Now I'd like to just go direct solar, with a small submerged DC pump connected directly to the panel so the water runs whenever there's sun. The problem is I can't seem to find a suitable pump. Everything I see is either a $600 well pump, a $10 Chinese bilge pump made for intermittent use in a boat, or is an AC pump designed for ponds. The only exceptions have been what appear to be very poorly made pumps that are packaged into "solar fountain systems" with junk PV panels and other stuff I don't want or need.
Can anyone point me toward a source for a reasonably-priced 12v DC submersible pump that will deliver just 10-20GPM in a low-demand application like running a small water feature in my yard?
Thanks,
Kiwanda
look for rv pump
Google "swamp cooler pump"
Pete Stanaitis
>Can anyone point me toward a source for a reasonably-priced 12v DC submersi=
>ble pump that will deliver just 10-20GPM in a low-demand application like r=
>unning a small water feature in my yard?
Head over to an auto junk yard and get one of the many 12VDC water pumps
they'll have lying around.
- I'm in the midst of trying this out myself. I picked one up
for $10 (new would be a lot more). Don't have the solar panel yet.
It worked "proof of concept" with a 12v battery...
--
_____________________________________________________
Knowledge may be power, but communications is the key
dan...@panix.com
[to foil spammers, my address has been double rot-13 encoded]
I already have an inverter/AC pump setup, which I used at our last
place. I'm looking for some way to avoid the noise and efficiency loss
of the inverter.
Re the auto pump, I want a submersible pump so it probably will have
to be something designed for a pond or fountain. There are dozens of
AC pumps available for $20 or so but I can't find a DC pump other than
the $$$ well pumps which would be ridiculous in this application.
Bilge pumps and the like are cheap, but I don't think they are rated
for 12-14 hour per day constant use (and they are noisy and likely too
high volume for this application).
Thanks,
Kiwanda
harbor freight sells a solar powered pond pump..........
Do Solar Pond Pumps Work?
http://thesolarpowerexpert.com/do-solar-pond-pumps-work/
Solar Pond Pump Kits
http://thesolarpowerexpert.com/solar-pond-pump-kits/
Solar Powered Fountains Buyer Guide
http://thesolarpowerexpert.com/read-this-before-buying-solar-powered-fountains/
Upgrading a Solar Pond Pump Kit
http://thesolarpowerexpert.com/upgrading-a-solar-pond-pump-kit/
I've also got several other DIY solar articles on there that may help
you out.
Cheers!
Chris Troutner
thesolarpowerexpert.com