Solar Pump Academy

Learn how solar moves water.

Straight answers from the Sun Pumps team on sizing, installing and running solar water pumps, built on decades of making them in Arizona.

In-depth guides

How Much Water Do 100 Head of Cattle Need per Day?

As a rule of thumb, beef cattle drink between 20 and 30 gallons per day, with the high end coming in hot weather. Using those figures,…

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In-depth guides

How Much Water Will a Solar Pump Produce in a Day?

A solar pump only runs while the sun is on the panels, so we look at gallons per day and not just gallons per minute. Take…

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In-depth guides

How Deep Can a Solar Submersible Pump Actually Pump?

Our deepest pump designed specifically to run on solar is the HR-5-750. It will deliver about 5 gallons per minute at around 800 feet. Anything beyond…

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In-depth guides

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Run a Well Pump?

We look at three things to determine this: the voltage the pump requires, how much power (watts) it needs at that voltage, and how much water…

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In-depth guides

What Size Solar Pump Do I Need for a 300-Foot Well?

The short answer I would answer this by saying it's not so much about size as it is about performance. If a 300-foot well has a…

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In-depth guides

When Should You Consider a Solar Well Pump?

If you’re running power way out to a well, there’s a good chance you’re fixing the wrong problem. Solar well pumps aren’t some niche idea anymore.…

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In-depth guides

How Heat and Seasons Affect Solar Panel Efficiency and Pump Performance

When people think about solar panels, they usually assume one thing: hotter weather equals more power. That sounds logical. It’s also not entirely true. If you’re…

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In-depth guides

When Solar Pool Pumps Make Sense

Swimming pools are one of the most energy hungry features around a home or property. A traditional electric pool pump often runs several hours per day…

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In-depth guides

What Happens When You Have a Bad Solar Panel in a String?

And What Can You Do When That Panel Is No Longer Available? Solar pumping systems are built to last a long time. It is not uncommon…

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In-depth guides

Solar Panel Positioning

Why Location Matters More Than You Think In solar pumping systems, panel placement is everything. You can buy the best pump and controller on the market,…

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In-depth guides

Solar Pump Maintenance

How to Keep Your System Running When It Actually Matters - Solar Pump Maintenance Most Solar Pump Can Be Caught Early Solar pumps have a reputation…

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In-depth guides

How Much Water Can a Solar Pump Deliver?

One of the most common questions about solar water pumping systems is how much water a solar pump can deliver per day. The answer depends on…

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In-depth guides

How Solar Water Pumps Work

(From Panels to Pumping Water) Solar water pumps are simple in concept, but the details matter. When sized and installed correctly, a solar pump system can deliver…

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Quick answers

Can Sun Pumps Help Design and Install Off-Grid Solar Power and Battery Systems?

Yes, Sun Pumps supports the design, integration, and installation of off-grid solar power and battery systems, not just water pumping equipment. Our team works with customers,…

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Quick answers

What Are the Basic Parts of a Sun Pumps System?

A Sun Pumps solar water pumping system is made up of several key components that work together to deliver reliable water using solar energy. Understanding these…

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Quick answers

Can I Use Sun Pumps with Float Switches or Other Tank Sensors?

Yes, Sun Pumps systems are fully compatible with float switches and other tank level sensors, making it easy to automate water delivery, prevent tank overflow, and…

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Quick answers

What maintenance does a solar water pumping system require?

Solar water pumping systems require very little maintenance

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Quick answers

Does Sun Pumps have and AC/CD option? Run on Solar or generator?

Does Sun Pumps have and AC/CD option, Solar or generator? Yes. Many Sun Pumps systems can be set up to run primarily on solar, with the…

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Quick answers

Winterizing your solar pumping system.

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…

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Quick answers

Pump School? Does Sun Pumps offer solar pump training?

Yes. Sun Pumps offers our Pump School to help customers, installers, and industry professionals get the most out of solar water pumping systems. • Sun Pumps…

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Quick answers

How do I know which pump I need? Selecting a pump

When selecting a pump start with your water source and how you plan to use it. The depth of your well, how far you’re pumping, your…

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Quick answers

Can Sun Pumps be used for livestock watering systems?

Yes, livestock watering systems are one of the most common uses for Sun Pumps. Our solar pumping systems are perfect for livestock watering, especially in remote…

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Does Sun Pumps offer phone or email technical support?

Absolutely. At Sun Pumps, we stand behind our products and the people who use them. Whether you’re setting up a new system or troubleshooting an existing…

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Does Sun Pumps offer bulk or dealer pricing?

Yes. Sun Pumps offers dealer and volume-based pricing for qualified partners and bulk orders. We work with distributors, installers, and resellers across the U.S. and internationally…

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Quick answers

How long has Sun Pumps been in business?

Sun Pumps has a deep history in solar water pumping that dates back to the mid-1980s. Originally founded as SolarJack, the company was one of the…

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Quick answers

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…

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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…

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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+…

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Quick answers

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…

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Quick answers

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…

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Quick answers

How does the sun power a pump?

The photovoltaic effect produces a flow of electrons. Electrons are excited by particles of light and find the attached electrical circuit the easiest path to travel…

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Quick answers

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…

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Quick answers

What is solar water pumping, and why would I need it?

Solar water pumping is the process of pumping water with the use of power generated by sunlight. The advantages of solar water pumping are many. Solar…

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Quick answers

Should I use batteries in my solar pumping system?

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.…

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Quick answers

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…

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