WorldWide Drilling Resource

Saving Money and the Environment with Solar Pumps Adapted from Information Provided by Shakti Pumps USA, LLC One of the hottest topics in today’s world is energy efficiency and renewable energy technology. One product gaining a lot of attention - solar pumps. These pumps are ideal for remote locations which do not have access to traditional energy sources, or anyone looking for a more energy-efficient way to pump water. They work just like traditional pumps, only they use the power of the sun to generate the electricity needed for operation. Once only popular among farmers and ranchers, today’s solar pumps make the most of the latest state-of-art-technology to pump water for domestic uses, as well as livestock and irrigation uses. During the sun-filled days, the solar panels generate electricity for the pump. In the evening, or during periods when the sun isn’t shining, the pump can take advantage of battery technology to continue pumping, or it can be connected to the grid and used as a regular electrical pump. Solar pumps are energy efficient and offer many benefits, including: • No requirement for electricity or other fuel like diesel to run smoothly, just a quality solar panel and the sun. • Provide more discharge than regular pumps. • Relief from interrupting electric supply or load sharing. • Not susceptible to rate hikes, supply cuts, or other common problems. • Reduction of carbon emissions, which is better for the environment. • Lower overall electricity costs. • Average lifespan of solar pumps is 30 years with little maintenance. • Do not require a high torque. Over the past several years, solar panel technology has improved greatly, which means they are more efficient than ever . One notable enhancement is with the quality of the tempered glass used in today’s solar panels. They’ve become so durable that even when cracked, the cells are able to produce energy and function perfectly. Solar arrays can be fixed, mounted, or even placed on sun-tracking machines to maximize the amount of electricity being generated for the pump. With the price of solar water pumps becoming more affordable, users are able to recover their investment faster and ultimately, able to use the pump for free for a longer period of time. Shakti Pumps’ proven technology and experience, has led to more than 110,000 pump sets being installed all around the world. 38 FEBRUARY 2018 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®