How A Submersible Solar Water Pump Works—Guide By A Solar Pump Specialist in Nairobi, Kenya

The use of a submersible solar water pump is still a relatively new concept on Kenya’s small farms, but the technology has huge potential to cut costs and conserve the environment while transforming farm yields.

Understanding how a submersible solar water pump works should help improve your awareness of this technology and help you determine how best to use it for your needs.

In this post, we explain how these solar-powered submersible water pumps work, identify their components, and debunk some common misconceptions about these systems.

Read along.

Original Reliable Solar Pumps in Nairobi Kenya at Irrihub KE, +254112148880

Before we dive right into the components and how they fit, if you’re looking to buy a reliable solar pump in Kenya, Irrihub has nice offers you may consider. We sell solar pumps either as independent units or as complete solutions (kits). The complete solutions include:

• Submersible brush less pump
• 600W solar panels
• Delivery pipe 25MM
• 70 M head
• Flow rate of 2300L/hr
• Solar panels
• Pipe, cable, &
• MPPT controller
• Full Installation

Core components of the system

A submersible solar water pump system is primarily comprised of solar panels, which generate electricity, the submersible pump unit that draws water from its source, the pump controller responsible for regulating power to the pump, and the delivery system comprised of cabling and pipes.

1. Solar panels. Solar panels are responsible for harnessing the sun’s energy and converting it into direct current electricity to power the system. The size of a PV system usually depends on the amount of water required, the size of the pump, and the desired vertical lift.
2. Pump controller. This is a device that manages the power from the solar panels. It ensures that the pump receives the correct amount of electrical energy to run efficiently, while protecting it from damage likely to result from incidents of over- or under-voltage. notice
3. Submersible pump. This is the component that is submerged under water to pump it. It consists of the motor and pump unit enclosed in a protective chamber that attaches to the delivery system and the power source (controller).
4. Delivery system. Submersible water pumps usually lack a suction system, so they have only one delivery system, comprised of piping that delivers water from the source to the outlet, storage tank, or wherever the water is required.

Aside from the main components, a solar submersible water pump typically has additional components that are essential to its proper functioning. These include the following:

• Electric cable. The cables attach the submerged pump unit to the controller, transferring power from the controller to the unit to operate it. Cables also transmit power from the solar PV module or solar panels to the controller.
• Solar mounting grid and securing equipment. These include frames or structures made of painted metal to hold the solar panels, plus safety ropes that secure the pump. A well cup further helps protect the entry point.

How Solar-Powered Submersible Water Pump Operates Step by Step

Overall, a solar-powered well pump is submerged in the water source, usually a deep well or borehole. The solar panels harness the sun’s energy and generate electricity, powering the pump to lift water to the surface.

That said, here is the lowdown on the process involved in pumping water using a solar-powered well pump system.

Step 1. Solar panel generates DC power as sunlight hits it

Solar panels are photovoltaic (PV) modules equipped with silicon cells (semiconductor materials) capable of converting the light energy from the sun into electrical current. This is how solar panels are able to generate electricity in hot or cold weather, provided there is sunlight.

Step 2. The controller regulates power

A pump controller, capable of boosting linear current, is an electronic device that acts as an automatic electrical transmission. It helps the submersible pump to start and further regulates the amount of electrical energy reaching it (the pump) to keep it from stalling in weak sunlight conditions.

Some pump controllers have additional features, such as offering a terminal for the float switch to shut off the pump as soon as the water storage tank fills up with water. This way, the controller prevents the water from overflowing.

The controller also offers protection for overvoltage conditions.

Step 3. The submersible pump draws water from the source

This pump uses positive displacement (volumetric) mechanisms, sealing water in cavities and forcing it upward.

The mechanism maintains lift capacity even while pumping slowly, and generally moves water from a source such as a borehole or deep well to where it is needed. This kind of pump can also be used to move water from one tank to another.

Common myths and misconceptions about solar well pump systems

Here are some myths and misconceptions surrounding solar well pump systems that you should be aware of:

1. Can these solar pumps work during cloudy or rainy days?

A submersible solar-powered pump will indeed work in cloudy or rainy conditions, as long as there is sunlight available. Thanks to the controller, these pumps are able to obtain the required electrical current from minimal sunlight, but their performance will be reduced due to less intense sunlight.

The pump will, however, stop working when the conditions get dark, unless the system includes a battery backup. So it is advisable to always pump the water you need to a storage or backup to use when there is no sunlight.

1. Is the solar-powered pump low quality or less durable than electric pumps?

As long as the submersible solar water pump is well-maintained, it is not of lower quality or less durable than a standard electric pump. A solar pumping system can have a longer overall lifespan because its solar panels last for 25–30 years. Notice that proper installation by industry experts such as Irrihub can help prolong the service life of your unit.

1. Can it pump from deep boreholes?

Yes, different pumps are rated for different depths. So long as yours is rated for the depth, and the panels provide enough power, it will work as desired.

1. Is maintenance expensive or complicated?

Maintenance for a submersible solar water pump is usually minimal, including panel cleaning and occasional checks.

Wrap Up

A well-maintained solar submersible water pump can go a long way in saving you money and preserving a healthier environment.

We hope you find this article helpful in detailing how a submersible solar water pump works. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.