Opinion of solar well pump

[seafarer]

I live on the Fl-Ga border so sunlight is no problem. Not much cold either. I want to use a 12 volt demand pump on the well. It will need to pump water to anaerator tank ( not sure how big but at least 100 gallons). Another pump and a pressure tank feed the house.

The pump uses 7 amps at 12v to run. I plan on using a battery backup so I need a solar panel to just charge the battery. What size solar panel should I be looking at?

Thanks

[12vman]

Do you have a link to the pump that you want to use? We need more information.

"..Another pump and a pressure tank feed the house."

Is this going to run from the solar system too?

[seafarer]

The pump that I want to use is a SHURflo On-Demand Diaphragm Pump — 3 GPM, 12 Volt, 1/2in., Model# 2088-343-135


http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_527_527

This will need to pump from the well (about 20-25 ft deep) to the aerator tank which is about 40 feet away. All on the same level. I have a one way valve on the bottom of the pickup pipe in the well.

The pump from the aerator to the house will not be on the battery/PV system. This is strictly for the well pump only.

[12vman]

Info (http://store.altenergystore.com/Solar-Water-Pumps/Surface-Pumps/Shurflo-Surface-Pumps/Shurflo-2088-343-135-12V-Ag-Pump/p1086/)

More Info (http://store.altenergystore.com/mmsolar/others/2088_Series_Manual.pdf)

Model# 2088-343-135

Features:

Self Priming up to 12 vertical lift feet (3.7m)
Built-in check valve (may vary by models)
Prevents back flow of fluid through the pumps
Continuous duty motor (fin cooled version only)
Chemical resistant materials
Can run dry without damage

*If a check valve is installed in the plumbing, it must have a cracking pressure of no more than 2 psi [.14 bar].*

It's much easier for a pump to push water than it is for it to pull. I'd be concerned about the pump lifting the water from that distance. The foot valve is going to hinder you from the get go.

The pump, by design, has a check valve built in. The issue would be getting it primed for the first time without the foot valve.

Depending on the size of your well casing, using on of these (http://www.marisafe.com/Store/viewItemSpecs.asp?ID=451071083&CID=45100000&FLT=45 1071083) in the well first will assist on the lift of the ShurFlo dramatically.

I did an experiment.. 8)

I use a ShurFlo to move water from my outside collection to my inside storage. It does OK but because of the distance, the pump labors somewhat. I bought a cheap bildge pump and put it in the collection tank before the ShurFlo and WOW! The ShurFlo was at full potential and actually pulled less current! I'm sure that this would work if you could find a bildge pump that would fit down in your well.. Food for thought.. ;)

[Joe]

I am planning a simular setup and this is a great suggestion...thank you

12volt wrote: I did an experiment.. * *

I use a ShurFlo to move water from my outside collection to my inside storage. It does OK but because of the distance, the pump labors somewhat. I bought a cheap bildge pump and put it in the collection tank before the ShurFlo and WOW! The ShurFlo was at full potential and actually pulled less current! I'm sure that this would work if you could find a bildge pump that would fit down in your well.. Food for thought.. * *

[seafarer]

I only have a 2" well casing so getting a submersible pump is not an option. The bilge pumps are too big to fit, although it should work great. Since the aeration tank is fairly large, the gpm would not be a problem. The pump would have time to refill the tank.

Shurflow makes a 2" submersible pump but they list it only for intermittent use and to remove it when not pumping. Not an viable option for this application.

[johnjmw]

Check out the conversation we are having at
Amazing Device Pumps Well Water Using Compress (http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/yabb/forum.pl?board=sel-homesteading;action=display;num=1234825204;start=1 9#19)
it will fit in your well casing and be good for continuous use.

[seafarer]

Thanks johnjmw for the link. The compressed air system sounds like it may be an option.

[Jazkal]

Check out the conversation we are having at
Amazing Device Pumps Well Water Using Compress (http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/yabb/forum.pl?board=sel-homesteading;action=display;num=1234825204;start=1 9#19)
it will fit in your well casing and be good for continuous use.
Out of all the systems I have looked into, this is by far, the best option, IMO.

This system will be 25% vs the best of everything else out there.

[johnjmw]

One important thing that this system will not do is give you household pressure. You have to have a cistern and a pressure pump from there feeding the house or what ever.
Have fun with it and tell about the install if you use it.
John