There are many reasons why solar water pumps are much better than diesel-powered pumps, such as its low-cost operations and the fact that solar is inherently environmentally friendly. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the benefits of solar water pumps, why farmers in Australia continue to move away from diesel pumps and why you should, too. Grab a cup of coffee and read on!
The difference between Diesel and Solar Pumps
First, let’s take a look at the differences between diesel water pumps and solar water pumps.
Diesel Water Pumps
A Diesel Water Pump uses fossil fuels like diesel to power its operation. Typically, a Diesel Water Pump unit has its own independent power supply system-battery. This made it attractive when it first came out on to the market, especially compared to the old water pumps that relied on grid electricity.
At first, Diesel Water Pumps are usually used as backup facilities. Therefore, it would only start when a signal mechanism or automatic trigger activates, usually due to a blackout or grid electricity failure. However, as time went on, farmers began to use it as their main water pumping system rather than just as a backup.
Solar Water Pumps
Solar Pumps are powered by sunlight and can be used to irrigate crops and provide drinking water for livestock. The main components are simple and streamlined to work in harmony together: Water Pump (Submersible or Surface Pump), Control electronics, Solar Panels and Tubes.
There are two types of Submersible Pumps:
Helical Rotor Submersible Pump
The HR helical rotor pumps are a positive displacement pump, the rotor has an eccentric movement which when rotating inside the stator effectively squeezes water through the pump on every rotation.
Centrifugal Submersible Pump
A submersible centrifugal pump uses spinning impellers to move water using centrifugal forces. Multiple impellers (stages) are added to increase pressure and create required lift. Unlike helical rotor pumps, centrifugal pumps require a minimum speed to pump water.
Key differences between Solar and Diesel Pumps
- Solar water pumps use sunlight to power its operation, while a diesel pump uses fossil fuels.
- Diesel water pumps can emit smoke and fumes that are bad for your health and the environment’s health, while a solar water pump does not.
- Solar water pumps are quieter than diesel pumps.
- Diesel pumps are costlier due to its reliance on fossil fuel, which can dramatically increase at any given time due to uncontrollable factors like politics, economics, war, and natural disaster in oil producing regions.
The improvements in Solar Pump technology
Back in the day, farmers and the general public were not too impressed with solar-powered products. That’s because they didn’t produce a lot of power despite having to use multiple large solar panels. Those days are over! Solar energy products, solar water pumps in particular, have evolved dramatically in just the past decade. A great example is the Internet of Things (IoT), or the use of internet tech to sync with hardware, which became integrated with solar water pump systems. For instance, you can now use apps on your smartphone to monitor and control your water pump systems.Remote Monitoring
As we mentioned earlier as an example, you can now harness the power of the internet to monitor and control your solar water pump. You can do this by downloading an app on your smartphone or desktop to monitor and adjust your solar water pump system. A prime example of that is LORENTZ Connected, which can be used with LORENTZ Global. This app and monitoring system allows you to read and analyse metrics. You can then adjust pressure and level control, as well as access timers and speed control to manage water resources.
Portability
Solar water pumps are lighter and more portable than previous generations. Even the solar panels, which frankly made up the bulk of the weight of older models, can be transported easily. The water pump components themselves are lighter than ever and can be easily transferred to different locations.
Versatility
The great thing about solar powered water pumps is that they are versatile in terms of power source. For instance, there are many solar water pumps like the LORENTZ PSk3 that feature hybrid technology which blends various power sources: solar energy via solar panels; traditional electric grid; gas-powered generators, and other types of power sources. In comparison, a diesel-fueled solar water pump is one-dimensional and limits your power source. The versatility of solar water pumps also allow you to control usage and adjust which power source to use to match your monthly/yearly budget.
Other benefits of Solar Pumps and downsides of Diesel Pumps
Best Option for Dry Regions
As water scarcity and severe droughts have become an ongoing problem in many regions over the past years, more and more farmers are going towards solar solutions to fulfill their energy requirements.
Smallholder farmers have found a safe spot through the use of solar-powered water pumps. Solar water pump systems are optimised for agriculture operations in arid regions like Australia because it requires minimum water delivery to crops.
Also, unlike diesel, solar water pumps are specifically designed to use in sun-drenched areas of the world. In dry regions like Australia, the sun is the fuel itself.
Environmentally Friendly
With the global population continuing to increase and climate change becoming an increasingly critical issue, the need for sustainable agricultural solutions is more pressing than ever.
Fortunately, solar energy reduces the carbon footprint that farmers themselves contribute unknowingly. That is why it has become crucial to invest in sustainable and renewable energy sources such as solar power. This type of alternative energy can not only cut down on costs, but also provide farmers with a way to support themselves through the uncertainties of farming in the face of climate change.
Low-Cost Energy Source
The best benefit of solar energy and why more Australian farmers are choosing it is that it’s a cost-effective source of energy. There is no doubt that solar energy is the cheapest source of power in the world. It will save farmers a lot of money on electric bills because they won’t have to rely on the electric grid.
Also, solar-powered products relieve smallholder farmers from high electricity consumption which can result in electricity bill hikes.
Conclusion
As you’ve learned today, solar water pumps offer a variety of benefits over pumps that rely on diesel. If you’re interested in learning more about solar water pumps for your farm, we would be happy to help. Our team of experts is passionate about renewable energy and can provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Contact us today to learn more!
