The Top Ten Tips For Having An Effective Solar Water Pumping System in Zimbabwe

Solar Water Pump Systems are becoming more and more popular in Zimbabwe due to the decreasing cost of solar panels in recent years. 

Solar Water Pumping Systems mainly consist of solar pump drives, Solar Panels, and Solar Water Pumps. A Solar Water Pump draws the energy required for its operation from a photovoltaic module. In the pond, simply place the pump in the water and then connect it to the solar panel using a cable. As soon as the sun shines on the panel, the pump starts to work.

A solar pump drive opens up many new possibilities. Because installers also use them in places without an existing power connection. In addition, there are no energy costs after purchasing solar pump systems.

  The Top Ten Tips For Having An Effective Solar Water Pumping System in Zimbabwe

Clean the solar panels with water at least every couple of years. Fix leaks and broken valves and base all usage and maintenance operations on your system’s manual as provided by the manufacturer. Read on for more tips for better use of your solar water pump systems.

1. Choose The Right Solar Water Pump: 

Solar water pump systems come in two kinds: surface and submersible water pumps. When you have nearby water sources such as a lake, stream, or river, surface pumps are ideal. Hoses connect the pump to the water source to a storage tank, water features, or irrigators, depending on your needs.

Most users, however, prefer a submersible solar pump drive. Submerging the pump requires a well or deep groundwater source of at least 1000 feet. A solar-powered pump pumps water to a storage tank or a pressure tank when connected to a solar power relay.

The Top Ten Tips For Having An Effective Solar Water Pumping System in Zimbabwe

Flow rate is determined by the use case of the pump (domestic, agricultural, commercial). The manufacturer’s sheet can guide you on how many cubic meters of water you’ll get each day, including for domestic usage, gardening, and livestock consumption.

Pump suction height is limited by atmospheric pressure in meters of water (that is, 9.8 meters) and is in practice limited by 6 or 7 meters. The height of the subsurface pumps, therefore, is always lower than that of the surface pumps. To initiate water suction, the water upstream of these pumps must be primed.

On the other hand, delivery solar pumps (or submerged pumps) are submerged in water, with either their motors integrated with the pumps (monobloc pumps) or on the surface. The pumps are connected to the motor by a shaft that transmits power. An exhaust line usually follows the pump, and the length of the line can vary based on engine power.

Types aside, the following criteria should be observed if you want to buy a solar water pump.

• Wattage: The pump output is given in watts. It should be in a reasonable proportion to the amount of water in the source area. That is why most manufacturers indicate on the packaging for which size the solar water pump is intended. The size of the solar panel is also tailored to this.
• Delivery rate: The required delivery rate also depends on the use case. The flow rate indicates how many litres per hour are circulated by the pump. If this performance is to be beneficial to the water quality, there should be a good ratio to the amount of water.
• Head: The delivery head is the key figure for the height of a water fountain. However, the maximum height is always specified here. This means that a certain size is reached when all conditions are excellent. If the sun shines less intensely, the water fountain of the solar water pump can be correspondingly smaller. Those who rely on high performance here should use a larger pump or more solar area.

2. Add Output AC Line Reactor To Long-Distance Solar Water Pump Systems Projects:

The cable length indicates how far the solar module can protrude from the pump. Long cables are an advantage here because the module can then be positioned according to the amount of sunlight. The longer the cable, the less restricted the options available with the solar module. 

The Top Ten Tips For Having An Effective Solar Water Pumping System in Zimbabwe

For a long-distance solar pump system project, you may need an AC output line reactor. Normally we suggest using it when the distance from the pump to the solar pump inverter is over 50m, and request to use it over 100m.

3. Choose The Right Solar Panels:

Most AC solar water pump manufacturers provide technical documentation regarding how many watt-peaks it takes to achieve their rated capacity. Solar panels’ Watt-peak data shows how much power they can produce under normal conditions.

For the best determination of the size necessary for your photovoltaic installation, we recommend reading the manufacturer’s advice sheet. Last, different solar pump controllers have different request for VOC and VMP, you need to confirm it with you solar pump inverter manufacturers and suppliers

4. Get A Good Solar AC Pump Inverter From A Reliable Manufacturer:

Solar AC Pump inverters have a straightforward job. They convert DC electricity generated from PVs or batteries into AC electricity for household appliances. Today, you are faced with a more complex decision to make since there are numerous models and options available.

Before purchasing a solar inverter for your solar water pump systems, you must ensure that you choose a company that provided proper support and spare parts with excellent after-sales service.

