Tank Plumbing with Solar Pumps

Perfect for larger operations that require multiple storage and stock tank locations. RPS Pro Series Volume and Deep Well Pumps deliver high performance (up to 225 GPM and capable of pumping from 1000ft) for deeper wells and larger ranches, herds and livestock ponds. This style setup utilizes open flow to cascading stock tanks (A) that overflow into an auxiliary pond. This allows you to take full advantage of the entire solar day and get as much water to the surface as possible. There are lots of variations on this theme, including using smaller pumps, different types of pumps etc. Larger elevated tanks allow you to distribute water to stocks tanks elsewhere in the pasture using gravity. Mechanical float valves (C) allow for the shut-off of water from each of these stock and storage tanks (B).

Most Common Down-Hole Plumbing

Submersible pumps can’t provide 45 -60 psi for a household by themselves, they require the help of a pressure tank for reliable, consistent high pressure. An RPS 200, 400, 600, 800 or 400N could be used in this setup as they are all compatible with batteries (A), which you’ll need for off hour or nighttime pumping. Without batteries, the submersible pump would only operate from sun up to sun down. After sun down you would only have what’s available in the pressure tank, which some rare customers opt for because their water needs are extremely minimal. We recommend splurging on a larger capacity pressure tank rather than smaller for off grid set up, it provides some extra storage and minimizes pump cycling. Two pieces of special plumbing are needed to make a submersible pump to pressure tank system work; a check valve and a reverse action pressure switch. The check valve (C), a one way valve that stops water from draining back through the pump, helps maintain pressure in the pipeline. The reverse action pressure switch (D) senses changes in pipeline pressure, if the pressure tank is draining and therefore asking for more water, or filled up. The reverse action pressure switch is wired into the charge controller and will send a sensor pulse to either turn on the pump (if the pressure tank is asking for water) or turn the pump off (if the pressure tank is full). Reverse action pressure switches are adjustable to a variety of settings like 40/60 , 30/50 or 20/40, we sell them here. Watch our video about adjusting a reverse action pressure switch here. If the water were allowed to drain back through the pump (which is sometimes useful in freeze proofing a system) then the reverse action pressure switch would be unable to sense the changes in line pressure. And if you’re worried about the pump turning on/off multiple times during the day – don’t be! Our submersible pumps are all soft start/ slow stop, meaning no grinding parts or start up torque.