Solar Water Pumping

Pumping water with the sun's energy is both cost-effective and reliable for livestock watering,
small irrigation and domestic water in remote locations.

It's a natural alternative to generators, hand pumps and mechanical windmills for water pumping.

Solar water pumps have been in mass production since 1983 and are in use in thousands
of locations around the world. Pumps that are designed to be powered by solar energy are
far more efficient than an equivalent AC powered pump. There are many types of pumps
and systems available for pumping from deep wells, shallow wells, ponds and streams.

Working with USDA, NRCS offices and various county Soil and Water Districts in NY and PA, we have:

Installed over 45 solar powered livestock watering systems since the summer of 2001

Presented numerous water pumping workshops in New York and Pennsylvania

Co-authored the “Guide to Solar Powered Water Pumping Systems in New York State”,
published by NYSERDA in October 2004

Cost-effective Uses for Solar Water Pumping in the Northeast

Livestock watering: pond and stream protection, prescribed grazing, remote pasturing

Aquaculture: aeration, circulation, and de-icing

Off-grid homes and cabins

Irrigation for small scale applications

Where utility interconnect costs are over $5000.

Solar Versus Other Remote Watering Options

Diesel/gas pumps: cost & labor intensive

Windmills: least wind available when the most water is needed

Gravity feed: very site specific

Ram pump: very site specific

Hauling water: Oh joy!

Advantages of Solar Water Pumping

Reliable and long life

Produces water when it’s needed most

Low labor and maintenance costs

No fuel costs

Easy to remove, transport, and store

Non-polluting

The Grundfos SQFlex Pump System

Whether it’s used for livestock watering, a pressure system at a remote cabin, or for irrigation, the
SQFlex system can be tailored to any requirements. Based on the location, depth to water and the
amount of water required, we can find the best pump and most efficient energy source for your system.

The SQ Flex pump can operate at any voltage from 30 - 300 VDC and 90 - 240 VAC without additional
controls or different settings. The wide DC voltage range allows the pump to operate directly from a PV
array or battery bank. The AC power capabilities mean every SQFlex pump has the ability to run from
utility power or AC generator for backup power.

SQFlex Performance Graphs

SQF Performance Curves

The Grundfos CU200 pump controller has indicator lights for pump operation, full water reservoir
(with float switch) and a digital readout for input power wattage.

It will shut the pump down for low water level, various service conditions and insufficient power input.

CU200 showing 90 watts input and pump running indicator Shown with PV array disconnect and DC surge arrestor

1100 gallon water storage tank Float switch for controlling the water pump

Although there are many other brands and types of pump available on the market, the pumps

shown on this page are what we have found to be the most reliable and cost-effective.

If you would like a quote for a water pump system, please download our Water Pump Design Questionnaire, fill it out and e-mail or mail it to us.
Please feel free to e-mail or call if you need assistance with completing the form.

Roy@four-winds-energy.com

Thanks for dropping by!

This website was created with solar and wind power!