Winterizing your solar pumping system is all about one thing, don’t let water freeze where it can break stuff. What you do depends on whether you’re shutting the system down or running through winter.

If you’re shutting down for winter

• Power off the array/controller`.

• Drain every water line and any above-ground parts (filters, valves, pressure tanks, meters, trough fills).

• Blow out lines if they’re long or have low spots that trap water.

• Submersible pumps below frost depth usually stay put. Surface pumps or shallow installs should be pulled and stored.

• Cap/cover open lines and protect exposed plumbing.

If you’re running through winter

• Keep water moving — a small continuous flow during hard freezes beats most problems.

• Bury lines below frost depth and insulate any unavoidable shallow sections.

• Use insulated or freeze-resistant drinkers/tanks.

• Consider drain-back or dump valves for exposed risers or trough fills.

• Tilt panels to shed snow and check wires for rodent damage.

If water can sit still in the cold, it can freeze. Drain it or keep it moving.