5 Best Solar Powered Water Pump for Irrigation in 2023 Reviews
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A high-capacity solar panel is not all that defines the best solar water pumps.
Factors like flow rate, head lift, pump efficiency, and power source flexibility add to the total quality a solar-powered water pump for irrigation will offer.
Then the ease of maintenance and resistance to corrosion will determine how long you get to use your solar pump.
Top 5 Solar-Powered Water Pumps for Irrigation at a Glance
The ECO-WORTHY Solar Water Pump Kit is worthy of the top spot on our list because it is well-rounded.
It has a remarkable maximum lift, the flow rate is decent, the solar panel is efficient & powerful, and the pump is pretty efficient. Beyond those features, this water pump offers significant resistance against corrosion.
This solar water pump kit is made with various anti-corrosion materials. For one, the stainless steel strainer and the copper core power cable will leave no room for corrosion. So, you can have the pump around for very long.
Beyond that, the stainless steel strainer prevents clogging and adds some aesthetic appeal to the appearance of your pump.
It comes with a controller that operates in 4 modes. Each one of these modes prevents the pump from overworking and, therefore, prolongs its lifespan.
So, coupled with the corrosion-resistant parts, the controller contributes to the durability of your pump.
The controller is pretty flexible; it is compatible with 12 volts and 24 volts battery to handle 360- or 720 watts.
Maximum Lift
It has a lift of 230 feet – the highest of any product on this list. Of course, a lift of 230 feet makes it possible to pump water from lower depths to higher surfaces.
This means you get some flexibility in setting up your solar water pump kit – you can have a very high discharge point, which is good if you get a storage tank for irrigation.
Plus, since the maximum submersion is 100 feet, you can have a very deep water source.
Flow Rate
The flow rate is capped at 1.6 gallons per minute (6 liters per minute). This falls short of the flow rate of the Amarine, the BACOENG DC Farm & Ranch Solar Water Pump, and the other two products.
Yet, it should be enough to offer you decent irrigation.
Pump Efficiency
The solar water pump kit comes with 2 solar panels of monocrystalline cells. So, the efficiency is not in doubt. Each solar panel has a power rating of 100 watts, totaling 200 watts.
Since the pump consumes a maximum of 96 watts, the solar panels offer enough power to run it. Then compared to its rate of water flow and lift, this pump’s estimated maximum power consumption shows that it is fairly efficient.
You cannot use this pump without direct sunlight unless you get a battery. Thankfully, you can use a battery with it.
Unfortunately, however, the product does not come with a battery in the package. So you have to get one yourself.
Pros
It has the highest maximum lift on the list.
The water flow rate is decent but not the highest on the list.
The solar panel has a high capacity. It is the only product on the list with a solar panel.
It offers power source flexibility since it can run on solar power and the DC output of a battery.
Cons
The rate of water flow can be higher.
While it can work with a battery as the power source, it does not come with a battery
The Amarine Made DC 12V Farm & Ranch Solar Water Pump boasts the highest flow rate of any product on this list.
But more than that, it boasts an efficient pump, a corrosion-resistant body, and a decent maximum lift.
Flow Rate
The Amarine water pump produces a maximum water flow of 26.4 gallons per minute (100 liters per minute). No other product on the list matches this, which is pretty huge.
In other words, when this submersible pump works at total capacity, it can fill a 100-liter tank in just one minute.
Beyond this product’s impressive maximum water flow capacity, most of the body is crafted with stainless steel. So, you can expect significant corrosion resistance.
Then there is the strainer, also made of stainless steel, which prevents clogging. The anti-corrosion body and the anti-clogging strainer enhance the product’s longevity.
Furthermore, there is a waterproof seal. This seal keeps water out of the electric compartments. This way, it prevents electric shocks, and there is minimal risk of the pump getting damaged by water.
