Low volume shallow well solar pump

System

Need a solar powered pump for a well with water at 50'. Just need enough capacity to keep a small water tank full. Tank is only used by a two or three cows. Though not convenient, there are a couple of other options for water, so can't justify spending much more than $300. Prefer a system that just pumps a trickle when the sun it out. Probably don't even need a float shutoff since the overflow can be directed to a creek that feeds a pond. Pond is not accessable to cows. Location is south central Texas. Any suggestions?

crewzer

Re: Low volume shallow well solar pump

Don,

I don't know much about solar water pumping :-( , and I know even less about farming/ranching. :-( :-(

Technical information from NAWS on-line store site indicates that it's tough to pull water up more than 20 feet using a surface pump. See: http://store.solar-electric.com/sodcwapu.html This suggests to me that unless you can find a way to hang a pump on a rope and suspend it at ~6 feet above the water line, you may need a submersible pump. They'll bust your budget.

If you can find a way to limit the pump suction to < (8' minus 1'/1000'), this 12 V pump ($80) might work:
http://store.solar-electric.com/8000-443-136.html This PV module ($225) is probably the bare minimum for that pump: http://store.solar-electric.com/kc-40.html Ideally, you should probably include a linear current booster ($78.50): http://store.solar-electric.com/7amplincurbo.html We're at >$380, and we're not done: You'll need wire, hardware, hose/tubing, etc.

The info above probably doesn't solve your problem but it'll give you an idea about how/if to proceed. I also found this link about cows/cattle and water to be interesting: http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/dairy/404-200/404-200.html

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

System2

Re: Low volume shallow well solar pump

Did you have an luck Don or did you go with another option?
Just wondering because I have a similar situation with my well but the water level is only 10 feet down...
Brian