Blog
Guidance note on the use of solar pumping
Rationale for the use of solar PV pumping solutions The factors mentioned in section 1.2 make conditions ripe for solar pumping to be considered as a default option for water provision in places with medium to high levels of solar irradiation (4–8 kWh/m2), especially in off-grid locations, long-term camp...
Water pumps
Pumps are rated in flow (m3/hr) and head (m) and are connected to an electrical motor that is rated in kilowatts (kW). The motor draws power from the source (solar PV generator in this case) and drives the pump to deliver water. Solar pumps can be broadly sorted into...
SPWS concept and revolution
The benefits of solar-powered water systems (SPWSs) cannot be overempha- sized: simple, reliable, durable, modular, and low maintenance. In SPWSs, the solar energy is coupled directly to power an electric pump motor through a solar controller. The electric pump can be either a surface pump, submersible pump, DC pump,...
Factors influencing the renewed interest in solar PV water pumping
Solar pumping is not a new technology, with projects traced as far back as the late 1970s. While the possibilities of powering pumps with solar energy attracted a lot of interest initially, this faded away quickly, and it is only in recent years that a wide range of stakeholders...
Purchasing Solar Pumping Equipment
Quality of products Once the daily water requirements are known, the design, purchasing and installation, testing and training of users will be either done by the project implementing organization or a hired knowledgeable contractor depending on the level of expertise available. However all this tasks should be clearly indicated...
Storing energy for getting water beyond the solar day:
In circumstances where energy has to be stored, batteries are expensive and might need high maintenance. While battery technology has evolved rapidly in recent times and they come with lower maintenance and longer lifespans, they come with other challenges related to higher costs,...
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar PV Water Pumping Schemes
Advantages Low Operation costs since fuel is not needed and system run on sunlight No dependency on erratic or expensive fuel chain supply (avoid also the risk of fuel theft) Low regular maintenance requirements since solar panels and invertors have no moving parts No pollution or noise produced Extended...
