Giovanni Rossi, a Farmer in Tuscany, Italy, has a well on his property that is 200 ft deep. He uses a 240V AC well pump that provides a flow rate of 10 gallons per minute (GPM). However, he faces challenges when it comes to filling his 300 gallon water tank reservoirs, as he needs to run a generator each time. This approach is not only costly but also inefficient, especially when he wants a more sustainable and energy-efficient solution.
Giovanni wanted a solar well pump system that could pump water directly from the well using solar power, allowing him to eliminate the need to run a generator every time his reservoirs need filling. His primary goal was to reduce fuel costs and maintenance, while gaining a more convenient, automated solution for his water supply.
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DC Well Pump vs. AC: A Solar Retrofit Success Story
After reviewing Giovanni's existing setup—a 240V AC well pump requiring generator power—it became clear that a different approach was needed for true off-grid operation. The optimal solution lies in a dedicated DC well pump designed specifically for solar applications. Unlike his current AC pump, which demands high startup currents and a stable generator or large battery bank, a modern DC well pump can run directly from solar panels with minimal additional components.
The Flowatt 220V 2500W AC/DC solar well pump (SKU:FLW-4SSC8/280-AD220/2500) is the ideal replacement. While his existing 240V AC well pump forces him to run a generator for every watering session, this DC well pump operates automatically on sunshine alone. Key advantages over his current setup include:
| Feature | Giovanni's Current AC Pump | FLOWATT 220v 2500w Solar Well Pump (DC Well Pump) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Requires generator (fuel cost, noise, manual start) | Runs directly on solar (automatic, silent, zero fuel cost) |
| Motor Type | Standard AC induction motor (low efficiency, high startup surge) | Permanent magnet synchronous DC motor (high efficiency, MPPT enabled) |
| Operation | Manual generator start each time | Automatic start/stop with sunlight |
| Operating Cost | Ongoing fuel and generator maintenance | Near-zero after installation |
| Convenience | Requires user presence to fill tanks | Fills 300 gallon water tank reservoirs automatically |
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For Giovanni's 200 ft well, this DC well pump delivers ample flow—up to 4.3 m³/h at 80 meters head—easily meeting his 10 GPM requirement. The transition from a generator-dependent AC well pump system to an automatic solar-powered DC well pump represents not just an equipment change, but a complete shift in how he manages his water supply.
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From Generator to Solar: A 200-Ft Well Solution
The 220V AC/DC 2500W DC deep well pump offers several key advantages over Giovanni's existing 240V AC pump, making it the perfect fit for his solar-powered water supply goals.
1. Dual Power Supply Flexibility
Unlike his current pump, which relies solely on a generator, this model features dual voltage compatibility: it operates on 220V DC from solar panels and 220V AC from the grid. This means Giovanni can run the pump on solar power during sunny days, but if extended cloudy weather hits or he needs to pump at night, he can simply switch to standard Italian 230V AC mains power—no generator required. This hybrid capability ensures year-round reliability without the noise and fuel costs.
2. True Solar Efficiency with MPPT
The built-in MPPT controller maximizes solar harvest, automatically starting the pump at sunrise and stopping at sunset. Unlike his old AC pump, which demands a generator for every use, this DC well pump runs directly from solar panels without needing expensive batteries.
3. Engineered for Deep Wells
With a 280-meter maximum head, this 4-inch stainless steel pump handles Giovanni's 200 ft (61m) well with ease. At 80 meters head, it delivers 4.3 m³/h (19 GPM)—well above his 10 GPM requirement—ensuring his 300-gallon  water tank reservoirs fill quickly and efficiently.
4. Built to Last
The pump features 304 stainless steel construction for all wetted components, including the impeller, shaft, and housing, plus a copper winding motor and IP68-rated controller. This rugged build ensures long-term durability in the demanding environment of a deep well, with minimal maintenance required.
5. Automatic Operation, Zero Effort
Giovanni's current system requires him to haul out the generator, connect it, and manually run the pump each time. The FLW system, by contrast, operates fully automatically—when the sun shines, the pump runs, filling his IBC tanks without any human intervention. He simply gains 300 gallons of water each sunny day, automatically.
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Solar Panel Configuration and Installation
To power the 2500W 220V DC water pump for Giovanni's 200 ft well, a properly sized solar array is essential. The manufacturer recommends 6 x 540W solar panels (36V each) connected in series, creating a total capacity of 3.24 kW—ample power for optimal performance even during partly cloudy conditions in Tuscany.
The pump's built-in MPPT controller automatically adjusts to varying sunlight, starting at sunrise and stopping at sunset. No batteries are required; water pumps directly into Giovanni's 300-gallon IBC tanks whenever the sun shines, providing a simple, low-maintenance solution.
For added flexibility, this DC water pump also connects to 230V AC mains power via its dual-voltage controller, ensuring water availability during extended cloudy periods or for nighttime use if needed.
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Why This DC Water Pump Is the Right Choice
For Farmer like Giovanni with deep wells and a goal to eliminate generator use, the Flowatt 2500W 220V 280M AC/DC water pump delivers a proven, reliable solution. It combines solar efficiency with AC backup flexibility, all in a durable stainless steel build designed for years of deep-well service. No batteries, no complex wiring, no fuel—just automatic, cost-free water whenever the sun shines. This case study shows how a 200 ft well can become self-sustaining with the right DC water pump, providing reliable, eco-friendly water access.
