Turn on the tap, and the water flows. That is the normal method of operation in most city and rural communities.
Whether water is supplied by municipal lines or if you have your own well, getting power to the pump to supply that water is relatively easy. But what if you have a need to pump water where there are no power lines?
Cattle ranchers have historically fallen into this category. While allowing the cattle to roam a long distance to feed, natural water sources are sparse. Therefore, it is necessary to create a water source. Traditionally, this would require a generator at the location of the well, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Enter a new age of renewable energy...
By using solar technology, supplying power to a motor to produce water now becomes more cost-effective than ever.
Using just 4-6 solar panels between 300-400 watts, you can get 3-10 gallons per minute of water. This makes for a small footprint for the system but can create a huge impact by providing water to very remote areas. Not only can this technology have an impact on cattle farming, but can also provide water for other uses:
Generating water for remote cabins for camping or off-grid living.
Small-scale remote irrigation for crop production
There are many advantages to the use of solar panels and pumps. Solar pump systems are….
Environmentally friendly.
Solar pump systems have a very small carbon footprint, especially when compared to generators. The water can help plant and wildlife thrive and the panels can provide protection from the elements.
Low maintenance.
As they don’t need constant intervention to supply fuel, solar pump systems require very little maintenance and interaction. The panels require a periodic cleaning to help maintain a high efficiency, but most systems can go long periods of time without any intervention at all.
Reliable to work, even in cloudy conditions.
Solar panels work when the sun is bright, and the skies are clear. While the clouds may reduce the amount of solar energy getting to the panel, the light they do collect is converted to energy to produce water.
There are a couple of disadvantages as well.
Higher up-front costs.
The initial cost of the panels can be a deterrent. However, technology has increased the capability of the panels and mass production has brought the price of these panels down considerably over the years. New advances in technology continue reducing initial costs. The value in bringing water production to very remote areas will have a long-term impact with the overall cost greatly reduced from other methods of power generation.
Only works when the sun is up.
While the panels can only collect sunlight when there is sunlight, the pump is off during the night. However, with the addition of a tank, water collection can be handled during daylight hours making water available throughout the night.
With the increased investment into solar energy collection, power can be more available than ever before. Long, expensive trips to the gas station to keep a generator running can be a thing of the past. With accessibility and convenience in mind, solar pump systems provide a huge advantage for professional or personal activities in remote areas.
Delco Western has an intimate knowledge of solar pumps, panels, and equipment to support your project. With the SQFlex from Grundfos, we can help design and provide a system to meet your needs.
Contact us today to help with your remote water needs.
Until next time!
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