A Solar Water Pump. How does it work? And its components. As we know water pumps require a significant amount of electric power. Usually, the power is drawn from the electric grid. But the invention of solar cells changed the scenario. Solar cells are also called photovoltaic or PV cells. Using solar cells electricity can be produced from sunlight. Electricity can also be generated using other renewable energy sources such as wind and tidal energy.
For now, let’s focus on solar cells driving the water pump. Here we can see a Solar Water Pump.
First, let’s quickly overview the main components.
1. Solar panel: These solar panels are fixed types and cannot be rotated according to the position of the sun throughout the day. Hence angle of panels is set to get maximum sunlight on panels. Solar Panels Produce DC power.
2. Inverter Unit: As we know solar panel produces DC power whereas water pump runs on AC power. Hence inverter is used to convert DC into AC.
3. AC Water Pump: It is used with suitable power ratings for the solar system. Depending upon the availability of sunlight, ratings of the pump and other equipment are decided.
Solar water pumps are very helpful in the areas where the electricity grid is not available, also where power shortage is huge and frequent. Moreover, this is a clean and environment-friendly energy source. Solar panels require very less maintenance, such as cleaning the dust deposited on the panels’ surface.
Capital cost is the only concern, which can be recovered within a few years of panel service. Also, Solar panels are getting cheaper day by day.