A solar-powered water pump is an innovative concept that has tremendously boosted agricultural practices in rural areas. It is considered an environmentally-friendly option due to its potential to pump water out of the ground without requiring fossil fuels or a power grid.
Its contribution to the reduction of ozone depletion has caused a rise in its market demand. In 2021, the global solar pump market size reached US $2.01 billion and is predicted to rise to a whopping US $4.06 billion in 2027, amounting to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% within the forecast period (2022 to 2027).
The solar-powered pumping system is a sustainable and healthy energy option that does not leave out harmful pollutants. The solar pump keeps the soil and the farm environment clean, unlike the fossil fuel pumps that cause pollution with fumes or contaminate the soil with splashes of fuel.
Read on to learn about solar water pump systems, how they work, and how to select one for your business.
Table of Contents
What is a solar water pump?
5 factors to consider before selecting a solar water pump
7 types of solar water pumps
Conclusion
What is a solar water pump?
A solar water pump operates a mechanism where energy absorbed from sun rays through the PV (photovoltaic) panels is used to pump out water from the ground.
The photovoltaic (PV) panels receive solar energy (sunlight) and convert them into electricity, while the pump’s electric motor converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, then stimulates the pump to draw water from the ground, mechanically.
The solar water pump system consists of a DC water pump, a water storage tank, a fuse box, electrical cables, a solar charge MPPT controller, and a solar panel array.
Solar-powered water pumps are a more viable alternative to pumps powered by diesel or utility electricity. They do not have a large environmental footprint, are more efficient, and very cheap to maintain and install.
This innovative technology is hugely patronized in rural areas for agricultural purposes, especially in locations where an alternative energy source is required. They are also used for domestic purposes and are now a major source of water supply in many remote areas.
Farmers prefer solar systems to grid electricity generators/pumps due to their significant long-term cost savings, and their ability to enhance agricultural productivity.
5 factors to consider before selecting a solar water pump
There are things to know about solar water pumps before taking a step towards purchasing one for your business. The tips listed below give a general knowledge of the market economic viability, cost, and operation of a solar water pump.
1. Economic viability
It’s important to research the market to check the economic cost and financial benefits of the solar water fountain pump system before moving on to acquire the product. Some products may appear fantastic, but may not attract good financial benefits.
Every solar water pump comes with its own unique market potential, and a great percentage of farmers all over the world are beginning to embrace the idea of using renewable energy sources to power agricultural projects.
So, while checking out the financial and economic feasibility of a solar water pump, consider looking into other external factors like size, efficiency, environmental impact, durability, etc. before concluding on which product to buy.
2. Cost
Cost is a crucial factor to consider when trying to figure out which solar pump system to buy. To get the best deal off your solar water pump purchase, check out the available products and compare their prices. Solar pumps are very affordable these days as their prices have greatly reduced due to the significant decrease in the cost of PV panels.
In 1977, deploying a solar system cost about US $76 per watt, and in 2015, that price dropped significantly to US $0.3. The solar PV market is predicted to experience a 59% price decline in 2025 (compared to the 2015 prices). As the prices keep dropping, more small-sized solar water pumps will invade the market, and both small-scale and large-scale farmers will be able to afford them.
3. Installation, operation, and maintenance
A solar water pump will require installation and maintenance after it has been purchased. Most people only focus on the products’ purchasing terms without considering the installation, maintenance, and operation costs.
A perfectly installed solar system that is routinely checked and maintained is more likely to last longer. Customers need to be reminded of the importance of incorporating installation and maintenance budgets at the point of purchase.
On the other hand, offering customers a good solar-powered pump and providing them with other after-sales services like installation and maintenance assistance, will not only create repeat sales but will attract new customers and improve revenue.
4. Quality control
Renewable energy products like solar water pumps require a quality control scheme. E-tailers should consider putting quality control into the picture when investing in solar pump systems. Develop a quality assurance structure that enables the delivery of high-quality machines that do not put the life of customers at risk.
