Solar Pumping Systems: Advantages and Disadvantages
Are you looking for a real-time water pumping solution? A solar pumping system is undoubtedly your best solution. Generally speaking, pumps are applicable in various industries, including agriculture and the energy sector. This impeccable water supply system also comes in handy when dealing with water retrieval from wells, filtering water from aquariums, and pond filtering.
Unfortunately, most of us know little or nothing about this marvelous work of art. Furthermore, most of us are accustomed to diesel-fuelled systems, which, frankly, are overwhelmingly expensive and highly challenging to maintain. Currently, access to a safe, sustainable water supply is the talk of the day. Thus, it would be pretty helpful to learn some basics of solar powered water pumping systems.
Over the last decade, the solar sector has undergone drastic changes. As a result, the cost of photovoltaic panels, the source of power for this water supply system, has dropped significantly. Furthermore, the advent of cutting-edge technologies has fuelled the introduction of new techniques to improve the capabilities of solar pumping machines. As a result, any wise individual will certainly consider that the depth of solar pumping systems has also improved immensely. Therefore, you can count on this impeccable piece of machine for your water supply needs, even in arid off-grid areas that call for deep sources of groundwater.
Do you have any doubts regarding the viability of this impeccable technology? We understand that people always have reservations when dealing with a new product. This post will help you eliminate any doubts. Essentially, it answers critical questions concerning the workings of these solar water pumping systems and its advantages and disadvantages.
What are Solar Pumping Systems?
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Solar water pumps are a reasonably cutting-edge concept in the realm of water supply mechanics. Most of us have interacted with solar panels in one way or another. Solar panels are a popular sustainable source of electricity in residential and commercial premises, especially in areas that receive much sunlight. A solar pumping system is a simple structure whose sole purpose is to transfer water from one location to another.
The system consists of a solar panel to tap power from the sun, a water pump, and a solar pump inverter. Essentially, the system captures solar energy from the sun and converts it into AC electricity using cutting-edge advanced technology. The electric energy powers the solar water pump and enables it to transfer water from one place to another. If you reside in an area with minimal sunlight, it is advisable to invest in a single phase solar pump inverter with a small capacity of the solar pump.
The system generates its power using solar energy from the sun. As such, it is possible to use solar pumping systems in the most remote areas, including rivers, basins, and wells located in arid regions. However, you can easily connect the inverter to the primary power grid. Then, the solar pump inverter can use the mains electricity to get water from its source, for instance, a well, a dam, or a river.
Where Solar Pumping Systems can be used
As I mentioned earlier, solar powered pumping systems are an excellent alternative to traditional diesel-powered systems. Sadly, most people shy away from these environmentally friendly water supply systems. Since they are relatively new, most people are unsure whether they can use them for their intended application. Are you one of those people? Do you often wonder if a solar powered water pumping system can serve your specific needs?
Well, if you intend to pump water from one place to another, you can definitely use a solar powered pump. These technological marvels are applicable across countless applications, including;(here can add some photos that related with the following applications)
- Filling reservoirs,
- Supplying drinking water,
- Farm irrigation
- Supplying water for commercial use, for instance, in hotels
- Moving wastewater in sewage treatment plants
- Supplying water to construction sites or dewatering if water collects on the construction field
That being said, you have to note that there are two different types of solar-powered pumping systems. You can choose to invest in a submersible water pump or a surface water pump, depending on the project’s situation. For example, if you plan to farm and there is a river nearby or any other shallow water source, a surface solar water pump for irrigation will serve your needs. However, if you strictly rely on water from a well, you have to invest in a submersible pump.
The best way to choose the most appropriate solar pump system is to consider the amount of water you need daily. Determining the volume of water a solar pumping system needs to supply daily will help you calculate the amount of current the solar panels need to generate. However, as an experienced manufacturer, we understand that some of our customers are not fond of calculations or anything resembling mathematics. Consequently, it would be best to consult your local solar pump installation expert to answer such technical information.
Vokek is a professional solar pump inverters manufacturer in China(VOKEK is producing 3 phase solar pump controllers for ac pumps, and single phase solar pump controllers for ac pumps), VOKEK is well working with lots of professional overseas local partners in many markets, you could try to contact VOKEK if you want to install solar pumping systems for yourself or if you want to import solar pump drives from China to expand your solar business easier.
The Advantages of Solar Water Pumping Systems
Most people are not eager to invest in solar pumping machines because their initial cost is often higher compared to conventional water pumps in short term. However, any wise individual will look at the bigger picture in long term rather than the initial cost in short term. I can assure you that solar-powered systems are more advantageous in the long run compared to most other pumping systems. Here are some advantages of using solar pumping systems;
i. Solar pumping systems are versatile, and you can use them across a wide range of applications
Solar supply systems are highly versatile and applicable across various applications. Using these solar pumping systems, you can easily supply water for your livestock, drinking water, and irrigation, amongst other residential needs. It is also essential to remember that you don’t necessarily need an extra energy storage medium. This is because you can easily store the water for later use.
