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Solar Submersible Pumps
Access Water Anywhere
Solar submersible pump systems enable water to be pumped from wells or boreholes in remote rural locations.
Taking advantage of the natural relationship between the availability of solar energy and the need for water, solar powered pumps provide maximum water flow when it's needed most.
Solar borehole pump systems are increasingly cost-effective, due to the recent rise in energy costs coinciding with the worldwide decrease in solar photovoltaic module prices.
The Advantages of Solar Water Pumping
The benefits of solar powered pumps are numerous - as such, they have become a popular choice for a wide range of remote agricultural, commercial, and residential applications.
- Choice of location and water source : a solar submersible pump can be located almost anywhere, enabling water extraction from wells, boreholes, streams, rivers & lakes.
- Cost-effectiveness over time : solar borehole pumps eliminate the need for grid electricity or fuel, resulting in significant cost savings over time. Once installed, they have low operational costs and require minimal maintenance.
- Lower infrastructure costs : running mains cables to the borehole site can be extremely costly, especially if the distance from the nearest grid supply is significant.
- High reliability and low maintenance : solar borehole pumps are designed to be reliable and durable, requiring minimal maintenance. They can operate in remote areas and provide a constant water supply even in situations with inconsistent grid supply or power outages.
- Environmental advantages : solar borehole pumps use renewable energy from the sun, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon emissions. They provide a sustainable and environmentally-friendly solution for water supply.
A submersible pump has significant advantages over a standard surface pump. They are quieter, more efficient, less prone to freezing, more resistant to storms & flooding and require no manual priming.
Applications of Solar Submersible Pump Systems
Solar powered pumps are a game-changer for remote water supply in remote areas where access to electricity may be limited.
Off-grid pumping systems are also being increasingly used in agriculture. These pumps provide a reliable and independent water supply, eliminating the need for grid electricity or fuel-powered pumps.
- Remote Drinking Water Supply - vast numbers of the world's population live off-grid, solar powered pumps can be a truly vital resource.
- Crop Irrigation - Farmers and Homeowners can save significant fuel or electricity costs using the power of the sun.
- Livestock / Cattle Watering - Solving cattle watering challenges in remote rural locations
- Water Transfer / Abstraction - Move water wherever needed, no grid supply required.
Components of a Solar Submersible Pump System
Solar borehole pump systems consist of several key components that work together to provide a reliable water supply.
- Solar pv panels - the number and rated power of the solar array depend on the water demand and available sunlight.
- Submersible Pump - draws water from the well or borehole and delivers it to the desired location, generally a storage tank.
- Pump Controller - regulates the voltage from the solar pv array and ensure efficient operation of the pump system. Controllers also include features such as dry run protection and automatic shut-off.
High Efficiency DC Submersible Pumps Produce More Water
For any given amount of power, the higher the efficiency of the submersible pump, the more water will be pumped. Therefore a high efficiency pump is critical to maximise return on investment and to minimise the size of the solar pv array.
In most solar water pumping systems, batteries are not utilized; instead, it's more efficient to store the water in a raised tank for on-demand use.
Not all solar borehole pumps are created equal.
Lorentz, a German pump manufacturer, produces a variety of highly efficient DC powered pumps and controllers that are specially made to be operated by solar PV panels.
Lorentz pumps use brushless DC motors, eliminating the need for costly and inefficient AC inverters. Lorentz pump motors are also free of electronics, as the motor is controlled by the system controller, which results in higher reliability. In comparison to some other manufacturers products - Lorentz pumping systems can often deliver twice as much water for the same amount of power.
The amount of water delivered from a solar borehole pump depends on solar irradiation levels, size of the solar pv array, the capacity of the pump, the depth of the borehole / lift height, and the rate of re-filling. The use of a pipe with a smooth interior wall also reduces resistance to the water flow, and thus increases flow rates.
Choosing the Right Pump for Your Needs
Choosing the right pump for your needs involves various factors such as the depth of the borehole, water demand, and specific application requirements.
- Depth of the Borehole: If you have a deep borehole, a helical pump is recommended as it can draw water from greater depths. If the borehole is shallow, a centrifugal pump is more suitable.
- Water Demand: Consider the daily volume of water needed for your specific application, including seasonal variations. This will determine the size and capacity of the pump required.
- Borehole Diameter: The diameter of the borehole is important as it determines the size of the pump that can be installed. Measure the diameter of the borehole to ensure compatibility with the chosen pump.
- Application Requirements: Consider the specific requirements of your application, such as irrigation, livestock drinking, or water transfer. This will help determine the type of pump and how it is controlled.
At the EDC we supply complete off-grid solar powered pumping systems, designed to meet your exact requirements. We are authorised UK sales and service partners for the German engineering company, Lorentz - the world's leading submersible solar pump manufacturers.
For full details regarding the pump systems that we supply, please visit our online catalogue & web store where you can find prices, data sheets and user manuals. Lorentz Solar Pump section here.
If you would like us to size and cost a pumping system for your exact application, please complete our solar pump enquiry form (see below), which provides us with the information we need to advise. Please note that we only currently supply pumps to areas that we can realistically support (primarily to the UK & Europe).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Solar Borehole Pumps Operate at Night?
Solar borehole pumps require sunlight to generate electricity, so they cannot operate at night. However, some systems can be equipped with a battery storage solution to store excess solar power during the day and use it during the night.
What Is the Lifespan of a Solar Borehole Pump?
The lifespan of a solar borehole pump depends on various factors, including the quality of the components, regular maintenance, and proper installation. With proper maintenance and care, a solar borehole pump can last for more than 20 years.
