6 Types of Solar Water Pumps Systems - Powerful Irrigation And Water Supply

The Revolutionary Solution from Money-Saving Solar Water Pumps

Here comes a revolutionary answer for those lacking water – the solar water pump. In regions where water is scarce and reliable pumping means is essential, the traditional water pump has long been the common choice. But now, the solar water pump enters the scene.

How does a solar water pump system work?

There are 2 types of solar water pump systems: DC and AC/DC hybrid systems.

The photovoltaic array, composed of multiple solar panels, absorbs the sun’s radiant energy and converts it into direct current (DC) electrical energy via the photoelectric effect.
The DC power then passes through the solar controller for rectification, stabilization, amplification, and filtering. Finally converted into available direct current (DC) electrical energy.
The available direct current (DC) electrical energy output from the controller drives the DC water pump. Through mechanical actions like impeller rotation, the water pump extracts water from the water source (such as deep wells, rivers, lakes, etc.) and transports it to the desired locations, such as farmland for irrigation or to storage tanks for human and animal consumption.
Meanwhile, the battery is also being charged by the energy from controller. In case of insufficient power from the photovoltaic array, the battery can also supply power to the pump.

The photovoltaic array, composed of multiple solar panels, absorbs the sun’s radiant energy and converts it into direct current (DC) electrical energy via the photoelectric effect. Additionally, alternating current (AC) is obtained from the grid.
The DC power from solar panels or the AC from the grid then passes through the solar controller for rectification, stabilization, amplification, and filtering. Finally converted into available direct current (DC) electrical energy.
The available direct current (DC) electrical energy output from the controller drives the DC water pump. Through mechanical actions like impeller rotation, the water pump extracts water from the water source (such as deep wells, rivers, lakes, etc.) and transports it to the desired locations, such as farmland for irrigation or to storage tanks for human and animal consumption.
Meanwhile, the battery is also being charged by the energy from controller. In case of insufficient power from the photovoltaic array, the battery can also supply power to the pump.

What is the difference between DC systems and AC/DC systems?

DC solar water pump systems operate solely based on the DC power absorbed by solar panels from the sun. Thus, it has certain limitations regarding the amount of sunlight. If there is insufficient sunlight, the system will not work.
AC/DC solar water pump systems can operate based on both DC power and AC power sourced from the grid when the sunlight is inadequate.

What are the advantages of solar water pumps?

1. Independence and Flexibility

Solar water pumps are independent of the traditional power grid and can operate normally in remote areas, mountainous regions, deserts, and other areas where power supply is difficult or there is no access to electricity. Their installation location is flexible and can be arranged and installed based on the water source and water demand.

2. Money-Saving and Environmental Friendliness

As a clean and renewable energy source, solar energy does not produce greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide when used in solar water pumps, making them environmentally friendly. Compared to traditional fuel or electrically driven water pumps, the long-term operating costs are lower, effectively saving energy resources.

3. Reliability and Durability

Solar water pumps have a relatively simple structure with fewer moving parts, resulting in a lower incidence of failures and relatively low maintenance costs. Using high-quality solar panels and water pump components, they have a long service life and stable performance.

It’s time to move beyond the traditional and embrace the future of water pumping with solar water pumps. They are the key to achieving a more reliable and sustainable water supply in the areas that need it most.

What are the application scenarios of solar water pumps?

What types of solar water pump are there?

Solar Submersible Pump System (DC)

Placement	Underground
Working Principle	The DC power generated by the solar panel powers the motor. The motor drives the impeller to rotate, sucking in and lifting water to the ground.
Application Scenarios	Deep well water extraction Agricultural irrigation, especially in areas with water shortages Extracting groundwater for residents and industrial use
Pros	Low operating noise Compact structure and small space occupation Stable operation with less influence from the external environment Easy installation
Cons	Maintenance costs are high in case of failure

Solar Screw Pump System (DC)

Placement	Underground
Working Principle	The working components consist of a stator with a double-headed helical cavity and a single-headed helical screw engaged within the stator hole. Powered by the DC from solar panels. As the screw rotates, the liquid is continuously pushed along the axial direction.
Application Scenarios	High-viscosity liquids transporting, such as grease, lubricating oil, and syrup Applied in industries like chemical and food processing
Pros	Uniform flow, stable pressure Stable and non-pulsating transportation with low vibration
Cons	High processing accuracy of the screw High cost Low rotational speed Small flow rate

Solar Sewage Pump System (DC)

Placement	Underwater
Working Principle	The DC power generated by the solar panel powers the motor. The motor drives the impeller to rotate, generating centrifugal force to suck in and discharge sewage.
Application Scenarios	Sewage treatment plants Urban drainage systems Industrial wastewater treatment plants Sewage containing solid particles and impurities transportation
Pros	Strong wear resistance and corrosion resistance impeller Strong adaptability, can pass larger particulate impurities
Cons	Could be entangled and blocked by debris in the sewage Has certain limits on the tolerance of corrosive substances

Solar Centrifugal Pump System (DC, AC/DC)

Placement	Underground
Working Principle	DC model: The DC power generated by the solar panel powers the motor. The motor drives the high-speed rotation of the impeller, generating centrifugal force, the liquid gains energy and is discharged. AC/DC model: DC power from solar panels and AC power from the grid are both accepted.
Application Scenarios	Agricultural irrigation Urban water supply Industrial circulating water systems Clean water and slightly corrosive liquids transportation
Pros	Simple structure Easy operation High rotational speed and efficiency Large head and flow rate
Cons	Has certain limitations on the viscosity of the transported liquid

