Solar Pump Learning – Articles & References
Solar Pumps 101
Learn the basics of solar pumping – the history of solar pumping, the different types of pump and impellers, and the various submersible motor technologies.
How Solar Panels Work
Solar panels and the photovoltaic effect explained – how the sun can create power, how we quantify it, types of panels, solar insolation, tilt angles etc.
Water Well Basics
Learn the basic terminology of wells – depth, static water level, drawdown, casing diameter, recovery rates. Example well report review.
Solar Pump System Sizing
Learn how well depth, pressure and friction loss impact pump sizing, ‘total dynamic head’, static water level, pump curves and sizing to GPD vs. GPM, etc.
Wiring a Solar Pump
This section goes over wiring of a standard solar pump. We’ll review underwater splicing, calculating voltage drop, series vs. parallel, batteries etc.
- Extending your Pump Wire – Wire Choice and Splicing
- Using a Pressure Tank with your Solar Pump
- Using a Pressure Switch with your Solar Pump
- Using Batteries with your Solar Pump
- Why We Prefer 24V & 48V Battery Banks
- Grounding Your Solar Pump System
- Backup Power for Solar Pumps ⏯
- Electric Fences paired with RPS Solar Pump Systems
- Tank Full Shut-Off Options ⏯
- Wiring a Float Switch with RPS Solar Pump System
- Wire Voltage Drop CALCULATOR
Submersible Pump Plumbing
Learn best practices of standard submersible pump plumbing. Options for pipe, connectors, friction loss, winterization/freezing, etc.
- Submersible Pump Plumbing ⏯
- Well Head Plumbing for Solar Pumps
- Water Tank Plumbing for a Solar Pump
- Floating Your RPS Solar Pump in a Pond or Spring
- Tank Full Shut-Off Options ⏯
- Freeze Protection in Plumbing Solar Well Pump
- Types of Check Valves commonly used for Solar Water Pumps
- Pipe Sizes & Diameters for Well Pump Plumbing – PVC vs. Poly Pipe
- Tank Plumbing with Solar Pumps
- DIY Solar Pump Sleeves / Pump Shrouds
- RPS Solar Pumps “Time Is Money” Turnkey Kit for Quicker & Easier Installs
- Irrigation Timers