Solar powered water pumps could be saving you a good amount of money. If you frequently use a water pump you, but the running costs are bothering you, consider a solar model. Solar-powered water pumps are reliable and affordable. You don’t need to be limited to traditional devices anymore. Most things you use have a solar-powered alternative available. Switching to solar has never been easier! In this article, I share what a solar-powered water pump is. You’ll read more about how they work, their benefits, and how they compare to electric and diesel models.
What Is A Solar Powered Water Pump?
There are a few types of water pumps available, namely solar-, diesel-, and electric water pumps. All of them work with different power sources. Water pumps have the job of pumping water from one place to a new one. The most common places you’ll find them are boreholes, irrigation systems, and ponds. They use electricity, diesel, or solar power to create a stream. This stream puts pressure on the large water mass, which causes it to move to the desired location.
Diesel and electric water pumps have become expensive because of the high input costs. They may be cheaper to install, but the running costs of diesel and electricity can get very high. Engineers have come together to create a much more efficient replacement for these expensive-to-use options. Solar water pumps have become a trendy substitute with many benefits. Solar-powered water pumps work with electricity that doesn’t come from the grid. They work with solar power that gets harvested from the sun’s rays.
How Solar Powered Water Pumps Work
They work like all the other types of water pumps. The only difference between them is their source of power. Solar water pumps work with solar panels, an inverter, and a battery. The solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells that work hard during the day. The PV cells absorb all the energy they can from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
The energy gets transferred in a direct current (DC) to the battery. The battery is where the energy gets saved for future use. It gets used when the sun isn’t available, like at night. Everyday appliances and anything electrical can’t work with the DC power that comes from the solar panels. The electricity gets transferred from the battery to the inverter, which converts it to an alternating current (AC).
The power that comes through the inverter creates a stream that puts pressure on the water. The force moves the water from one point to another.
The Pros and Cons of Solar Powered Water Pumps
The Pros of Solar Pumps
Eco-friendly: The environmental impact of solar-powered devices is a significant advantage compared to other options. There are no fossil fuels that get burned that pollute the air.
No running costs: The energy harvested from the sun is completely free, so there are no extra costs involved.
Less maintenance: Machinery with many moving parts requires a lot of care. Solar water pumps have no moving parts that can get damaged or broken.
Longer lifetime: Solar panels have a very long lifetime. They don’t have to be replaced for as long as 20 to 30 years.
Independent: Solar appliances always work, even during power outages and fuel shortages. They don’t depend on electricity from the grid or fuel supply.
The Cons of Solar Pumps
Higher initial cost: The most significant disadvantage of solar water pumps is the cost of installing them. It can be costly at the beginning and may not feel like it’s worth it.
Higher chance of theft: Solar panels are a major criminal attraction, and you can’t hide them. You may lure some thieves to your property, but this disadvantage isn’t exclusive to solar water pumps.
Solar Powered Pumps vs. Traditional Water Pumps
| Solar-Powered Water Pump | Traditional Water Pump |
| You can use your solar water pump whenever the sun shines. If you have a battery pack, you can use it at night or on cloudy days too. | Traditional water pumps rely on electricity or diesel. When you don’t have access to their power source, they won’t work. |
| Running a solar water pump is cheaper than keeping a traditional one going. These pumps use a free power source and require less maintenance. | Electric and diesel water pumps have a high running cost. Both these power sources cost a lot of money. |
| Solar power is eco-friendly. Your solar water pump is better for the environment. | Electric and diesel water pumps contribute to air pollution. |
| Solar water pumps can drain your budget during the initial investment. You’ll have to purchase quality solar panels, batteries, and an inverter which are all costly. | Traditional water pumps cost less to install since they don’t have additional parts. |
Are Solar Water Pumps Worth The Money?
I believe solar water pumps are worth every penny your spend. Compared to traditional ones, you get more for your money. While the initial cost of these is higher, the benefits outweigh this con.
Whether buying one for the first time or deciding on a water pump replacement, going solar is always a good idea. Purchasing a good quality pump comes with many advantages. You’ll save the money you initially spent on your solar water pump within the first years of use. Reducing your carbon footprint is also an excellent reason to invest in these models.
Compared to traditional water pumps, solar models last longer and are more efficient. You won’t have to worry that this pump will let you down when the grid power is off, making them more reliable. If you live in an area where sunny days are the norm, there’s no reason to not invest in a solar water pump.
Before Going
Water pumps using solar power offer benefits that traditional models can’t just like how making your own solar panels can provide benefits that factory made panels cannot. While you might pay more when buying a solar-powered water pump, it’ll save you money over time and prove its worth. Traditional water pumps using grid electricity or diesel have failed owners numerous times. The chances of this happening with your solar-powered model is slim!
I suggest visiting a solar shop for the best deals on these water pumps. If they don’t have any on the floor, they’ll likely know where you can get one. If you already own a solar-powered water pump or found this article helpful, let me know in the comments! Any questions are also welcome.
