Know Which Solar Pump is the Best One for Flow Rate

Land slope or lift of the land:

When purchasing a solar pump, there is much to consider, like the lift or slope of the land. But the roughness, shape, and texture of the land will also determine the movement of water. This will include the move from the ground and through the pipe to the surface. Slope of land will affect the velocity of water flow.

A high land gradient will give a higher flow, and a low gradient will slow the speed down of the water flow. A good example is a river mountain water supply. River water would flow fast and slow down substantially when the surface levels. Slope of water determines the effect of water flow.

The bigger the slope, the tougher it is for the pump to lift water. The more energy required for lifting water will determine the type of pump you will need. Head heights will play a role in solar pump choices.

How much sunshine does your area have? This will determine solar pump selection.

Climatic conditions play a major role in solar energy. Weather conditions influence pump flow rate. Solar pumps absorb energy through solar panels on hot days with high sun rays.

Cloudy weather results in low flow rates. Because the solar panel’s absorption of sunlight is less, this results in less power. High-flow pumping is at its best during hot, sunny days. For solar to function at its best, the more sunshine, the more energy is available. Solar panels capture solar energy, converting it into energy for pumps.

In South Africa, we are fortunate to have an overabundance of sunshine. Most areas in South Africa experience much sunshine throughout the year.

Pipe size plays an important role in solar pumps. We refer to this as back pressure.

Pumping water through restricted spaces will affect water flow. Back pressure consumes more energy as it forces the pump to work much harder. Our professional AQS team will advise you on what pipe size you will need to ensure your pump works at its optimum. We are here to tell you what pipe sizes you need for greatest flow rate efficiency.

They don’t make all solar pumps equally. Some are more efficient than others.

We use pump efficiency to determine the amount of power a pump requires producing fluids. Solar fountain pumps are created with varied efficiencies. Some present high efficiency, while others have low efficiencies.

Low efficiency pumps need more energy to pump enough water. When this happens, we usually lose energy to heat within the pumping system. High-efficiency pumps use little energy to supply water.

Ask your pump supplier about the pump materials and the amount of solar required for efficient pumping.

How much PV will I need?

Your flow rate and amount of PV you have will be a deciding factor. The result is more stored power to pump water.

Pump size matters

Choose the best pump for your application. Pump size matters. This determines the amount of water a pump delivers.

Small solar pumps have small pipes for delivery, conveying fewer fluids. Small pipes could cause back pressure. This affects the quality and flow of liquids. Pumping through restricted spaces demands more energy required to force through small spaces. Ensure you have the right size pump for efficient pumping.

How horsepower affects how your pump works

We determine horsepower by the highest number of solar panels operating a system. Many low-flow pumps require many panels, as they need much energy to work properly.

High horsepower does not mean that the system will pump greater volumes of water faster. Always confirm the flow rate values when checking horsepower.

Solar panels

We use solar panels for the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy. They pass this to the pump controller. They then use the energy to power the pump.

Inverter or solar controller

Solar systems use solar controllers, or inverters, for stabilising power voltage. They use inverters and/or solar controllers to drive the electric motor of the pump.

When backup batteries are available, the pump controller will charge them.

Backup battery

Your backup battery stores additional energy. Backup batteries use the stored energy when sunlight is insufficient.

Water level detector explained

We use water level detectors or sensors to connect the controller. It is used to protect pumps from dry running. Sensors and water levels automatically switch off the pump once the water tank fills.