like eBay, the for kits like these are relatively the same.
Obviously, there is a major difference between deploying a solar water pump for your home and one for an agriculture project. With different types, sizes and needs come different costs. There are cheaper and more expensive models but the average cost of solar water pumps is generally high, considering the fact that many of them need to be deployed for effective irrigation. All in all, compared to the cost of fossil fuels and other types of energy, solar is still a winner in the long run.
In addition to this, solar energy in agriculture is also very weather-dependent. Even though solar energy can still be collected during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency of a solar system drops. This is why solar irrigation systems are best used in regions with a lot of sunlight.
Are solar water pumps worth the investment?
One important thing to note when it comes to solar pumps and irrigation systems is the fact that their costs have dropped significantly in the past few years. According to new research from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), there will be a 59% cost reduction for electricity generated by solar PV by 2025 compared to the 2015 prices.
As such, the economic viability of these systems varies for different regions and areas, mostly depending on site conditions, crops and markets. An infographic from The World Bank shows that in 1997, the average price of deploying solar energy per watt was 76. In 2015, that price was 0.3 which clearly showcases the drop in prices. Now, a solar panel has an average lifespan of 25 years and compared to diesel pumping, it lacks any fuel and presents less operation and maintenance. The only disadvantage is its initial cost which is around two times higher compared to diesel water pumping systems.
Price is also a key differentiator when it comes to returns on investment (ROI). The key aspect that determines the economic viability (the factor associated with the worth of solar water pumps as an investment) is how the solar-powered systems compared with other forms of energy.
Generally speaking, diesel pumps have low initial investment costs but are also associated with high operation and maintenance costs, not to mention their negative impact on the environment and ecology. In contrast to this, a solar water pumping system has higher investment costs but lower maintenance and operational costs.
So, the key takeaway of the “is it worth it” question is the following…
If you are based in a region with plenty of sun and a lot of groundwater, a solar water pumping system is definitely recommended. Despite the initial installation costs, lower maintenance costs and a higher lifespan will give you an up-and-running system set in no time, clean water and many benefits in the long run.
How to buy an efficient solar water pump?
As we mentioned above, the investment costs associated with buying solar water pumps are coming down in the past few years. However, the factors which influence the efficiency of a solar water pump are numerous and include:
- Economic viability
- Access to money
- Installation, operation and maintenance
- Standardization and quality control of products and service
- Water management
- Social justice
Considering these factors, we can say that solar water pumping can provide significant environmental and socio-economic benefits at the farm and national levels. At the farm level, the technology can present a reliable source of energy in remote areas—and especially areas that are not connected to the electricity grid or lacking a regular supply of liquid fuels. On a national level, solar water pumping can help stabilize, increase and diversify agricultural production, which is the foundation of most African countries’ economies.
By definition, an efficient solar-powered water pumping system is one that receives plenty of sunlight and is installed specifically to the needs of the farm.
In a world where there is a current energy crisis, there is a strong drive towards renewable energy. Despite the costs which are relatively higher, the real efficiency of solar systems is seen in their use over the years. As a renewable energy option, the exploitation of solar energy is a valuable option.
The FOCUS of deploying solar water pumping is obviously set to South Africa and regions with poor economic development but plenty of sunlight. Paired with the right environmental conditions, the right amount of PV panels and controllers and the right installation setup of energy storages, converters, inverters, pumps and motors—the solar water pumping system can present a farm and a nation with numerous benefits.
The conclusion
If you are thinking or considering the applications of solar energy for agriculture, the benefits are numerous. With the ability to pump water for irrigation during dry and sunny weather in regions that need it most, panels like these can be easily installed and enable the pumps to work in wells of very low yields, offering a longer lifespan and plenty of energy in the long run. comment
The Ultimate Guide to Solar Water Pumps
Solar water pumps work in the same way as other water pumps but they use the sun’s energy as their power source.
