Solar water pumps can supply water to locations which are beyond the reach of power lines. Commonly, such places relay on human or animal power or on diesel engines for their water supply Solar water pumps can replace the current pump systems and result in both social and economic benefits as well as climate related benefits. The water supplied by the solar water pump can be used to irrigate crops, water livestock or provide potable drinking water.
A solar water pump system is essentially an electrical pump system in which the electricity is provided by one or several PhotoVoltaic (PV) panels. A typical solar powered pumping system consists of a solar panel array that powers an electric motor, which in turn powers a bore or surface pump. The water is often pumped from the ground or stream into a storage tank that provides a gravity feed, so energy storage is not needed for these systems.
Pumping Technology
Solar - Advantage
- Low maintenance
- No fuel costs or spills
- Easy to install
- Simple and reliable
- Unattended operation
- System can be made to be mobile
Solar - Disadvantage
- Potentially high initial costs
- Lower output in cloudy weather
- Must have good sun exposure between 9 AM and 3 PM
Diesel or Gas - Advantage
- Moderate capital costs
- Can be portable
- Extensive experience available
- Easy to install
Diesel or Gas - Disadvantage
- Needs maintenance and replacement
- Maintenance often inadequate, reducing lifetime of system
- Fuel often expensive and supply intermittent
- Noise, dirt and fume problems
- Site visits necessary