Solar Water Pumps
Utilising powerful solar panels, solar water pumps are powered by the sun and create a personal water supply away from mains power, even in very remote locations. As a professional Electrical Contractor and CEC Accredited Designer and Installer, we specialise in the installation and maintenance of renewable energy pumping systems. Using leading brands, our quality equipment can be installed off-grid or grid-connected, depending on your requirements. Either way, we’ll provide the optimal solution for your budget and project.
What is a solar water pump?
Solar electric water pumps are powered by electricity generated from the sunlight. They consist of three main parts: solar panels, a pump and a system controller. These components work together to transport water from the source, which could be deep underground, to various locations.
How do solar water pumps work?
Solar pressure pumps use solar panels, which are mounted on frames (or posts if fewer panels are required), to collect sunlight and power the motors that transport the water through the pump.
Power is fed into a control unit which ensures the correct voltage is going to the motor to operate the pump. A pressure switch tells the pump if water is required, turning the pump on and off accordingly. The pump sends water through the attached pipework using nothing but the power of the sun!
This process of using solar for water pumps provides consistent, renewable energy for industries operating in very remote areas, particularly mine sites. Not only do they generate electricity and pump water without producing carbon emissions or damaging the natural landscape, but they also ensure that mining sites have a large supply of water that can be used for environmental control and also hydrogeological monitoring. Without water, miners cannot extract vital minerals efficiently in a dust-free environment.
Types of Solar Water Pumps
There are several different types of solar powered pumps:
Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are designed to be fully submerged in water, allowing them to pump liquid from large bodies of water and push it upwards into the pump system. There are many widely-used types of submersible water pumps, including solar powered bore pumps, bladder pumps and deep well pumps. Lowara pumps and Tsurumi pumps are some of the top submersible pumps for pumping both clean and contaminated water to and from large rural sites.
Surface Pumps
Surface pumps do the opposite to submersible pumps: they pump water from the surface, rather than the depths, of a body of water. They work best when mounted in shallow waters, and the most popular types include centrifugal and direct current pumps.
Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps use impellers to create rotational energy and propel liquid through the pump. They’re able to move water quickly and efficiently through the system. The main types of centrifugal pump are radial flow pumps, axial flow pumps and mixed flow pumps, depending on the water’s direction. Grundfos pumps are some of the most reliable and high-quality centrifugal pumps on the market.
Direct Current (DC) Pumps
Surface pumps do the opposite to submersible pumps: they pump water from the surface, rather than the depths, of a body of water. They work best when mounted in shallow waters, and the most popular types include centrifugal and direct current pumps.
What are some of the main uses of solar water pumps?
Mining
Energy sources for remote worksites like mines are frequently unreliable, but solar water pumps use sunlight, a consistent and renewable energy source, to supply them. They’re also a green alternative to other water and electricity sources, helping to offset the pollution caused by mines. They’re able to pump water at high pressures to meet extraction demands and help reduce overall energy costs.
Commercial
Many businesses choose solar-powered pumps over traditional water supply services because they’re cleaner and more efficient. They require less maintenance, reduce energy costs and guarantee water for businesses that need it to function, particularly those in more rural locations.
Agricultural
Water is often an issue for farmers who require a reliable and clean supply, and solar pressure pumps are the answer! They ensure that no polluted water is used to feed crops or livestock, as well as keeping irrigation functional and creating a bountiful rural water supply.
FAQs
What are solar water pumps used for?
Solar water pumps are used to carry water to more remote rural areas, particularly those that require a large and continuous water supply. They can move large amounts of water between locations and continue pumping more water from the source as needed. This water is typically used in mines, on farms, and by some large businesses.
Why are solar pumps good for mining?
Mining sites are rural, so access to electricity is often limited. Solar powered pumps ensure that these remote sites have a high-pressure supply of water that can be used to monitor hydrogeology, reduce costs of pumping water, and ensure regular supply. Using solar for water pumps is also a way of off-setting the environmental impact that mining has on rural landscapes, thanks to their clean, green energy source.
How do solar pressure pumps generate energy?
Solar-powered pressure pumps use sunlight to generate energy. Solar panels absorb the sun’s rays and they are converted into electricity that powers the pump’s motor. When the motor is moving, it pumps water out of its source and pushes it through pipes to its destination.
How long do solar pumps last?
Solar water pumps typically last between 10 and 20 years, though with regular maintenance and proper care, it’s not unusual for them to last up to 30 years. Their lifespans are usually determined by the quality of their materials, where they’re located, and whether or not they were installed by professionals.
