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Solar pump questions Solar pump questions and answers 1) How do solar pumps work? A solar pump is really a very low voltage pump anything from 3v to 24v. They require a solar panel to turn bright sunlight to electricity to make the pump work.
2) I have a lake which solar pump do you suggest? Most Solar pumps are designed for domestic use only, the jets are only a few centimetres tall some can just about reach 40cm, that would look silly in a lake.
3) I have been abroad and have seen solar operated pumps pumping water from bore holes, will yours do this? No, most solar pumps are for domestic use only, the pumps you have seen have lots of large solar panels, (some with sun tracking) and cost tens of thousands of pounds, which is cheap to sustain life.
4) Can I use a solar pump for my pond's biological filter? No, biological filters MUST run 24 / 7 even our solar pumps can not do that
5) Can I use a solar pump to fill a header tank? No, most solar pumps are for ponds and fountains only! The bigger ones can only pump to around 50cm in height.
6) What size solar panel do I need? The size of solar panel depends on the size of the pump. The panel must always have a higher rating than the pump. For example: a pump that requires 10 watts can easily be powered by a 12 watt, or a 15 watt or even a 35 watt solar panel because in each case the panel is bigger than the pump.
7) What can I use solar pumps for? Solar pumps are designed to be used in small domestic ponds where there is no mains available, BUT we can supply more powerful mains operated pumps for less than a decent solar pump
8) I have seen solar pumps in with inbuilt solar cells, I think they are better than yours. Buy one and try it. (But don't say we didn't warn you) As with anything you should always compare like with like, never like with similar
9) How much is a solar panel? How much depends on the wattage and make, the better the quality the more efficient and so the less sunshine will be required, its not unusual to see 60 watt panels costing £400
10) There is also something else "THEY" don't tell you about solar pumps, but we will. Solar pumps work all the time, don't they? Well what happens A) At night (Solar panels do need sunshine to work) B) In winter when it snows on the panels? (in the UK it does snow) Solar fountains are just not really for UK use Or put it this way: (UK people) 1 year = 12 months, Winter (rain, snow, more rain no sunshine, only sunlight) is 3 months, 12 - 3 = 9 Autumn, falling leaves, overcast days, wind, rain, that is also 3 months 9 - 3 = 6 That leaves 6 months, half of which will be dark (night time) 6 / 2 = 3 So, you want to spend a small fortune (If you do it properly) on a pump that will at best work for 3 months out of 12, if it does not rain. Where as you could buy a mains pump and lights that will be cheaper, and could run 365 days 24/7 if you want it to. Its your choice To date we have has enquiries from: Some one who was given the task of making an existing commercial water feature solar operated. A farmer who wanted to use a solar pump to provide water from an underground well to provide water for the cattle. A groundwork's company who want to pump flood water from a ditch to a drain. Some one who wants to supply water from a bore hole for a village water supply. All the above thought a domestic solar pump would suit their requirements. |
