AC Solar Inc.

What can solar water pumping be used for?

Domestic Water

Solar pumps are used for private homes, villages, medical clinics, etc.  A water pump can be powered by its own PV array, or by an main system that powers lights and appliances.  An elevated storage tank may be used, or a second pump called a booster pump can provide necessary water pressure.  The main battery system can also provide storage instead of a tank.  To design a system, one must view the whole picture and consider all the resources.

Livestock Watering

Cattle ranchers are enthusiastic users of solar pumps.  Their water sources are scattered over vast rangeland where power lines are few and costs of transport and maintenance are high.  Some ranchers use solar pumps to distribute water through several miles (over 5 km) of pipelines.  Others use portable systems, and move them from one water source to another.

Irrigation

Solar pumps are used on small farms, orchards, vineyards and gardens.  It is most economical to power the pump directly from the PV array, store water in a tank, and then distribute it by gravity flow.  Where pressurizing is required, storage batteries stabilize the voltage for consistent flow and distribution, and may eliminate the need for a storage tank.  Batteries also introduce cost, complexity and additional maintenance into the system.

Solar pumping tends to be most competitive in small installations where combustion engines are least economical.  The smallest solar pumps run on less than 150 watts of PV, and can lift water from dephts exceeding 200 Feet (65 m) at 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) per minute.  As a result, solar pumping lets us utilize low-yield water sources.

A pumping system using a small solar array or wind turbine can be inexpensive and easy to install and maintain.  The solar panels provide a consistent supply of water during sunny days and can be installed in valleys and wooded areas where wind exposure is poor.  A wind turbine can generate power long after the sun sets.  The specific installation location will determine which is more advantageous.

Using alternative energy to pump water can be an efficient and reliable method of meeting your family's water needs. Whether you choose one of the many solar pumps available, or a windmill to deliver water to your home or ranch, we can help you design a pumping system that will fit your particular situation.

We have designed and lived with both solar and wind pumping systems, so we understand the "hands-on" work that is required. We are only too glad to work with you until you feel comfortable with your water pumping choice.

Deep Well Systems

Alternative water systems are designed to pump a small volume of water per hour over several hours. This water is stored in a cistern or stock tank, to be available when it is needed. Usually you size your storage tank to hold enough water for three days of use. The water in the cistern is then pumped, using a small pressurizing pump, into a pressure tank and then into the house. These systems deliver water from the tap at normal house pressure (20 to 50 psi).

A Deep Well System is any well where the water is 10 feet or more below the surface.

Since these systems are VERY dependent upon the specifications of your well, we need some basic information to design a system for you.

• Well Depth
• Gallons well delivers per minute
• Static Water Level - where water rests in the well
• Gallons of water required per day

SHURflo

DC Submersible Pump

These are our first choice for wells 230' or less where water is used conservatively. All plastic construction prevents problems from minerals in the water and the rebuild kit allows you to fix the pump at the well head.

The handy water tight quick disconnect plug makes hook-up easy! And the light weight makes it a snap to drop down your well by hand.

This pump can run dry so you don't have to worry about a dry well! We've used one of these and are pleased with its performance.

Do not operate pump below 230 feet. $750.00

PUMP SYSTEMS

Each system includes:

• Shurflo Submersible Pump
• Pump Controller
• Solar Modules
• Top of Pole Tracker
• Lightning Arrestor

Grundfos

SQFlex Submersible Pumps

This is the ultimate submersible pump for water lifts of up to 525 feet. They can be directly powered by solar or wind power or can be run on an inverter, a generator, a battery or the utility grid, or any combination of these sources. Virtually any source of power, 30-300 VDC and 90-240 VAC, can be used to run the pump. And with Grundfos, you know it is built to last and is maintenance-free. Some SQFlex pumps will fit into a 3" well.

Seven pump models can deliver from 4 gpm at 525 feet to 50 gpm at 20 feet of head with a 1 kilowatt solar array or less. Helical rotor pumps (models 3, 6 and 11) for high head applications and centrifugal pumps for low head applications assure a pump that is efficient for any use. The SQFlex has built-in protection from dry-running, overload and overheating.

The SQFlex pump can run on a solar array starting at 129 watts. The array must have an operating voltage over 30 volts. The array can be made of any combination of 3 or more 12-volt nominal modules in series or 2 or more 24-volt nominal modules.

SQFlex pumps have a 1 year warranty from the date of purchase. A 5 year extended warranty is available separately for $ 249.00.

The SQFlex 3 SQF-2-3" through the SQFlex 60 SQF-3-4" pumps are priced at $2,733.00 each.

Flowlight Booster Pump

These pumps will provide your house with normal tap pressure from a cistern or shallow water source. These pumps are designed for long life - 15 to 20 years - and can be rebuilt easily. We've used one for years and couldn't be more pleased with its performance. However, because of its careful construction, it is particular about the water it pumps, so make sure you purchase a filter kit to ensure its long life.

The Slowpump is designed for higher heads and will deliver up to 4 gpm.

The Booster Pump will deliver 5.9 gpm. Available in 12 or 24 volts - this pump is worth the extra initial investment!

• Pump $540
• EZ Install Kit $ 95
• In-line Filter $ 44
• Dry Run Switch $ 50

SHURflo Pressure Pump

These pumps are an inexpensive way to deliver water to your home from a cistern or shallow well. Available in four sizes, they can pump dirty or silty water and come with their own built in pressure switch. For conservative water users one of these will serve you well.