Definition: Solar pump is a pump (Gadget for lifting liquid from low level to high level) that utilizes solar energy which is converted into electrical energy through photovoltaic panels.
Types of Solar Pumps
The following are commonly used types of solar pumps.
- Submersible Solar Pumps: These pumps are used where the depth of water is more than 10 meters and the suction head of the pump cannot be large. Such pumps are put in bore wells and remain immersed in water.
- Surface Pumps: These pumps are installed on the surface where the suction head is less than 10 meters. Such pumps can be installed and maintained easily.
- DC Pump: These pumps are driven by dc motors which although has better efficiency and torque but is expensive and difficult to maintain. Such pumps are less in use.
- AC Pump + Inverter: These are commonly used pumps as the motor used is an ac motor that is commonly available and is cost-effective. The dc generated from the solar panels is inverted to feed the ac motor.
Solar Pump Applications
Agricultural Irrigation
Most farmlands and farms do not have convenient water and electricity sources. The solar water pump solves this problem very well. It liberated the hands of thousands of farmers and greatly improved the efficiency of agriculture. At present, large agricultural countries (Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) use solar water pumps in large quantities.
Livestock Watering
Like farmland, farms are generally remote and without electricity and water. This is a headache for farmers. Solar water pumps (especially low-power solar water pumps) solve this problem very well. What’s more, the solar water pump doesn’t work at night, and the animals don’t need to drink water at night. Solar water pumps are popular with farmers in Australia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and other countries.
Solar Fountain / Areator
The solar fountain is mainly landscape in many areas. However, few people know that people also use fountains to oxygenate fish ponds and pools.
Off-grid Household Water
More and more people are now pursuing environmental protection, returning to green living, and leaving the grid. At this time, the water source has become a problem that must be solved. People use surface pumps to get water from ponds and rivers. Some people also use submersible pumps to obtain groundwater.
Bottom Line
With solar energy, we will make the earth a better and better place. I believe that in the future, we will have better clean energy technology. There will be more and more applications such as solar water pumps, solar energy storage, solar air conditioners, and solar water heaters.