Solar Surface Pump System (DC, AC/DC)

Placement	On the ground
Working Principle	DC model: The DC power generated by the solar panel powers the motor. The motor drives the impeller or piston and other components to extract and transport water from near-ground sources such as rivers, ponds, and water tanks. AC/DC model: DC power from solar panels and AC power from the grid are both accepted.
Application Scenarios	Farmland irrigation Garden irrigation Water supply in small-scale breeding sites
Pros	Easy installation and maintenance Relatively low cost Easy to monitor the operating status
Cons	Has certain requirements for the location and conditions of the water source Operating noise may be relatively large

Solar Pool Pump System (DC, AC/DC)

Placement	Underwater
Working Principle	DC model: The DC power from the solar panels powers the motor, which drives the pump. The pump creates a pressure difference to circulate the pool water. AC/DC model: DC power from solar panels and AC power from the grid are both accepted.
Application Scenarios	Circulating and filtering water in swimming pools, hot tubs, and small water features
Pros	Energy-efficient Quiet operation Compact design, suitable for outdoor installation near the pool
Cons	High initial cost Performance may be affected by dampness indoors

How do I choose a solar water pump?

by placement:
- On the ground: Solar Surface Pump System
- Underground: Solar Submersible Pump System, Solar Screw Pump System, Solar Centrifugal Pump System
- Underwater: Solar Pool Pump System, Solar Sewage Pump System
by head: Solar Centrifugal Pump System > Solar Submersible Pump System > Solar Screw Pump System > Solar Surface Pump System > Solar Pool Pump System > Solar Sewage Pump System
by cost: Solar Centrifugal Pump System > Solar Screw Pump System > Solar Pool Pump System > Solar Submersible Pump System > Solar Surface Pump System > Solar Sewage Pump System

Please note that this is a rough comparison. The cost and the head of the pumps are also related to factors such as power and size.

How many solar panels do I need to run a water pump?

It depends on the amount of power you require. Generally, each solar panel represents 450w.

The power options of an off-grid solar system ranging from 750w to 2500w are the most popular. They typically need 3 to 8 pieces of solar panels, specifically:

750w: 3 pieces
900w: 3 pieces
1100w: 4 pieces
1500w: 5 pieces
2200w: 7 pieces
2500w: 8 pieces

You can obtain tailored combinations and quantities of solar panels by contacting us.

How deep can a solar water pump work?

It depends on the type of solar water pump:

The head of the Solar Centrifugal Pump System is 7m-300m
The head of the Solar Submersible Pump System is 25m-260m
The head of the Solar Screw Pump System is 32m-140m

These three types of pumps are placed underground and aim to extract water, so their head is relatively long.

The head of the Solar Surface Pump System is 13m-220m

This type of pump is placed on the ground and extracts water from nearby sources, so its head is not long but wide.

The head of the Solar Pool Pump System is 6m-60m
The head of the Solar Sewage Pump System is 9m-50m

These 2 types of pumps are placed underwater and are for cleaning purposes, so their head is short but wide.

If you find it hard to determine the head you need, please feel free to contact us. Our professional experts will be glad to assist.

Are solar water pumps expensive?

It depends on the type of pump you choose. The Solar Centrifugal Pump System and the Solar Screw Pump System tend to have a higher cost, whereas the Solar Submersible Pump System and the Solar Surface Pump System typically have a lower cost.

Does a solar water pump need a battery?

Common solar water pump systems are not equipped with batteries. Because the energy source of the DC model comes from solar panels, and the energy source of the AC model comes from the grid.
However, you can also add a battery to the system for energy storage. In this way, when there is abundant sunlight, the battery can store energy, so that the pump can continue to work when the sunlight is insufficient.

Do solar pumps work on cloudy days?

AC/DC solar water pump systems mainly operate based on the AC power sourced from the grid when the sunlight is insufficient.
DC solar water pump systems without a battery scarcely operate on cloudy days. If the cloud is not overly thick, the pump system functions less efficiently compared to sunny days since the amount of sunlight reaching the solar panels is diminished. In such circumstances, using an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller will aid in maximizing the power conversion efficiency. Nevertheless, if the cloud is so thick that it prevents sufficient sunlight from penetrating, the system fails to work.
DC solar water pump systems with a battery mainly operate based on the DC power stored in the battery during sunny days. Most of the system does not include battery, but you can get this combination contacting us.

Do solar panels work in Moonlight?

AC/DC solar water pump systems mainly operate based on the AC power sourced from the grid when the sunlight is insufficient.
DC solar water pump systems without a battery fails to work due to the insufficient sunlight.
DC solar water pump systems with a battery mainly operate based on the DC power stored in the battery during sunny days. Most of the system does not include battery, but you can get this combination contacting us.

Do solar panels draw power at night?

AC/DC solar water pump systems draw power at night. They operate based on the AC power sourced from the grid when there is insufficient sunlight.
DC solar water pump systems do not draw power at night, because the moonlight is insufficient.

How long do solar water pumps last?

Usually, a solar water pump could last for 10-20 years.

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Xiamen Geno Industry Co,. Ltd.

Tel / WhatsApp: +86 13906057667

Email: cathy@geno-china.com

6 Types of Solar Water Pumps Systems – Powerful Irrigation And Water Supply

The Revolutionary Solution from Money-Saving Solar Water Pumps

How does a solar water pump system work?

What is the difference between DC systems and AC/DC systems?