5 Best Solar Powered Water Pumps for 2023

Are you looking for the best solar powered water pump? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the best solar water pumps on the market and why you should consider purchasing one. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right pump for your needs. So, whether you’re looking to irrigate your garden or water your livestock, we have the perfect pump for you.

What is a Solar Powered Water Pump?

Solar powered water pumps are an environmentally friendly and cost effective way to get water from underground and above ground water sources. They are powered by the sun’s rays and do not require any electricity or fossil fuels to run, making them a great choice for people looking to save money on their energy bills or reduce their carbon footprint. There are a number of different solar powered water pumps on the market, so it is important to do your research before purchasing one to make sure you find the best option for your needs.

In rural areas, people often have to draw water from wells. This can be a difficult and time-consuming process, especially if the well is deep. A solar powered water pump can make drawing water from a well much easier. A solar powered water pump uses energy from the sun to power a pump that draws water from the well. There are many different solar powered water pumps available on the market.

How does a Solar Powered Water Pump Work?

When the sun shines on the surface of your solar panels, the movement of electrons generates DC power which is transferred through attached wires to the pump controller.

The pump controller is the brains of the system and with sophisticated technology and sensor inputs, it turns the submersible motor and drives the pump to push water against gravity to the surface.

Typical Uses For a Solar Powered Water Pump

Ponds

A solar powered water pump for ponds circulates the water, helping to keep it clean and healthy. They also add oxygen to the water, which is beneficial for the plants and fish in the pond.

Evaporation happens when there is a lack of rain, water can be added using a solar pump to counter this evaporation.

Livestock

Many farmers are using outdated windmills that do not pump enough water and are therefore upgrading to solar water pumps to increase water volume and decrease costs. Water sources can be in remote areas where there is no utility power available to extract water therefore making solar power a viable choice.

Irrigation

More and more farmers are switching to solar power for their water pumping needs. One of the most sustainable ways to irrigate crops is by using a solar powered water pump. In many cases, irrigation is used in an effort to increase crop yields. There are a number of ways to irrigate crops, including using canals, sprinkler systems, and drip irrigation.

Household

An off grid water pump gives you water for drinking, cooking, for animals, for gardening, for hot showers after a day of hard work. Whether a homestead, house, cabin, RV, tent – water allows you to live sustainably. The independence and self-reliance we all strive for.

Pump type for your Water Source?

Surface Pump

Solar surface water pumps are becoming more popular as people become more interested in renewable energy sources. These pumps can be used to provide drinking water, irrigation, and livestock watering. They are also useful for filling ponds and swimming pools. Solar surface water pumps can be used to draw up groundwater or to pump water up from a river or lake.

• Pond
• Spring
• River/Stream
• Water tank/Cistern

Submersible Pump

A solar submersible water pump is a great way to get water from a well. They are easy to install and use solar power to run, making them a renewable source of energy. They are also efficient, meaning they use less energy than other methods of pumping water from wells. You need to take into consideration the depth of the well as some pumps are more suited to deep wells than shallow wells.

• Well

Sizing a Solar Water Pump System

When sizing a solar powered water pump system, you need to take into account the amount of water you need, water flow/pressure and the water source. You also need to know how big of a solar panel array you need.
The amount of water you need is based on your needs. You’ll want to factor in things like how many people will be using the water and what their daily usage is.

The water source can be either a well or a body of water like a river or lake. If you’re using a well, you’ll need to know the depth of the well and the flow rate. If you’re using a body of water, you’ll need to know the height difference between where the pump will be located and where the body of water is.

Solar Water Pump System Components

• Solar panel array
• Solar charge controller (MPPT type)
• DC Water pump, avoid AC water pumps they use up to 50% more energy.
• Electrical safety equipment (fuse box, breakers).
• Electrical wiring.
• Water storage.

The most important components of a solar water pump system are the solar panels, the pump, and the controller. The solar panels must be large enough to provide enough power to run the pump, and they must be positioned so that they will receive maximum sunlight exposure. The pump must be able to handle the amount of water being pumped, and the controller regulates the power output from the solar panels, ensuring that the pump always has enough power to operate.

