Solar power water pump drinkers maintenance cost experience

[AndrewM]

Hi, anyone already have one of these fixed installation solar powered water pumps? How do you find its reliability? How long do the batteries last, does the inlet bung up with weeds? Pump parts need replacing?​

I'm spending about 1k on mains water during the grazing season for beef cattle, I see there will be a grant available in the next round of the FETF. 60% 3k towards 5k system. Only a 2 year payback if manufactures dont up prices. Are there many downsides?

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FETF413 - Solar powered water pump​

Expected average cost of item (£): 5,000
Percentage paid towards item: 60%
Grant amount (based on a quantity of 1) (£): 3,000
Score: 58

This item is new for 2024. Item must:

• be a solar powered water pump
• be a self-contained system in a lockable steel box
• have a self-priming water pump capable of pumping at least 3,500L per day to a height of 30m at 30PSI or greater - items that can pump over 10m³ per day are not eligible
• have a solar panel, inverter and battery
• include 5m of inlet pipe with filter
• have automatic shut off for the pump when water flow is not required

 

[steveR]

Will need a big old pump that will suck power, for a 30m lift! Pump into a header tank with cut off switch, then feed the troughs.

Make sure you have a backup system in place, ie Couple of IBC's ready to be filled and ready to go at short notice, or a petrol pump...

Are you allowed to do a DIY, or does it have to be a single setup purchase?

 

[AndrewM]

i dont know anything about them yet, i just spotted it in the list of grant options, seemed to me to be one of the few grants that would pay for its self quickly.

i doubt a diy would qualify, backup plan would be to just reconnect the existing mains suppy.

first google search seems to be this style from a company called sps in ireland.

SPS-35 Solar Water Pump System - Solar Powered Water Pumps UK

The SPS35 solar powered pump can operate in any remote location, pumping water at high pressure without needing access to electricity. Solar powered water pump. Pumps water from any remote location without needing access to electricity. Pumps water from any river/stream/drain or well. No...

solarpumpsolutions.co.uk

SPS-35 Solar Water Pump System​

Price: POA

The SPS35 solar powered pump can operate in any remote location, pumping water at high pressure without needing access to electricity.

• Solar powered water pump.
• Pumps water from any remote location without needing access to electricity.
• Pumps water from any river/stream/drain or well.
• No running costs – 100% solar powered.
• Supply up to 3500 litres/day.
• Pumps water up to 30m (100ft) vertically and 1.5km horizontally.
• Automatic Operation – Pressure regulated up to 40 psi.
• Can also power 12v electric fence.

 

[ringi]

FETF413 - Solar powered water pump

Maybe aimed at keeping livestock away from river banks.

Pump into a header tank with cut off switch, then feed the troughs.

Should not need a header tank if the pump have a pressure vessel and pressure switch.

 

[steveR]

Maybe aimed at keeping livestock away from river banks.



Should not need a header tank if the pump have a pressure vessel and pressure switch.

More that you then have a bulk store of water.... I guess a humungous dairy cow water trough might do