How to choose a suitable solar water pump?

Before You Choose

Solar water pumps are becoming an increasingly popular solution for modern water management. From agricultural irrigation and livestock watering to household and industrial use, these systems provide a reliable and sustainable way to access water in remote or off-grid areas. Flowatt stands at the forefront of this innovation, offering energy-saving, eco-friendly, and reliable solar water pumping solutions for diverse applications worldwide.

Key Factors in Choosing a Solar Water Pump

Factor 1: Water Source Conditions

• Type of Water Source: Determine if it's a deep well, shallow well, river, lake, or reservoir.
• Static & Dynamic Water Level: Measure the vertical distance from the ground to the water surface (static level) and the stabilized level during pumping (dynamic level).
• Water Quality: Assess whether the water is clear or contains sand, debris, or other corrosive elements.

Factor 2: Hydraulic Requirements

• Total Dynamic Head (TDH): Sum of Vertical Lift and Friction Loss. Pump max head must exceed TDH.
• Daily Water Demand: Total volume of water needed per day.
• Required Flow Rate: Calculate flow rate based on demand and sunlight hours.

Factor 3: Power & Solar Configuration

• Pump Operating Voltage: Ensure solar array voltage fits controller range.
• Pump Rated Power: Total panel power should slightly exceed pump rating.
• Local Solar Resource: Consider average daily peak sun hours.

Factor 4: Product Performance & Technology

• Pump Type: Submersible for deep wells, Surface for open water sources.
• Motor & Controller: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors with MPPT and FOC control.
• Protection Features: Dry-run, over-voltage, over-current, and short-circuit protection.

Factor 5: Quality & Reliability

• Core Materials: Corrosion-resistant materials like Stainless Steel.
• Enclosure Rating: IP65 or higher for outdoor use.
• Warranty & Service: Check warranty and local support availability.

Main Types of Solar Water Pumps

1. Centrifugal Pumps: Use rotating impellers to move water efficiently. Ideal for irrigation and water transfer in low-head areas.

2. Surface Pumps: Installed above ground, lift water from shallow sources. Easy to install and maintain, suitable for garden irrigation, livestock, or household use.

3. Submersible Pumps: Placed underwater, designed for deep wells. Quiet, cool, energy-efficient, and suitable for continuous operation.

How to Match Solar Panels with Pumps

1. Know Your Pump Specs: Check voltage, power, flow rate, and total head to determine needed solar power.
2. Match Voltage and Power: Panel voltage should match or slightly exceed pump voltage. Connect series to increase voltage or parallel to increase current. Add 20–30% extra capacity.
3. Consider Sunlight and Controllers: Estimate daily sun hours, adjust panel wattage, and use a compatible controller or MPPT for smooth operation.