ii. It comes with control electronics that facilitate automatic operation
The second advantage of solar pumping systems is that you do not necessarily have to be present for them to function. It comes with a hybrid solar water pump controller, also known as a hybrid solar pump drive, that facilitates automatic operation. This feature is precious if you intend to install the water pumping system in an off-grid remote location. The controller is much more than an on and off switch. Vokek solar water pump inverters can automatically start to work when sunlight is strong and stop working when sunlight is weak in a dark time.
iii. It has low maintenance costs
Generally speaking, solar powered water pumping systems require less maintenance compared to traditional pumping systems. All you need to do is keep various components clean. Besides, this water supply system has no mobile parts. Therefore there are lesser chances of wear and tear over time. You only need to replace some solar water pump system components, such as the solar VFD inverter, to maintain the system’s efficiency after around 2-6 years (it depends on the quality of different brands of solar pump inverters and whether you use solar VFD inverter in the correct way).
iv. It minimizes the cost of electricity
There is a big chance that you will meet some of your energy needs using electric energy from your solar system. Obviously, how much you save on your electricity bill depends on the magnitude of your solar system. A more extensive system means you can pump and store more water at a time, so you don’t necessarily have to connect the solar pump drive to the mains electricity regularly.
v. It has low operating costs compared to traditional water pumping systems
I need you to envision a scenario where you are using a diesel-powered water pumping system. How much money would you spend on diesel daily? The situation is even worse because the cost of diesel has been rising steadily over the last couple of years. A solar pumping system primarily runs on sunlight. So, when using this incredible water pumping system, you will not have to worry about miscellaneous costs because sunlight is free and readily available.
vi. A solar pumping system is environmentally friendly
Solar-powered pumps run on renewable solar energy. As such, this incredible technology does not generate harmful pollutants that may harm the environment. The environmental friendliness of a solar powered water pumping system is arguably its most significant advantage.
Nowadays, weather patterns are becoming unpredictable due to massive environmental pollution. If we do not take the obligatory steps to remedy the situation by adopting solar energy in place of fossil fuels, agriculture will become more challenging and eventually lead to food shortages across the globe.
vii. It is more durable compared to traditional pumping systems such as diesel-powered pumping systems
Solar panels can last for more than two decades when subjected to frequent maintenance. Other key components, such as a solar AC pump controller, can last for 2-6 years normally, contingent on how well you take care of it and how you use it. Generally, a solar powered water pump system has a more extended lifetime than diesel-powered water supply systems, which are prone to corrosion.
The disadvantages of solar pump systems
i. It has a higher initial cost compared to traditional water pumping systems
As I indicated earlier, the initial price of a solar powered pump is relatively high compared to conventional pumps. The cost associated with the initial installation of a solar pump is undoubtedly its core disadvantage. Solar water supply systems are expensive because they comprise several components.
Components of a solar water pumping system include a solar water pump, solar pump controller, solar panels, and tubes. Understandably, it is not cheap to manufacture each of these components. However, it is best to consider that a solar pumping system is astonishingly pocket-friendly in the long run.
Any wise individual will also consider that the cost of solar is on a downward spiral whereas petrol price is sky-rocketing. Essentially, this means that the core disadvantage of a solar-powered water pumping system is diminishing each passing day. Do you want to invest in a cheap diesel-powered pumping system whose operating cost is on an upward spiral? I am inclined to believe that no individual in his right frame of mind will choose a diesel-powered pump over one that runs on free solar energy
i. Solar technology is primarily weather-dependent
Solar pumping systems can work in minimal sunlight conditions. Unfortunately, the system will not work if there is no sunlight for a couple of days. This is another disadvantage of a solar pump system. Solar technology is dependent on weather conditions. Fortunately, you can get rid of this disadvantage with a bit of planning. Here are some things you can do to avoid minor inconveniences associated with solar-powered systems:
1. Determine how and where to store water
Storing water during sunny days is a wise move. As I indicated earlier, solar pumping machines are dependent on the presence of sunlight. Unfortunately, the chances of receiving adequate sunlight on a daily basis are negligible. Therefore, it is advisable to store water during sunny days in a tank or any other form of storage. Then, if there is no sunlight for some days, you can use the stored water for your daily needs.
2. Define where the solar panels will be installed
The effectiveness of a solar pumping system is heavily dependent on the amount of solar energy that the solar panels can collect. Therefore, to attain maximum efficiency, you need to position the boards in a location free of any shades. When choosing an ideal location, you must consider that shade positions may change depending on the sun’s position. Thus, it would be best to install the panels in an open area to avoid any chances of excessive shading. You also need to ensure that the solar panels are as close as possible to minimize current loss.
3. You can use a generator or city power to power the solar pump inverter
If there you need to get the water urgently and there is no enough sunlight, take VOKEK solar pump inverter as an example, you can connect the solar pump drive with city power or generator to power the solar pump drive and get water from the water sources.
VOKEK has got you covered for all your solar pumping needs. However, please feel free to visit our website and leave a comment if you have any queries pertaining to our products and services. Our experienced and dedicated customer support team will get back to you with all answers concerning solar pumping systems/inverters. We are a leading solar product manufacturer in China, welcome to contact us to get more details.
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