How to size and select the Best Solar Water Pumping Solution in Nigeria

The typical solar pump installation consists of an array of solar panels oriented to get maximum solar energy during the day and must be located away from shades from trees, buildings, elevated tanks, or other obstacles. Therefore, the initial investment in the equipment is minimal, considering the significant benefits obtained.

The array of solar panels is also called a photovoltaic array. Generally, in an installation of this type, no connection to the power company grid nor batteries are required. Instead, a controller device is used to take full advantage of the energy delivered by the panels.

A submerged panel is placed inside the well not to lose contact with the water and works as long as there is water in the well. Once in operation, maintenance costs are minimal, and the operation cost practically dropped to zero. A system of any size can be built as needed. The system must be designed, taking into account water available during the year. The volume of water required for the surface to be irrigated, an area free of shadows to install the panels, all these factors need a professional study to achieve the maximum efficiency at the lowest possible cost.

The typical operation would be as follows.

At sunrise, sunlight begins shinning on the panels, and they begin to generate electricity. In small quantity at first, it increases as the sun rays hit the panels at a more perpendicular angle as a day approaches noon.

The submerged pump, which can be either a centrifugal or volumetric pump, is designed to operate slower when it gets less voltage and gradually increases the operating pace to its maximum rhythm at mid-day.

In the evening, the pump’s speed decreases until it stops when the panels’ energy is not enough.

The whole system adjusts itself during cloudy days, so the pump’s capacity is used to a different degree depending on the sunlight available. Therefore, the size and selection of solar water pumps depend upon how much water flow is required per year. To increase solar water pumps’ efficiency, it is preferred to oversize the solar panel up to 30%.

GRUNDFOS SOLAR WATER PUMPING SYSTEM

When sizing Grundfos solar water solution, the pump must be sized according to the application and the specific requirements that it is intended for. Compared to the traditional pumping system, it is not as straightforward to select a pump based on data sheets when operating with a solar water pumping system. This is because day performance depends on the sun. For example, there are more hours of sun during the summer than during winters. Therefore, the reference month for sizing must be set to the month when the water requirement is most critical.

Suppose we are using a submersible solar pump at a ranch, and we intend to provide water for livestock. There are few essential parameters worth considering to complete the sizing process: the sum of the static lift above ground and the dynamic water level. This includes:

• The installation’s location
• The desired daily water production, and
• The total dynamic head

The system can determine whether it should be an SQ Flex or RSI System. There is no need to pre-determined this.

Based on this data, Pump House has everything needed to size and select the best solar solution for your needs. Contact us now for a Free Water Solutions Audit.