How much water do I need for my off-grid home?
It depends on your household size, lifestyle, and property needs. As a general guideline: Basic household use (cooking, cleaning, bathing, laundry): 50–75 gallons per person per day is a common planning number. Gardens & landscaping: A small garden might add 50–200 gallons per day, while larger plots or orchards can use much more depending on […]
Do I have to use a controller with a Sun Pump?
Do I have to use a controller with a Sun Pump? It depends on the specific pump and system. Some Sun Pumps can run directly from solar panels without a controller, and in an emergency you can get by without one. That said, we always recommend using a controller whenever possible. A properly matched controller: […]
How long do Solar Pumps last?
Sun Pumps are built for durability and long-term service in tough, off-grid conditions. With proper installation and maintenance, many of our pumps operate reliably for 10+ years. That said, pump life depends on a few key factors: Water Quality – Clean, low-sediment water is best. High sand, silt, or mineral content can accelerate wear. Installing […]
How Much Water Do I Need For My Livestock?
The amount of water you need depends on your herd size, species, and conditions. Here’s some guidance that may help for livestock. Start with daily needs per animal (average): Beef cow: 10–20 gallons/day Sheep/goat: 1–4 gallons/day Horse: 5–15 gallons/day Multiply by herd size. Example: 50 beef cows × 15 gallons each = 750 gallons/day. Double […]
Which is better, storing power or storing water?
Almost always you should store water and not power when possible and you will have much better performance and reliability with your solar pumping system. However there are cases where we recommend batteries in solar pumping systems, as in home pressure systems when you need a booster pump to maintain system pressures at night and […]
Do I need a water storage tank?
Storing water in a cistern or tank has many advantages. It’s less expensive and more efficient than storing power in batteries. Since water is always a critical issue, we recommend the tank should be able to store a minimum 3 to 6 days worth of water or whatever you think your needs may be during […]
Should I use batteries in my solar pumping system?
In most cases, no. While batteries may seem like a good idea, they have a number of disadvantages in pumping systems. First, they reduce the efficiency of the overall system. Second, they are another source of problems and maintenance. Third, they add cost to the system. In many scenarios utilizing water storage tanks have shown […]
What is the difference between a submersible pump and a surface mounted pump?
There are two main categories of water pumps, submersible and surface mounted. Submersible pumps are installed under the water while surface pumps are mounted out of the water. Submersibles are usually installed below the water level in a well but can be installed in a lake, cistern or river. Surface pumps are usually mounted above […]
