Why Solar Pumps for Dams Are Important
If you’ve ever lived somewhere in a big city in a first-world country, you’ve probably never given
a second thought as to where that fresh, clean water of yours is drawn for. Ah, the benefits of
fully developed infrastructure and an electrical grid!
Unfortunately, for those living in developing countries or even out in the sticks, sources of clean
water are difficult to come by. It’s not just for the purposes of drinking either. In fact, about 70%
of the water we use is actually meant for crops. That number increases to 80% for
underdeveloped countries where agriculture is the primary means of survival!
With all this in mind, it’s important to consider the effect this has on the environment. Water
usage necessitates the use of a dam, which in turn necessitates the use of a pump, which –
finally – requires power to function. And the more power we use, the more damage we do to our
environment.
And that is why solar water pumps are so important.
What is a solar pump?
Put simply, solar pumps are a type of water pump that uses solar energy to function and
operate. Rays from the sun are absorbed (or, rather, collected) by solar panels, which then
provide the direct current for the pump to function. It’s simple in theory, really, but there are a
few key components of solar water pumps that you should be aware of.
Solar Panels: These are the devices that are responsible for collecting photons from the sun’s
rays and converting them into usable energy. It is this energy that provides the pump with its
direct current, which is then turned into an alternating current through an inverter.
Inverter: This device transforms the direct current (DC) into an alternating current (AC), the
latter of which is what water pumps run on.
Water Pump Motor: This device collects the water from its source, such as a dam, which can
then be used for a variety of purposes.
Pipes: We all know what these do; they’re responsible for transporting the water from the
source to wherever it needs to go.
Water Tank: This is a simple container within which water can be stored for a later date.
Controllers: These are what regulate and—you guessed it—control the flow of water. They can
be used to maximize water delivery (which we’ll discuss shortly) and even protect the water
pump from damage.
How far can a solar water pump push water?
If you’re using a solar water pump for your local or municipal dam, it can probably be safely
assumed that you’re using some heavy-duty, high-grade equipment! In that case, you’re looking
at around 700 meters, give or take, to which the pump can push water on its own before the
pressure falls off completely.
However, smaller pumps may struggle to reach that far. A small 150 W pump can only reach
about 65 meters before the pressure stops. The good news is, however, that even these small
pumps are able to lift the water fairly high, up to around 20 meters above it.
Naturally, these estimates will vary depending on the specific topography surrounding your
pump and the type of solar pump you use. In general, submersible pumps are much more
powerful but require a lot more effort (and a 1000-foot hole!) to install. On the other hand,
surface pumps lack the oomph of submersibles but are relatively easy to set up.
What are the benefits of solar water pumps?
Though solar water pumps may seem like nothing more than another solar-powered gimmick,
these devices do, in fact, have a wide variety of benefits that are worth considering if you need
to pump water from your dam.
Sustainability: Obviously, the number one benefit of solar water pumps is their sustainability.
After all, solar power is a renewable source of energy and does not harm the environment!
Economical: Though the initial set-up cost of a solar water pump (i.e., the equipment and
components) is still high, the money you save in maintenance costs will really add up in the long
run!
Useful in Rural Areas, such as mine sites: Solar water pumps work even without being
hooked up to an electrical grid, making them particularly useful in remote areas!
Easy to Install (and Maintain): While the cost of the individual components may be high, there
aren’t very many of them, and you can easily install and maintain your solar water pump all by
yourself!
Conclusion
Hopefully, by now, you’re convinced of the benefits and capabilities of solar water pumps. If
you’re living in a less developed or rural area, these nifty solar-powered devices should be a no-
brainer, especially if you’re using them near a dam! With how easy they are to set up and
maintain, what have you got to lose?