- One or more solar panels (the size of a PV system is dependent on the size of the pump, the amount of water required, the vertical lift and solar irradiance available)
- Pump unit
- Some have a controller or inverter depending on whether the pump unit needs to use AC or DC power
- Occasionally a battery is also included which can be used as a backup power source to regulate water flow if clouds come over or when the sun is low in the sky
The history of solar water pumps
The idea of using the sun’s power as a resource has been around since records began. The first recorded solar powered pumping systems were developed in the 19th century. This was as a result of technology evolving to directly convert solar energy into other energy forms. In these first pumps solar was harnessed in steam engines where the sun heated water to create steam.
These steam engines powered printing presses, stills, ovens, and water pumps and began to revolutionise the mechanisation of many labour intensive tasks.
While these steam pumps gained some traction through the 19th and 20th centuries, a parallel line of invention was occurring – that of solar photovoltaics (PV), using solar to directly generate electricity.
Initially, solar photovoltaics were very inefficient and contained rare materials which made costs very high. In the 1960s, it could cost around 1000 per Watt!
A significant breakthrough in the semiconductor industry in the 1970s kick-started an exciting trend which has continued into today: an increase in panel efficiency (more power per square metre) and a Rapid decrease in cost.
Nowadays most solar pumps are powered by solar PV panels and the technology continues to improve so that more powerful pumps can be powered by smaller, cheaper solar panels. No longer as solar panels only for the rich.
As panels become cheaper and increasingly portable, solar water pumps are just as versatile as water pumps powered by fossil fuels and in some cases more so. They are ideal for delivering water to remote locations where power lines cannot reach, do not require expensive and polluting fuel and are not labour intensive.
Solar water pumps are already used in:
- Farming
- Rural domestic situations
- Construction and plumbing in rural areas
Are solar pumps any good?
Now is a really good time for solar water pumps as technologies have been rapidly improving, becoming more efficient and cheaper. It is now easier than ever to find a solar water pump solution for your needs.
If you are not familiar with using solar to power a water pump for irrigation, it is likely that you will need to make some changes to your daily farming activities. Once you get into a routine with solar power, these changes can be used to your advantage.
From rain-fed agriculture to solar
Moving from rain-fed agriculture to a solar powered water pump will increase your farm’s resilience to changing weather patterns, droughts, and seasons. Irrigating through drier periods of the year means that you will have longer growing seasons, and sometimes even grow an extra harvest, depending on the climate where you are.
From manual irrigation to solar
Manual irrigation is labour intensive and, as a result, the size of land you can cultivate is limited. Switching to solar can give you hours back in your day as the pump will move water for you – either directly to the crops or to a tank for gravity irrigation later.
From electric pumps to solar pumps
If you have a reliable electric connection in your field, then the benefits of solar over electric are not so clear. However most farms do not have this luxury. Installing a grid connection can be expensive and also limits where you can place your pump. Solar pumps, especially with portable panels, give more flexibility to irrigation and will have zero fuel costs.
From fuel pumps to solar
Fuel pumps are often praised for their high flow rates which is something which must be considered when switching to solar. A solar pump will require a large PV array to pump equal amounts of water. However, water conservation and efficiency techniques such as using low-pressure sprinklers or drip irrigation can reduce the amount of water you need to deliver to your plants. You do not need to swap like for like. One of the largest benefits of moving away from a dependence on fossil fuels is that your farm profits are less reliant on the often unpredictable price of fuel because solar energy is free. You also do not need to travel to fill a petrol can anymore.
The amount of solar energy that hits the Earth in a single hour is more than our energy requirement for the whole year. It does make a lot of sense to use this resource, especially for irrigation as it is in abundance when your crops need irrigation the most – during hot, dry, and sunny weather.
Types of solar water pump
There are two main categories of solar water pumps, surface and submersible. Within these categories you will find several different pumping technologies each with different qualities.
Surface water pumps
A surface water pump is placed on the ground surface near the water source. It sucks water up into the pump (suction lift) and then pushes it up or along to where the water is needed (discharge lift). The suction lift, plus discharge lift equates to the total lift – this is the ‘lift’ amount that is commonly referred to on datasheets and websites.
