Submersible solar pumps
Unlocking Prosperity and Sustainability
Nestled at the heart of the intricate web connecting water, food, and energy, submersible solar water pumps play a pivotal role in uplifting rural households, bolstering their resilience, and simultaneously championing environmental conservation. In regions heavily reliant on rainfed agriculture, such as Sub-Saharan Africa (95% rainfed), South Asia (60% rainfed), and Central America (65% rainfed), the capricious dance of weather patterns can make farming a precarious endeavor. Enter solar water pumps, a sustainable and modern solution that promises to boost agricultural yields by a remarkable two to threefold, contingent on the crop type and local climate conditions.
Sustainability
Scaling up the adoption of solar water pumps can yield substantial progress towards achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The increase in agricultural productivity and enhanced resilience aligns closely with SDG 1 (No poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero hunger).
Solar water pumps, however, extend their influence far beyond agriculture. They find utility in a myriad of household activities, including washing, cleaning, and income-generating endeavors, and even providing livestock with access to clean drinking water.
These devices mechanize the often laborious task of water collection, which predominantly falls on the shoulders of women in many regions. In sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, collecting water can consume over 30 minutes per day on average. By liberating women from this time-consuming chore, solar water pumps also contribute to advancing SDG 5 (Gender equality). Furthermore, these pumps ensure a consistent supply of clean water to households, schools, hospitals, and communal facilities, helping to reduce waterborne diseases and support SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation) and SDG 3 (Good health and well-being). Lastly, the eco-friendly nature of solar water pumps, in contrast to alternatives like diesel pumps, aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and renewable energy) and SDG 13 (Climate action).
Breaking down barriers
Affordability often stands as a formidable barrier to the widespread adoption of such technologies. However, our Tulip pumps, with its comparatively lower price point and slim design, break down this barrier. Their submersible nature also translates into smaller borehole diameters, further reducing installation costs. Additionally, Tulip pumps incorporate brushless DC (BLDC) motors, renowned for their efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements when compared to conventional motors.
It helps reducing labour: connect your hoses and let the sun do the work for you.
When you invest in solar panels for your pump, you’re essentially securing decades of clean, cost-free energy. Over time, this can translate into substantial savings, making the initial investment well worth it. Notably, solar pumps are optimized for use with water-efficient irrigation methods like sprinklers and drip systems, which not only conserve water but also benefit your crops.
In summary
In summary, submersible solar pumps are catalysts for prosperity and sustainability, transcending their role as mere agricultural tools to empower communities, conserve resources, and contribute to the global pursuit of sustainable development.
Lets see where the savings come in:
The price of fuel is rising whereas solar pumps use FREE solar energy .
Maintenance: a petrol pump will likely break down and need replacing at least 3 times during that 10 years. You’ll still be using your first solar pump! And that’s before we consider the environmental benefits and the ability to grow better produce with less water. This is a huge opportunity to expand crop production and keep growing year-round without the need for lots of labour or fuel.
Impact research
February 2023 a research conducted by 60_decibels and Efficiency for Access was published on the long term impact of applying solar pumps. This is based on a sample of over 1100 respondents using solar pumps anywhere in between of up to one year to over four years.
Impact results (quality of life) for solar water pumps were positive and increased as the length of ownership increased. Quality of life tends to be lowest in the first year of pump ownership and increases over time. This trend may be influenced by the longitudinal nature of farming itself, meaning that benefits accrue to farmers across seasons and especially in times of drought, which may take years from purchase to occur. 70% of respondents answered that quality of life improved ‘very much’ after 4 years of ownership.
The proportion of customers experiencing challenges increases as the length of ownership increases. The top challenge reported was malfunctioning batteries. This is one of the reasons we don’t supply batteries and our design considerations include the use of water tanks.
Yield improvements are greatest amongst customers who have owned their pumps for 4+ years, with improvements generally trending up over time. Some 86% of the users reported an increase in farm productivity after 4 years.
Reported increases in earnings varied across ownership segments, with a significant increase in the group who owned their pump for 2-3 years and 4-5 years and saw their earnings “very much increase.” These same groups also had the highest reported yield increases. There seems to be a direct link between reported increased yields and income.
After 4 years 78% of the respondents answered that earnings had ‘very much’ or ‘slightly’ increased. Although this requires some further research, it seems that this cohort is the same as the group that already earned an income above the poverty line of USD 3,20 per day.
Pump models
Currently 3 models are available:
- TL 38-13N 24Volt
- TL 50-20N 24 Volt
- TL 50-20N 35 Volt
All are lightweight portable, submersible pumps with a Brushless DC motor requiring minimal maintenance as only the shaft and rotor are moving parts.
Thew main difference is in the pump curves (yield and head). The 35Volt version has been developed to translate a more efficient power usage in a higher yield and/or head.
For details please click on this link.
