Solar-powered water pumps are powered by solar panels which derive the energy to pump water by conversion of sunlight to electric energy. The pump is driven by the electricity produced by Photovoltaic panels by collecting sunlight.
The price of a water pump is determined by several specifications like; the flow rate, installation depth, horsepower, and type of solar-powered pump employed. There are several water pumps in the market today but we’ll major on the solar-powered water pumps.
A solar water pump has got numerous components which include;
Solar panels – there are two commonly known solar technologies which are Solar thermal and concentrated solar energy that works differently than photovoltaicsolar panels although they are all used to convert sunlight to electrical energy.
Solar batteries –the batteries store the charge produced by the panels in the presence of sunlight hence ensuring that the system is working with or without sunlight.
Converters – these convert DC power to AC hence are of high performance in cloudy or dark weathers, giving a backup in cases of no sunlight.
Water pump – this enables the rise of water to the facility.
The most important factors to consider when choosing a solar-powered water pump are the cost, maintenance, operation, and installation. Solar pumps offer enormous socio-economic and environmental advantages at the national and agricultural levels where they help stabilize, increase and diversify agricultural production. Generally, diesel pumps have low initial investment and installation costs but high operation and maintenance costs, unlike the solar water pump which is the vice verse. Nowadays, due to the worldwide energy crisis, the world is developing renewable energies and Solar powered pumps are therefore the most efficient environmentally friendly pumps hence explaining the high solar pump prices in Kenya. Despite the high cost, solar water pumps can be used for many years which is a big save in the long run
There are four types of solar-powered water pumps which are;
- Submersible solar pumps
They lift water to a depth of 650ft and can install in large wells.
- Surface Solar Pumps
They do not pump water from deep wells as they only lift to 200ft.
- DC Solar pump
This has an electric motor that uses DC hence requires no battery or inverter.
- AC Solar pumps
Uses an electric motor that works with alternating current, helped by an inverter.
There are several advantages and disadvantages of Solar-powered water pumps. The advantages are; they are easy to use and maintain, they are simple to install, have high durability and performance, work without fuel, and are environmentally friendly. They are disadvantageous in that they have a high price, their output varies on the weatherconditions, they require water storage tanks and batteries among others.
In conclusion, using solar energy to pump out water for different uses either at home or in different facilities is a great option. Solar-powered water pumps are the best energy conservers available in the market today. One should choose these over diesel-powered water pumps for efficiency.