Due to physics, the maximum suction lift of a surface pump cannot exceed approximately 8 metres. They are ideal for accessible water sources as they are optimised for higher flow rate.
Submersible water pump
A submersible pump must be fully submerged to pump water. These pumps are often found in deep wells and boreholes (below the suction depth limit of a surface pump), pushing water up to where it is needed. As they are only pushing water they do not have a suction lift.
Choosing between a surface solar pump and a submersible should be quite an easy task. If your water source is suitable for a surface pump (up to 7m suction depth), then this is the option for you as they are optimised for surface pumping and you will likely benefit from higher flow rates than using a submersible. If your water is lower than 7m below the surface, look at submersibles.
Choosing between the different types of surface or submersible is more difficult so it is best to discuss your requirements with your pump supplier. We have written a list of the questions you should ask your supplier below – jump to this section for more details.
How much does a solar water pump cost?
As with all technology for the farm, the cost of a solar water pump can vary widely depending on the type of pump, and the technical capabilities of the system. In general, the larger the system and especially the larger the solar PV panel, the larger the price tag. However, it is possible to purchase a solar pump on a budget, and over time, most solar systems will make and save you money too. for solar water pumps can start as low as 150 for small systems with short warranties, as you increase the capacity and the product warranties upfront costs will rise.
When considering the true cost of a solar water pump, it can be helpful to compare to other water pumps, solar water pumps can be the cheapest option. It is important to consider your land’s needs, how long you expect your pump to last and how you plan to use it to get the most appropriate solar water pump for you.
Comparison to non-solar water pumps
It can be surprising how much a petrol, electric, or manual pump can cost you, once you add everything up. For example, the true cost of a petrol pump can be much greater when you consider:
- Transport costs of travelling to collect fuel
- Servicing and maintenance
- How often your pump needs replacing
The benefits of solar powered pumps include…
- Eliminated fuel spend – solar energy is free
- Reduced transport costs – a solar pump works by placing the solar panel in the sun – there is no need to travel to collect fuel which will save you both time and money
- Savings on maintenance costs – take a look at the warranty offered with your pump, this could save you money on replacement pumps and parts over the years
Many Futurepump customers are reporting savings of US100 – 200 a year, from reduced fuel, transport and maintenance costs. This means that the price of the pump can be recouped in around 3 years from savings only – over our 10-year warranty period you should come out better off.
Which farms are suitable for solar pumps?
Solar water pumps are suitable for many different types and sizes of farms. From small garden plots and allotments to larger, industrial farms, you should be able to find a solar water pump that can match your needs.
For large farms (over 2 hectares), you will likely need a fixed solar array to provide enough power to pump the volume of irrigation water needed. On smaller farms, you can use portable solar panels that can be lifted and placed where needed or adjusted to face the sunlight.
It is not only the size of land that needs to be considered but also its topography. You should consider how much your land varies in height, and what this means for the total distance and vertical height you need to pump water.
Example: you have a shallow well with water five meters below the surface and your crops are on land ten metres above your water source. This means that you require a pump with a total lift of 15m.
The flow rate and distance you can pump water will decrease with greater lift as more energy is required to move the water vertically. You can approximate your water needs and required flow rate using the equation below:
Area of land needing irrigating x by crop water requirement = volume of water required
Solar powered irrigation is now an option no matter where you are located. It is already commonly used to power everything from street lights to household appliances. Thanks to dramatic falls in the costs and increases in efficiency it is now possible to use large panels to collect enough solar energy to power appliances even in cloudy regions.
If you are looking for an off-grid, sustainable, and/or efficient option to pump water – solar water pumps will be a great option to consider wherever you are.
How to choose the best solar pump
There are many things to consider when choosing a new machine for your farm, we’ve broken all this down into a few questions to help you gather the information you need.
What is your water source?
If your water source is at or near the ground surface (with the water level within 7m/22ft) you can look at surface water pumps. However, if it is further you will need to look at submersible/floating water pumps.
How clean is your water source?