Maximum Lift
The Amarine solar water pump has a maximum lift of 26 feet. While this falls below the maximum lift, it still goes a long way. N
wonder it finds applications in minor farm irrigation, pool drainages, fountains, ponds, and troughs.
Pump Efficiency
The Amarine farm solar water pump has a power rating of 125 watts. And seeing how much water it pumps out per minute with such power consumption, the efficiency of this product is undeniable – no other product on the list comes close.
It does not come with a solar panel. So, you have to get one separately. A solar panel rated 100 watts and 12 volts would do. But you should get about 2-3 100-watt panels for better performance.
Also, the Amarine pump does not come with a controller. So, when getting a solar panel, you should get a controller too.
Besides running on solar power, it can be powered with batteries. However, the product does not have batteries, so you must get one separately. A 12v battery would do, but one with a low current rating may not power the pump for too long.
Once you get solar panels and a suitable battery for this solar-powered pump for irrigation, you should be able to use it under any condition, even at night.
All in all, the product is lightweight, powerful, efficient, easy to set up, easy to use, and has low maintenance requirements.
Pros
The pump is pretty efficient, and no other pump on the list comes close.
The flow rate is very impressive – the highest on the list.
The product is considerably corrosion-resistant.
The power source of choice is flexible.
Cons
It does not come with a solar panel, controller, or batteries – just the pump.
You get a high water flow rate with the BACOENG DC Farm & Ranch Solar Water Pump.
But beyond that, you can count on this product’s durability and pump efficiency.
Flow Rate
With this farm solar pump, you get two voltage options: 12 volts and 24 volts. What is the difference between both? Their flow rate.
While the 12-volt pump has a maximum rate of water flow capped at 20 gallons per minute (over 75 liters per minute), the 24-volt variant has a flow rate of 24 gallons per minute (over 90 liters per minute).
The maximum water flow of the 12-volt. However, the 24-volt pump surpasses both of them. Still, none produces as much water flow per minute as the Amarine farm pump.
You might be wondering why we have two BACOENG solar pumps with similar specifications on the list. While most of their specifications are the same, the materials they are made with differ. Consequently, their durability and resistance to corrosion differ.
This solar pump offers relatively lower durability. It has a zinc-plated rubber gasket, an aluminum filter screen, a plastic impeller, and iron screws.
While these materials offer decent corrosion resistance, wear, and impact levels, they are not just as resistant as the materials the BACOENG DC 12V Solar Pump is made of.
Unsurprisingly, the BACOENG DC 12V Pump is relatively more expensive than the farm solar pump.
The maximum lift is capped at 20 feet.
Pumo Efficiency
Without a doubt, both variants are efficient. The 24-volt variant comes with an efficiency rating of 0.8 – pretty high. But while this brand’s 12-volt and 24-volt pumps are efficient, they are still not as efficient as the Amarine Pump.
The efficiencies of these products are inferable. Both solar pumps have a power rating of 120 watts. Then they produce 20 and 24 gallons per minute – which is pretty impressive. But for about the same power, the Amarine Pump can produce 26.4 gallons per minute. Hence, the relatively higher efficiency.
This product’s efficiency, flow rate, and easy maintenance contribute to its wide applicability. It can be used for farm irrigation, aquaculture, grazier, etc.
The pump can run on solar panels and batteries. But, disappointingly, it does not come with a solar panel or a battery. So, you should get that separately.
For the 12-volt variant, the minimum voltage of the battery system should be 12 volts, and for the 24-volt variant, the minimum voltage should be 24 volts.
Besides checking out the voltage of the battery, check out the capacity. Low-capacity battery systems will not power your pump for too long without direct sunlight.
Pros
Both voltage variants have high flow rates – only bettered by that of the Amarine Pump.
The pump is pretty efficient.
The maximum lift is okay, but it is far below the lifts of the ECO-WORTHY solar pumps.
More than just offering a high flow rate, the BACOENG DC 12V Solar Water Pump offers durability and efficiency.
