A solar-powered pump is a simple water pumping system which makes use of electricity which is produced solely from solar energy. They are more efficient and safer to use as compared to thosepumps run on electricity or fossil fuels. Solar water pumps are very economical as they consume very less power and the operational and maintenance costs associated with them is very less in comparison to other types of pumps in the market. These pumps are very handy when a supply of electricity from grids is cut off. Sunlight is always available in abundance which means that you can now use your solar pump almost anywhere.

A basic solar powered water pumping system consists of three main components. They are:

• PV solar panels
• Controllers
• Pumping system

Types of solar pumps

Submersible Solar Pumps

These are the type of solar water pumps which are able to lift water of up to a maximum of 650 feet and also fit in a good casing of 4 inches or larger. Water which is present at depths of more than 20 feet below ground level too can be lumped back to the surface using a submersible solar water pump. These pumps can not only operate on solar power but also on batteries and AC power sources. Water can be pumped during the day when solar power can be easily harvested and the water is then stored in overhead tanks or cisterns.

Surface Solar Pumps

These water pumps are best for applications such as streams, storage tanks, and shallow water bodies. They operate best when the water is a depth of not more than 20 feet from the ground level. Surface pumps are not able to lift water from very deep sources, but they’re able to transport water over long distances which can reach up to 200 feet in length.