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Q&A: Solar Water Pumping |
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Q&A: Solar Water Pumping
Q: Will solar pumps run only during direct sunlight?
A. No. While we often run pumping systems directly off solar electric modules without batteries, battery-based systems can be used for round-the-clock pumping. Direct pumping is usually the better option (approximately 20% more efficient), but this works only during sunny times of day. PV-direct is usually the preferred power delivery if you’re pumping to a storage tank, doing direct irrigation or running the backyard fountain. A PV-direct pump controller is often needed to help start the pump earlier in the day, keep it running later in the afternoon, or make any pumping possible on cloudy days.
Q: How do I estimate my daily water needs?
A. Here are some essential guidelines; these figures will vary with local conditions. People: 50 to 100 gal. per person Garden/Lawn Sprinkler: 600 gal. per 1,000 sq. ft. (for 1" of water) Range Cattle: 15 gal. per head Dairy Cattle: 20 gal. per head Small Animals: ¼ gal. per 25 lbs. Poultry: 6 to 12 gal. per hundred birds Young Trees: 15 gal.
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