5. Maintain Solar Panels:

Maintaining solar panels is not as complicated as people think. Solar panels need to be cleaned at least once a year with soap and water. However, provided there is sufficient sunlight, solar panels can last up to 25 years without additional maintenance.

6. Monitor Water Flow:

Observe the water flowing from a faucet when it’s turned on. If you are not getting any water from the pump, your pump may be set too high. Due to high water demand, the pump drains the water levels over time to the point it is no longer submerged, as it pulls water from the source. On the other hand, droughts during the dry seasons may account for the low levels. Consider resetting the pump positioning on/in the water source.

7. Fix Leaks and Broken Valves:

Wear and tear are to be expected in the case of daily use. If there is a broken line, the riser pipe may have a check valve stuck open to be repaired. However, the break in the piping typically occurs within the building or between the pump and the building. Soggy lawns may be a sign of a leaky pump line.

You can also gauge the water pressure by shutting off the water to the house. If the pressure stays steady, then the check valves and lines are most likely okay. In the case of a pressure drop, there is probably leakage in the line that leads to the house or a blockage with the check valve.

In addition, sometimes the water pump starts and then shuts off after a few seconds. In this case, the pressure is likely to build up too quickly. This implies that the pressure tank doesn’t have enough air. At this juncture, please call a professional.

8. Positioning:

For efficient performance, a pump needs to raise a column of water, which may be deep beneath the surface, or slightly beneath the water’s surface.

A lower pump location will affect the flow performance of your rig leading to more energy usage. Many wells have a pump installed at the bottom. Please note that with this kind of positioning, there may not be enough power to manage water flow through the system to create the flow on days without sun, as there isn’t enough power to control its exit.

The same problem also arises when the distance between the pump and the water usage site is exceedingly long—more pumping power is required. Regular obstruction of the filter can also impact flow—obstruction results from sediment that accumulates at the bottom of the well. A pump housing at the bottom of a well is undoubtedly the worst possible location. Position it slightly beneath the surface of the water in the well.

9. Test The Efficiency Of Your Panels

You can track the degree of power the panel produces when they perform the pump-to-panel test. The battery can also be tested to make sure it is functioning properly with this test.

• Remove the pump and panel from the battery unit completely.
• Bypass the battery by connecting the pump’s lead straight to the panel as the power source.

With this method, the pump receives its power straight from the panel.

The pump will generally begin working immediately when exposed to sunlight, but you must ensure the pump is close to the surface of the water in order for the test to be successful. If you’re having consistency problems, you can usually solve them by relocating your pump close to the surface of the water.

10. Use A Float Switch:

If you use a float switch, your work becomes easy. Water levels determine when to turn the pump on or off. When the tank is low, the pump will turn on, and when it is full, it will turn off. When the pump down float is active, the pump will start running at full capacity and stop when the tank is empty.

It is possible to connect some LCBs to an input of a float switch instead of directly to the pump. However, beware that some LCBs may perform differently when used with a float switch, so check the LCB manual to determine what to expect.

Notable Mentions:

Elevate To Improve The Flow:

The flow of water inside pipes in a house depends on the pump’s water pressure. You may need as low as 20 PSI (pounds per square inch) of pressure in a typical house. There are several ways to achieve water pressure. As a basic method, use gravity by storing water in a tank placed above the home. You get 0.433 PSI water pressure for each foot of height. For example, if your house has a 100′ high tank, you will have 43.3 PSI on the water (100′ x .433).

Get A Booster Pump:

A small booster pump(mainly for solar dc water pump systems), which can pressurize the pipes if an elevated tank is not possible, can be used instead of elevation. Pumps that are connected to the batteries can pressurize at any time of the day or night. The PSI capacity of the booster pump and the amps required to apply pressure will be illustrated on the technical specs.

Aim For Maximum Exposure:

You should find the best location for your solar panel based on your knowledge of your system. Install the panel in an open place so that it is never shaded. Most residential panels are tilted by default. It is good to install a solar tracking PV module if you need more water in the summer for irrigation. By following the sun, the solar panel can generate the maximum amount of power. Solar panels with sun-tracking capabilities can provide 20-40% more energy than fixed panels during the day.

Prevent Damage To The Pump:

You must take steps to prevent the solar water pump from getting damaged after investing all that money in it. First of all, the pump must detect the water level inside the tank to turn off. You can check with your pump’s manufacturer if it already has this feature. A properly grounded system is also important. Some manufacturers’ warranties may even require a surge arrester. In the case of a direct lightning strike to your bay, your pump will still be adequately protected if your system has been grounded properly.