Of course, there are so many solar water pumps listed for sale online but not every one of them is genuine. To stay on track with offering products that satisfy customer demands, set up a strong quality control system, and ensure every product is carefully evaluated. Quality control processes help improve business efficiency, safeguard business reputation and protect it against risks.
5. Water management
Where the water pumping system is concerned, a water management plan is key. In a location of lower sunlight, it’s important to get a bigger water tank that will help ensure a consistent water supply even during cloudy days.
Before moving ahead with acquiring a solar water pump, identify the target user and their possible needs. The pumping system should fit into a specific water channel plan, and if the water is going to be used domestically, it will need to be treated against bacteria or fungi.
7 types of solar water pumps
1. Irrigation solar water pump
This water pump system has a full automation design. The machine has an inbuilt sensor that detects and stops working when water dries up, then continues when water is available.
The pump is designed for irrigation purposes, with cool features such as: a wide power range, a low operating cost (which contributes to the reduction of energy cost), permanent magnet DC brushless synchronous motor, high voltage/current and high-temperature protection, and more. This is a highly efficient solar water pump system that delivers reliable water supply for farming purposes.
Features:
- Permanent magnet DC brushless synchronous motor
- Motor coil has centralized winding technology
- Intelligent water shortage protection
- Waterproof and leak-proof design
- LED display of power, voltage, current, speed, etc.
- Warranty: 2 years
Price: $170.00 – $180.00
Pros:
- High reliability and working life
- Has vast application: farmland irrigation, domestic water supply, etc.
- Its double bearing can work under more axial pressure
- Full automatic design
- Easy installation and operation
- High voltage/current and high-temperature protection
Cons:
- Highly dependent on solar radiation levels
- Lacks suction power
- There are possible risks of cavitation
2. Solar heat pump
This solar heater offers smarter and viable ways of supplying water for industry, farms, communities, schools, and households. It comes with a mobile app and Wi-Fi technology that allows you to use your mobile device to control the heat pump.
It has 20% higher efficiency, and a low GWP R134 refrigerant. It is easy-to-use and environmentally-friendly. With its lower pressure, it is more safe and can supply higher water output temperature.
Features:
- Max. 80℃ high water output temperature
- Mobile app function with Wi-Fi technology
- High pressure and low-pressure protection
- Different material impeller
- Low lift and large flow, fit for irrigation
- Warranty: 1 year
Price: $12,890.00 – $14,282.00
Pros:
- High efficiency
- Anti-freezing protection
- High-temperature protection
- Reverse phase protection
- Refrigerant system with eco-friendly design
Cons:
- High purchasing cost
- Heavyweight
- Weather-dependent
3. Surface solar pumps
The next option is a highly-efficient surface solar pump with an MPPT controller (for easy operation and smart function). The pump has a high solar utilization rate, and the design allows it to collect solar energy, store it and reuse it for pumping out water from underground to the ground surface.
Highlights of the pump include a wide range of input voltage, double seal effect (waterproof and leakproof functions), pump motor protection design, and more.
Features:
- Max flow: 6.6 m3/h
- Max head: 35 m (can pump 420 m horizontal distance)
- Double seal effect
- Waterproof and leak-proof design
- MPPT controller
- LED displays of power, voltage, current, speed, etc.
Price: $137.04 – $178.05
Pros:
- Built-in sensor that makes it automatically start (when water is available) and stop working (when water is unavailable)
- Waterproof and leak-proof design
- Pump motor protection design
- Zero impulse current
- Easy installation and operation
- High voltage/current and high-temperature protection
Cons:
- Highly dependent on weather conditions
- Requires a human operator
4. Solar pump system
This pump comes complete with solar panels, a stainless steel shaft, and a control box. The solar powered pump has stronger power for pumping deeper water. It also has environmental protection sensitivity.
The pump is characterized by high flow, excellent adaptability, sand-proofing, high wear-resistance, long service life, and energy-saving. It is an ideal equipment for industry, households, agriculture, geology, hydrology, and pumping or lowering water engineering.