Is it likely your water sources will have sand, dirt, or grit that will pass through the pump? If so, you’ll need to make sure your chosen water pump can handle this to save on costly maintenance.
Will your water source run dry whilst pumping?
Some pumps will overheat or be damaged if water stops flowing through them. Think about your water levels and if needed, choose a pump that can handle this.
How much water do you need?
This can be difficult to work out as it can change season to season, so it is best to work to the peak water demand in the growing season.
When considering crop irrigation, here is a quick calculation to help figure out your water needs:
Area of land needing irrigating x by crop water requirement = volume of water required
Compare your answer to the manufacturer’s reported flow rate (be mindful that the manufacturer will report the optimal output, usually at 1m head).
What flow rates mean for irrigation on your farm:
If you need more details about what goes into each step check our blog on choosing the right flow rate for your water pump.
How high do you need to lift the water?
Do you have a sloping farm, or a steep river bank to get over? Is the farm uphill, or maybe you want to use your solar water pump to store water in multiple overhead tanks?
The key here is to think about the vertical height you need to lift water, this includes the distance from the water level below the ground and above the ground. Remember, surface water pumps can only lift water up from 7m down, but are optimised for high-flow.
The higher you need to lift water the more energy this will take and this will mean that you get a lower flow rate.
How can you maintain your water pump?
Water pumps need to be able to handle a lot of hard, repetitive work, as well as being moved around your land. To keep any water pump working at it’s best some maintenance will be needed, but what this means and how much you can do yourself varies greatly between different water pumps.
Some water pumps are as easy as maintaining a bicycle, while others may need support from professional technicians and others can’t be fixed at all.
For example, with a simple set of tools Futurepump solar pumps can be taken apart and maintained. Whereas petrol pumps may need taking to a technician regularly and pumps that rely on a watertight seal may not be fixable if something goes wrong inside the pump.
So before you buy a water pump, make sure you know:
- How it works
- How it can be maintained
- Where you can get spare parts and support if needed
- What level of after-sales support is offered
- Whether there is a warranty promise – asking your supplier about what level of support they offer
One way to get a good idea of how long the pump is expected to last is by looking at their warranty and what this offers. To get familiar with what a warranty covers, you can have a look at what is included in Futurepump’s 10-year warranty promise.
Solar water pumps – tips tricks
Once you know how to use the benefits of solar to your advantage, it is possible to have a thriving farm with the help of a solar water pump. We’ve put together a quick checklist of things you can do to get the most out of your solar water pump.
- Surface or submersible – make sure that you choose the right pump for your farm
- Solar panel size – speak to your distributor about which solar panel would be right for where your farm is located and how much water you need
- Pay attention to the technical requirements of the pump you choose – have you got the right hose pipe size, water source, or irrigation distribution method for the pump?
- Be prepared to service your pump system regularly to keep it working efficiently, check for air leaks in hose pipes and make sure your solar panels remain clean – these will make a big difference
- Don’t want to irrigate in the midday heat? Make the best use of your free solar energy to pump water to a tank during the day, you can then use gravity to irrigate whenever you choose.
If you have any questions or solar pump tips to share, please get in touch at hello@futurepump.com
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Well Pumps
Residential homes and businesses that operate in rural areas are often required to install their own wells in order to ensure a reliable source of water. This means running electrical lines or installing solar-powered pumps down hundreds of feet. Our team has the experience and equipment necessary to handle these situations at a moment’s notice. Whether it’s trenching new wires and conduit or replacing existing lines, we have the experience and knowledge to handle the work quickly and efficiently.
Since many of our residents are vacationers and retirees, handling the work themselves can be time-consuming and rigorous, not to mention dangerous to the unskilled Do-It-Yourselfer. Our trained electricians can troubleshoot the problem your experiencing and we’ll discuss any design issues you may have. If you require a new pump, we’ll install it and inspect your old electrical lines to ensure the highest degree of safety for you and your loved ones.
Should I Upgrade or Replace My Water Pump?
