A vital solution: solar-powered water pumps

Solar-powered water pumps can be used to meet drinking water needs, irrigate crops or water livestock. These special pumps are designed especially for areas without (reliable) power networks. They convert solar electrical energy to mechanical energy using a highly efficient motor/pump unit.

The most efficient pumps for small applications are "positive displacement pumps" which pump a certain amount of water with each rotation according to the amount of solar energy they receive.

Conventional alternating current (AC) pumps are mostly centrifugal pumps that rotate at high speed to pump as much water per minute as possible. Submersible pumps, such as the Grundfos SQ, Shurflo 9300, are perfect for maximum depths of 70m. Linear current boosters trade voltages for extra current to start a pump, as pumps need more power in the initial phase than they need for operation.