Features:
- Permanent magnet DC brushless synchronous motor
- The motor coil has a centralized winding technology
- Intelligent water shortage protection
- Waterproof and leak-proof design
- High-flow, and excellent adaptability
- High-quality wear-resistant design
Price: $150.04 – $200.06
Pros:
- Energy saving ability
- High reliability and working life
- Has vast application: farmland irrigation, domestic water supply, etc.
- High-quality intelligent water shortage protection
- High-motor efficiency
- Easy installation and operation
- Motor coil has centralized winding technology
Cons:
- Highly dependent on solar radiation levels
- Lacks suction power
5. Brushless submersible solar water pump
An energy-efficient water pump designed to deliver water for domestic or agricultural purposes. It is perfect for high-volume pumping, like supplying water for swimming pools, pond farming, irrigation, etc. The machine is highly reliable and offers a longer working life.
Unlike most pumping systems, it comes with over 6 solar panels and implements like splice kits for cable joining and waterproofing, an MPPT controller, etc.
This is a high-performance and eco-friendly pump option, with the capacity to store and supply sufficient energy.
Features:
- Max. flow: 6,000 liters per hour
- 6 solar panels
- Pump outlet joint connector
- Splice kit for cable joining
- Splice kit for waterproofing
- MPPT controller
- LED display
Price: $50.01 – $500.14
Pros:
- High reliability and longer working life
- Voltage, current, and power protection
- Application: farm or household
- DC brushless submersible pumps
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Requires close monitoring
- Requires maintenance
- Weather-dependent
6. High pressure solar pump
This high-pressure solar pump helps in delivering clean water for garden watering, pond farming, water storage, household water, river water, and tap water boosting. This high-performance pump comes with sets of functionalities, which include a built-in intelligent controller, brushless permanent magnetic motor, pure copper coils, high-precision rotor, high precision bearing, and more.
Features:
- High-precision bearing
- High-precision rotor
- Copper impeller
- Brushless permanent magnetic motor
- MPPT function
Price: $50.00 – $54.00
Pros:
- Effective heat dissipation
- High-quality silicon steel sheet
- Built-in intelligent controller
- High water flow
- Better and stable sealing
- Overcurrent protection
- Overvoltage and under-voltage protection
- Vast application: water storage, household water, river water, garden watering, pond farming
Cons:
- Requires close monitoring
- Lacks suction power
- Weather-dependent
7. Solar deep well pump
A solar deep well pump with an MPPT controller that can automatically adjust motor speed based on sunlight intensity. The machine has a long service life with a leak-proof and wear-resistant design.
The permanent magnet synchronous motor efficiency is as high as 80%, and 20% higher than that of ordinary motors. The stainless steel impeller and polymer plastic guide vane aids its high flow rate and lift range. This is a highly efficient machine that can deliver reliable water for household use, farm irrigation, and industrial water supply.
Features:
- High efficiency
- Stainless steel impeller
- Aloy/silicon carbide mechanical seal
- Input power: 12V
- Intelligent controller
- Photovoltaic DC submersible well water pump
Price: $187.68 – $215.83
Pros:
- Energy-saving
- Leak prevention
- Wear-resistance
- Environmentally-friendly
- MPPT tracking function
- Easy installation and operation
- High lift range and flow rate
Cons:
- Highly dependent on weather conditions
- Requires a human operator
Conclusion
Solar water pumps have vast applications, which include, tap water supply, farm irrigation aquarium filtering, garden watering, pond filling, water storage, among many others. Due to their usage in several fields, the market demand is constantly rising.
Solar water pumps are gaining more traction in irrigation due to their ability to effectively function in scenarios where other alternatives can’t work, making them good products to invest money in.
But when selecting a solar water pump for your business, also pick up other kits that make up a complete solar water pump system, like tank stand accessories, solar panels, pipes, motors, shafts, and other components that help the machine to run. Visit Alibaba.com to see a wide range of highly recommended solar water pump kits customers will be looking out for.