This pump only comes with a 12-volt rating. The flow rate is 20 gallons per minute (75.7 liters per minute).
Flow Rate
While a flow rate of 20 gallons per minute is excellent, the Amarine pump and the 24-volt variant of the other BACOENG pump trump this performance. Nonetheless, it gets one over the two ECO-WORTHY pumps.
Like the DC Farm Pump, this one can lift water through a maximum height of 20 feet. While this value is fair, it still falls short of what the two ECO-WORTHY solar pumps offer.
The two BACOENG solar water pumps may be similarly matched regarding flow rate, maximum lift, power consumption, and other specifications. However, the distinction lies in their durability.
It comes with a stainless steel body, a stainless steel filter screen, an NBR gasket, stainless steel impeller, and nickel-plated screws. However, the farm pump has a zinc-plated rubber gasket, an aluminum filter screen, a plastic impeller, and iron screws.
When compared with each other, the materials offer more resistance to corrosion and wear than those used in making the farm pump.
Nonetheless, they find similar applications in farm/small garden irrigation, grazier, aquaculture, etc.
Pump Efficiency
Pushing out 20 gallons of water per minute while consuming around 120 watts says a lot about the efficiency of this pump. And while it is highly efficient, the Amarine Pump and the 24-volt BACOENG farm pump edge it.
Solar panels are the primary power source. But this powerful pump can run on a 12-volt battery without solar power. Unfortunately, the package has no solar panel, controller, or battery. So, you will have to get them yourself.
Pros
It has remarkable durability. At least it is more durable than the BACOENG DC Farm Pump.
The flow rate is pretty high – the third-highest of any product on the list.
The maximum lift is fair.
Cons
The package does not include a solar panel, battery, or controller.
Last on our list of best solar pumps is the ECO-WORTHY 12V DC Submersible Deep Well Pump. This potent water pump offers high maximum lift, durability, and power source flexibility. But beyond the said features, it also offers a remarkable flow rate.
You can push water through a height of 230 feet. Every other product in this review offers a maximum lift of at least 7 times less than the lift of these 2 products.
On durability, most parts are made from 304 stainless steel. So, the pump is unlikely to get rusted or dented easily. Plus, it has a 50 mesh of stainless steel, which does enough to prevent clogging.
Pump Efficiency
This deep well pump is efficient to an extent. However, the combination of a precision bearing and a pure copper motor shows that this pump uses most of the power it gets to drive the water flow.
Nonetheless, this deep well pump is not the most efficient compared to the other products in this review. It is less efficient than the two BACOENG pumps and the Amarine water pump.
Flow Rate
This deep well pump can pump out a maximum of 3.2 gallons per minute (12 liters per minute). This is decent. It is not the highest you can get from a product in this review – the flow rate of the Amarine pump is about 8 times the flow rate of this product.
While solar power primarily drives the operation, it can also run on electrical energy on batteries and be corded electric. However, the other pumps in this review run on solar power and batteries too. They cannot be corded electric.
With this pump’s power source flexibility, you have two ways to keep your pump running even without direct sunlight.
First, however, you must get the solar panel and battery to power the pump because none of these is included in the package.
Pros
The lift is impressive – the highest alongside the ECO-WORTHY Solar Water Pump Kit.
Solar panels and batteries can power the pump, and it can be corded electric.
It is relatively durable.
Cons
The flow rate can be higher.
Batteries and solar panels are not included in the package.
The efficiency can be higher.
Buyer’s Guide
Flow Rate
The flow rate of a water pump is a measure of the volume of water it can push out per unit of time (usually per minute), and it differs from one pump to another.
For each type of irrigation, there is a desired flow rate. In other words, some pumps may not push water out at the rate you need for irrigation.
Therefore, confirm the desired flow rate for your type of irrigation, then check that the product you choose meets this requirement or exceeds it.
Maximum Lift
The maximum lift of your pump tells you the maximum vertical distance your pump can push water from the water source to the drainage source. This value is vital if the drainage source or destination of the water stands at a spot way above the ground.
