Solar Panels Replace Windmill Water Pump

http://www.solardave.com/index.php/three-solar-panels-replace-windmill/
Here is a video I took while talking with Tom Gabriel (TipsByTom.com). In the video you get to see the installation of 3 solar panels that replace one windmill to provide water for a 1,000 head of cattle.

solar panels replace windmill

The cattle can drink 40-50 gallons of water a day and the tank shown can hold around 2,000 or 3,000 gallons. They can drink the tank dry 10 times a day.

The three solar panels feed in to a Grundfos CU 200 SQFlex water pump control unit (about $275). The pump control unit then feedpower (DC) to the pump down 40 or 50 feet down in the ground. The pump can handle AC or DC voltage. Tom Gabriel installed a disconnect so they can put in a gas powered generator for when it is cloudy for several days. Sometimes the solar panels can't keep up with a 1,000 head of cattle when it is cloudy. Sometimes the generator is run at night.

CU 200 SQFlex pump control

The solar panels work so well that Tom installed a water control value to slow the water going in to the tank so it didn't run the well dry.

The cost of the panels and the whole system is about the same as two years up keep on the windmill.

Sorry for all the wind noise - this was filmed in Laramie Wyoming where it is always windy. Ironic that they replaced a windmill with solar in such a windy area.

They placed the panels in the tank because the cows can bend the posts if mounted out side the tank.

tank shut off

This picture is the shut off float for the water tank which tells the pump controller to stop pumping.

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[mrbuki77]

The upgrade is nice, but you should use both wind and solar. Then you won't need the generator. You can get a 100amp alternator for about $50. I know cause I bought 2 of them on eBay. And use them to charge by battery bank when there's not enough sun. See my update#2 to see how I set mine up. No wind at my place, but you'll get the idea. Hi from sunny FL

[alabamaramma]

Sounds like it is windier than hell there.

Let's see, the wind blows day and night, rain or shine, The sun shines only during the day, not at night or if it is raining or snowing.

I have an idea, why not use both?

[mike29571]

Thanks for the detailed info. I'm researching DC well pumps. Best Regards, Mike.