Choose The Right Solar Water Pump Systems Inverter:

When choosing a solar pump drive, consider the:

• Solar AC Pump Drive’s AC Output: This power must match that of the PV rig. Inverter power ratings (STCs) are a good indicator of the minimum size required. A larger inverter may be needed for systems located in higher elevations; this will eliminate power clipping. During cold, sunny days and dense clouds, a larger inverter will provide more output. By sizing the inverter appropriately, future expansion can also be accommodated.
• Voltage Input Range: Solar pump drives support a wide range of electrical voltages from a solar panel. Temperature coefficient and local climate data will determine the maximum and minimum voltages. A solar pump drive that exceeds its maximum voltage specification may burn, and one that runs at too low a voltage can fail to operate.

Solar water pump systems would not be complete without solar inverters for solar pumps. If you want to make sure your investment performs well, ensure that you are using a high-quality solar pump drive and checking the aftersales services. Along with reliability, people should also consider how they feel about a company’s technical support and customer service.

Contact Nakiso Borehole Drilling for Quality AC and DC Solar Pump Installation Services Backed by an official warranty. Should any difficulty arise, you can rely on us to provide dependable service.

Solar Water Pumps Recommended By Nakiso Borehole Drilling:

1. Lorrentz Solar Water Pumps are 100% dedicated to building pumping systems for off-grid solar applications. The Lorrentz Solar Water Pumps engineering team focuses on the right designs, the right materials and manufacturing methods to make very reliable, maintainable and repairable solutions that fit the application. Lorrentz Solar Water Pumps understands solar water pumping applications and build products that make delivering projects on time and on a budget easy. Lorrentz Solar Water Pumps systems have all of the connections for sensors built-in, all of the software for water applications already on board and a full range of accessories to complete the system. Lorrentz Solar Water Pumps are designed and built using LORENTZ 25 years of experience in off-grid water pumping systems. The systems set a new level of quality and reliability for small pumping systems. The submersible pumps are flexible to serve a wide range of flow and head requirements and designed for the long life needed in productive use cases such as livestock water and irrigation. The system offers “plug and play” installation.

2. Grandfos Solar Water Pump offers the ultimate environmentally responsible solution for the Supply of water without electricity supply. The Grandfos Solar Water Pump of the range SQFlex incorporate a permanent magnet motor that allows efficient use of energy from natural sources such as Solar energy. This Solar Water pumping System is an ideal solution for water supply in difficult-to-reach areas where it is scarce and electricity supply is non-existent or unreliable.

3. C.R.I Solar Pumps C.R.I Pumps has 5 decades of engineering expertise in the pump industry, in keeping with its innovative spirit, have extended its Solar Pumping systems with a new comprehensive range of products from Deepwell Submersible systems to Surface pump ranges. These product ranges to ensure that even in areas where it is little or no power distribution the need for water is met. It is also part of the Company's initiatives to promote GREEN ENERGY. These next-generation C.R.I Pumping systems are developed with modern methods of design, integrated with the most advanced production technologies. C.R.I Solar pumping systems are designed for various applications, combine with high performance and durability. These Deepwell pumping systems are available in Screw and Centrifugal type Solar Pumps with different head and flow range to meet customer requirements. Lower capacity pumps of these systems are supplied with C.R.I Oil-filled permanent magnet, brushless DC motors and Higher capacity pumps are supplied with C.R.I Pumps Water filled rewindable A.C motors. The high quality polycrystalline solar panel ensures optimum efficiency of the system.

4. Felicity Solar Pump. Felicity Solar is located in Eastlea Harare Zimbabwe. Felicity Solar is a high-tech new energy enterprise that specializes in research and development, project design and installation guidance and after-sales service. Through dedicated researches and continuous innovation, we possess unique technology superiority and product superiority. Felicity Solar values customers and continuously strive to meet customer expectations.

5. Frecon (Kumusha) Solar Pump. Kumusha (Kumusha) Solar Pump is available with solar panels. The Kumusha (Kumusha) Solar Pump gives 5000 litres plus per day. It is a small but powerful pump that can be best used in wells, boreholes, dams, rivers and even in ponds. They are easy to install and are compatible with sprinklers and microjets.

6. Rison Solar Pumps has developed a full range of solar pumps with a broad range of capacities for irrigation, submersible and demand pumping applications. Rison helical and centrifugal pumps are manufactured using top quality materials for reliability and longevity. Rison solar water pumping systems are off-grid systems powered directly by solar photovoltaic modules. With a wide range of pump capacities, Rison can guarantee sufficient water supply for household water supply, pool and pond pumping, farming irrigation, animal drinking water, agricultural, boreholes and many more applications.