Your pump must be able to push water through the height between the water source and the water destination.
Solar Panel Capacity
Understandably, solar pumps need PV panels to function. But the pumps can only work if the solar panel generates enough power to get them running. If your pump has a PV panel, you will not have to worry about the panel capacity.
However, if you have to buy the panel separately, you must pay attention to the PV panel capacity.
To ensure you get things right, verify the wattage of your pump before getting the solar panel. Ensure that the board produces the same power as the pump rating.
You can do one better by getting a panel that produces more power than the power rating of the pump. This way, you will not have to worry about power loss.
Solar Water Pump Efficiency
With all types of machines, efficiency is crucial. Efficiency defines the extent to which a machine uses the power it gets.
A low-efficiency machine will waste most of the power it gets and produce little output in simpler terms. On the other hand, a high-efficiency machine will use most of the power it brings to generate output.
In the same way, a solar water pump with high efficiency will maximize the energy it gets from the sun and channel most of it into pumping water for irrigation.
In other words, with an efficient pump, sunlight hits the PV panel quickly, and you would get a high level of water circulation.
Resistance To Corrosion
With constant exposure to water and air irrigation, the metallic parts of a solar-powered water pump are at risk of corrosion. Luckily, some metal alloys like stainless steel are plated to resist corrosion.
When getting a pump, look for one with parts built to resist corrosion. In many cases, pumps made with stainless steel are your best bet.
Power Source Flexibility
Powering your pump with the energy from the sun is eco-friendly and all. However, the sun will not always be around. When the sun does not shine, you might be unable to power the pump, except it can run on other power sources.
Thankfully, various solar water pumps can run on more than just energy from the sun. Some use batteries, while some can be corded electric.
FAQs
Are Solar Powered Water Pumps Any Good?
Solar-powered pumps are pretty effective for various types of irrigation: minor garden irrigation, farm irrigation, and much more.
Beyond being an effective means of irrigation, solar pumps have a low operating cost compared to their alternatives. This is because they run on solar energy, and you do not have to pay. The operating costs you will incur while using solar pumps will most likely come from maintenance and repairs.
Besides, since these pumps rely on the power generated when sunlight hits a solar panel, you never have to worry about rising electricity bills. At the same time, they are eco-friendly since the sun is a renewable energy source.
How Many Solar Panels Does It Take Power a Water Pump?
The number of PV panels needed to power a water pump depends on the wattage of the pump.
For instance, if you have a 100-watt pump, you need at least a 100-watt solar panel. However, getting a solar panel with a slightly higher power output is advisable to compensate for any power loss.
Going by the instance above, if your pump is rated 100 watts and your solar panel is rated 50 watts, it will take at least 2 such solar panels to power the pump.
How Much Solar Energy Does My Solar Water Pump Consume?
The amount of solar energy your water pump consumes depends on its power rating and how long you keep it running.
For instance, if your pump is rated 100 watts, and you leave it running for 2 hours, the maximum solar energy it can consume within that period is 200 Wh or 0.2 kWh.
Final Thoughts
Beyond being eco-friendly, a solar-powered water pump for irrigation is undoubtedly effective at what it does. But to ensure what you get works for you, ensure you opt for a product with a flow rate that suits your needs.
Then, verify the product’s capacity, durability, flexibility, ease of maintenance, installation, lift, and efficiency.
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Adeyomola Kazeem
Adeyomola loves the purity that comes with solar energy. He believes that with the yellow dwarf star already brimming with energy, the world does not need to deplete non-renewable energy sources. Especially since said energy sources might be harmful to our world.He has had hands-on experiences creating solar energy panels himself and has worked closely with solar engineers. In a bid to preserve environmental integrity, Adeyomola would rather walk certain distances instead of driving or taking a bus. He sometimes spends his free time planting and tending to plants or wondering why we underutilize the biggest star in our solar system.
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