How to Connect Solar Panels to Water Pumps
Solar panels are a great way for environmentally sensitive people to save money and provide a clean and reliable energy source for their households. Solar panels are good for running smaller appliances in the household. Although solar panels can be expensive to purchase in the short term, they can save you valuable money and time in long run by generating your own power. Many farmers, people in rural areas, and homeowners who have back door pools or water pumps for yard sprinkling systems can benefit from using solar panels to power their water pumps. You can connect your solar panels to a household water pump in just a few steps.
Step 1
Install the solar panels. Fix the panels to your roof, or in an off-the-ground area that receives a lot of sunlight. If you are using an outdoor pump, mount your panels using a pole-mounted solar array. Make sure that your solar module is big enough to provide the needed power. Contact your pump distributor to find out how big the panel needs to be to power your pump.
Step 2
Install a power inverter. A power inverter converts the solar energy into electricity, so that it can be used to power your water pump. Solar panels convert sunlight into Direct Current (DC); however, most appliances use alternating current (AC). Once you have connected the power inverter to the solar panel, attach a storage battery. Because your water pump will probably need to run even if the panel is not producing electricity, it's important to store power when not in use. Connect the inverter to the battery using wires and an electric shunt. Make sure your battery is in a safe area where it will not get wet or be exposed to the environment.
Step 3
Connect the battery to your water pump. Run your wires from the battery and connect them to the AC connection points in the water pump. Consult the directions of your water pump to make sure your battery connection wires are correctly installed. Cover any exposed wires with waterproof tape or plastic caps. Turn on the solar panel and allow the DC current to flow into the converter. You will now be able to power your water pump with your solar panel.
References
Writer Bio
John Heller has been a freelance writer and author since 1998, beginning in college, and has written content for publishers such as Game Wire and Demand Studios. He focuses on and enjoys writing and blogging about health, technology, gaming, recreation, food and lifestyles for many online and print publications.
Photo Credits
- Solar Panel image by kuhar from Fotolia.com
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