Water pumps can run for many years without a problem but it’s wise to check them every one to two years. Routine inspections keep you informed of impending future repairs while allowing you time to plan for replacement parts and financing if it’s going to be a big project. This would also be a good time to check the wiring to be sure it’s up-to-date for your area.
Our team is familiar with Georgia’s building codes and the US electrical regulations. This helps the project move along smoothly. Here are a few of the things we look at to ensure quality workmanship is achieved on each project no matter how big or small:
- Current materials and supplies meet code regulations and safety
- Updated wiring and replace pumps only if necessary
- Seasonal maintenance and service contracts available
- Affordable rates and competitive pricing for small and large projects
Before you start worrying about the cost of replacing your current well pump, call us to discuss your situation. We’ll take the time to locate the problem and fix it right the first time. Our team offers emergency services as well as scheduled maintenance that fits your busy lifestyle.
Should I Have a Solar Well Pump Installed?
Many homeowners are taking advantage of the savings offered by solar pumps for their water supply needs. Careful placement of the panels ensures optimal solar absorption for your home. This allows several gallons a minute to be pumped hundreds of feet to your residence. Ask our technicians about the various styles available to meet your needs.
Initially, the cost may seem high when installing the set-up but there is no longer a need for an external power source. This increases your savings over time because there are no continuous operating expenses after installation. The delivery lines go directly to the pump hundreds of feet below without unsightly utility poles. We’ll even work closely with you to ensure your system works with your current setup or upgrade the wiring as needed.
There are many other benefits to installing solar well pumps, such as:
- High power, low maintenance
- Commercial grade stainless steel materials
- Corrosion resistance
- Cheaper than installing lines in rural areas
- Easy to ship right to the residence
- Easy to clean
- Low-cost maintenance
- Quick installation
- Flexible scheduling options
Compare the benefits that each system offers and we’ll help you create an installation plan that fits your schedule. We’ll arrive on time, with all the equipment necessary to ensure quality workmanship and quick installations of your solar panels and wiring. In just hours, you can be enjoying uninterrupted water services at less the cost.
Should I Install a Backup Generator for my Well Pump?
Backup generators keep your well pumps from burning out and help reduce electrical surges that can overload the system. Our electricians have both small, manual generators and large, house-sized generators. Both styles run on natural gas or propane.
House-sized versions are usually automated. This means that when the power goes out, the generator automatically kicks in. Many generators work within the Internet of Things meaning you can access the unit from your phone wherever you are. Since there are many vacation homes in the area, this allows property owners to keep informed.
Whether you’re updating the property or designing new construction, our team will sit down with you to discuss your choices in detail. This ensures we understand your plans from the start. We offer:
- Various sizes and models
- Preventative maintenance and service options
- Budget-friendly payment options
- Convenient appointments
Since we work closely with our friends and neighbors, we understand the difficulty a power outage can cause, let us help you protect your home and property with a safely installed home generator. Don’t wait; call our office. We are here to answer any of your questions no matter how small the problem.
Our Pump Installation Services Deliver!
Whether you require pump installation services or help to design your new installation, our team is committed to providing the best customer service possible. We use quality materials that meet the highest standards. This ensures we meet US electrical regulations as well as the compliance codes for buildings in Georgia. If permits and documentation are necessary, our staff will take care of them.
Our commitment to the littlest details helps keep your projects moving along on schedule and reduces unexpected expenses. We work hard to make your problems easier to handle and quicker to solve by offering the following benefits to our clients:
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible scheduling
- Licensed and insured on-site electricians
- On-site diagnosis
- Retrofitting updated equipment to improve water delivery
- Up-to-date equipment and tools
Here at Grace Mountain Electric, we offer a variety of services designed to help you save money and make life easier. Make an appointment to talk with our specialists. We’ll show you how you can improve your older systems or show you how efficient a new solar pump can be. If you just need some minor maintenance or routine care, we can schedule the work to fit your timeframe.
Hours
Thursday 8:00AM – 5:00PM
| Monday | 8:00AM – 5:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM – 5:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM – 5:00PM |
| 8:00AM – 5:00PM | |
| Friday | 8:00AM – 5:00PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |