Agriculture uses 70% of all freshwater withdrawals globally on average, with an even higher share of "consumptive water use." Even in places where it rains frequently, a secondary source of water supply is vital for carrying out day-to-day activities, including agriculture and cattle rearing. The water does not all stay where it falls. A significant percentage evaporates and is blown away by the wind to other areas. Rivers and streams carry some of the water away. A significant quantity is absorbed by the soil and flows into underground streams.
However, with solar water pumps, this water can be effectively utilised. It can be pumped to the surface using sufficiently powerful electric pumps. That said, it is also important to understand that pumps consume a considerable quantity of electricity, which is expensive.
Solar Water Pumps
A solar pump is made up of a series of solar panels that are arranged so that they get the most solar energy during the day. A solar panel is attached to the solar pump. Solar panels turn the light from the Sun into electricity, which is used to convert the radiant energy from the Sun into electrical energy. This type of energy is known as renewable or green energy because it saves money and helps the environment by reducing pollution.
Components Of A Solar Pump
A solar water pump consists of a water storage tank, electrical wires, a breaker/fuse box, a DC water pump, a solar charge controller (MPPT), and a solar panel array.
They must be found where there's a risk of nausea from trees, buildings, elevated tanks, or other impediments. Given the significant benefits received, the initial investment in the equipment is extremely cheap. The array of solar panels, also known as a photovoltaic array, is one of the components that must be placed.
Working Of A Solar Pump
In most cases, no connection to the power company's grid or batteries is necessary for this type of installation. A controller device is used to make the most of the energy produced by the panel. A submerged pump is installed inside the well so that it maintains contact with the water and continues to operate as long as the well is filled with water.
Maintenance expenses are modest, and operation costs are nearly zero, irrespective of the size of the setup. The system must be built to take into account the amount of water available throughout the year, the volume of water required to irrigate the surface, and a shadow-free region in which to install the panels.
The solar pump is a wonderful technique for providing water to isolated locations that is both environmentally and socially beneficial. As a result, it is always the least expensive option.
Remote areas often rely on diesel engines and human resources for water supply. Traditional water pumps are being replaced by solar water pumps, which have several advantages, including weather and socioeconomic advantages. The most common uses for these pumps are reservoirs and irrigation systems.
To achieve optimum efficiency at the lowest feasible cost, all of these aspects necessitate a professional analysis.
As the sun rises, it shines on the panels, causing them to initially generate energy in modest amounts. Still, as the day progresses, the amount of power generated increases as the sun rays strike the panels at a more perpendicular angle. When there is less electricity, the submerged pump, either a centrifugal or a volumetric pump, is designed to run at a slower speed and gradually raise the operating speed until it reaches its maximum rhythm at midday in the evening.
When the energy produced by the panels is insufficient, the pump's speed lowers until it stops. During cloudy days, the entire system adjusts automatically, so the pump's capacity is used to varying degrees depending on the amount of sunshine available.
When sun’s rays fall on the Solar panels, the rays are converted into electrical energy by silicon wafers that are mounted within the PV panels. The solar energy is then sent to the electrical motor, which operates the pumping system through wires. The pump begins to gather up water and supply it to the fields/tanks by turning the shaft that is attached to it.
This is essentially how a solar pump system operates.
Solar pumps are used in areas where grid electricity is unavailable and alternative energy sources (particularly wind power) are insufficient. The solar-powered water pump can transport water to areas without power cables. This can be seen in aeration, pond filtration, aquarium filtration, and well pumps, to name a few.
Types of solar pumps
There are many different types of solar pumps. However, the most common ones are listed below:
Submersible Solar Pumps
Surface Solar Pumps
DC Solar Pumps
AC Solar Pumps
Advantages Of solar Water Pumps
The following are some of the benefits of solar pumps:
Multifaceted
Solar water pumps have a wide range of uses, including extracting water for humans, animals, and plants; farming; irrigation; and, last but not least, generating power. Solar water pumps use a simple, dependable mechanism that does not require user maintenance.
The elimination of reliance on an external power source is one of the significant breakthroughs in solar water pumping. Solar water pumps convert sunshine into electricity, allowing the sun and solar panels to work together to produce the electricity needed to pump water from hundreds of feet underground.
Cheaper source of energy
It necessitates minimal upkeep and has a cheap cost of operation. Also, solar systems do not require any fuel. So it is cost-effective in a lot of ways. On the other hand, solar water pumps are a once-in-a-lifetime investment that pays off handsomely. It's no surprise that they're also capable of replacing common domestic well pumps!
Readily available
Solar pumps are based on the solar energy produced. And solar energy is a renewable source of energy from the sun. India has a huge solar energy-producing capacity, and therefore, solar-based instruments can easily be used here and are readily available.
Upgradation and Maintenance
Solar water pumps simply require a short wash/scrub once or twice a year to maintain peak performance. These pumps have a highly reliable pumping mechanism that is easily changed in the field. These devices can effectively pump thousands of gallons of water without requiring any maintenance.
Efficient and Durable
If you've been fortunate enough to get your hands on the greatest photovoltaic water pumping system, you can rest assured that you'll get more than 20 years of reliable and consistent service. Currently, the majority of solar modules on the market come with a two-decade warranty and an average functional life of more than 30 years.
Miscellaneous Advantages
Apart from these, there are other advantages to a solar water pump.
The solar pump is simple to set up.
Solar water pumps are lightweight and portable.
It does not necessitate the use of conventional utility power.
It can be used in rural regions as well.
It is quite durable and performs well.
They are well-designed.
Long life expectancy
They are simple to maintain and operate.
Installation is simple.
These pumps are good for the environment.
Solar pumps are widely used throughout the world. These pumps are becoming increasingly popular due to their low cost and compatibility.
WAAREE 450W 144 Cells Mono PERC Solar Module
It's the most reliable and upgraded crack-tolerant 9BB module available. The Split Junction Box decreases power losses by 1/4 and is PID resistant, ensuring long-term dependability.
It can withstand high winds and snow loads (2400 pa and 5400 pa). The glass has an anti-reflective coating that improves light transmission and is resistant to salt mist, ammonia, and hail.
It has a 12-year product warranty as well as a 27-year power output warranty.
It is one of the best solar water pumps and is a good start for someone thinking about the same.
Wrapping Up
Learn more about this and their other products on their website. And take a step towards preserving the environment with Waaree, India's largest solar panel manufacturing company. It is an integrated solar company with everything related to solar, right from solar inverters, batteries, and many more.