Solar Water Pump Products

Surface Pumps

#1 Dankoff 12V Solar SlowPump

The Dankoff Solar SlowPump is designed to pump water from ponds, rivers, streams, tanks, wells, springs, and cisterns as high as 400′ and through miles of pipe. These ⅕ horsepower pumps last 15 – 20 years with wearing parts that last 5 – 10 years.

This pump is not freeze protected. It will not tolerate dirt and incoming water must be filtered clear.

Dankoff 1308-12 Solar SlowPump Features

• Runs on 12 volts DC
• NSF-approved for drinking water
• Handles seawater and dissolved minerals
• Permanent magnet DC motor
• Easy-to-replace brushes and pump heads last 5 – 10 years
• 1-year warranty

#2 SHURflo High Flow 12V Surface Pump (2088-514-145)

The12VDC SHURflo surface pump is part of the SHURflo 2088 series – considered the workhorse of small diaphragm surface pumps. It’s useful in a variety of transfer and dispense-on-demand applications where flows of up to 3.6 gallons per minute are required. Features self-priming up to 9′, one-way check valve to prevent back flow, and automatic operation with the built-in pressure demand switch that’s adjustable from 30 to 50 psi.

SHURflo 2088-514-145 Surface Pump Features

• Provides 100′ of lift at 3.6gpm
• 45 psi demand switch (adjustable from 30-50 psi)
• Self-priming up to 9′ vertical
• Built-in check valve prevents back flow
• Automatic demand

#3 Dankoff 24V Solar SlowPump (1303-24)

The Dankoff 1303 Solar SlowPump is designed to pump water from ponds, rivers, streams, tanks, wells, springs, and cisterns as high as 240′ and through miles of pipe. This ⅕ horsepower pump lasts 15 – 20 years, and features wearing parts that last 5 – 10 years.

This pump is not freeze protected. It will not tolerate dirt and incoming water must be filtered clear.

Dankoff 1303-24 Solar SlowPump Features

• Runs on 24 volts DC
• NSF-approved for drinking water
• Handles seawater and dissolved minerals
• Permanent magnet DC motor
• Easy-to-replace brushes and pump heads last 5 – 10 years
• /1-year warranty

Submersible Well Pumps

#4 12V/24V Submersible Pump (SDS-T-128)

SunPumps’ SDS-T of submersible DC well pumps are high-efficiency positive displacement pumps for well casings 4″ and larger. Constructed of super-strong Ryton and stainless steel, these pumps are durable, corrosion-resistant, and highly economical. They operate on 12-30 VDC that can be supplied from solar panels, batteries, or other DC sources.

At 30VDC, the SDS-T-128 can move water at up to 1.6 gallons per minute or up to 230 feet high.

The SDS-T pumps are based on SunPumps’ time-tested SDS-Q series pumps, but can be installed a bit deeper and have a smaller ½” port than the SDS-Q’s ¾”. These durable, versatile pumps are great for off-grid homesteads, small farms, campsites and other off-grid applications where well water delivery is needed.

SunPumps SDS-T-128 Submersible Pump Features

• 12.25″ H x 3.8″ diameter
• 11 lbs
• Voltage: 12-30VDC
• Minimum well diameter: 4″
• Max flow rate: 1.6 gpm
• Max head (depth): 230′
• ½” NPT port
• Housing: Stainless steel
• Manufacturer: SunPumps

#5 SHURflo 24V Submersible Pump (9325-043-101)

This 24-volt DC pump is rugged, durable, built to last, and can even tolerate running dry for over a month – making it ideal for low output wells. Its unique water-tight power connector stops water wicking and prevents potential condensation problems. Great for residential homesteads, livestock watering, irrigation, pond areation, remote wells, and off-grid cabins.

SHURflo 9325-043-101 Submersible Pump Features

• For wells with pipes 4″ or larger
• 1.85 gpm flow or up to 230′ of lift
• Quick disconnect with “Watertite-Gland” design
• Corrosion-proof housing with stainless steel fasteners
• Runs dry without damage
• 50 mesh stainless steel inlet screen
• State of the art solid diaphragm

Conclusion

In conclusion, solar water pumps are a great investment for a number of reasons. They can be used in a variety of ways, from agriculture to irrigation to simply providing water for everyday needs. They are also a more environmentally-friendly option than traditional pumps, and they can save you money in the long run. If you’re looking for a way to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and help the environment, solar water pumps may be the perfect solution for you.