can anyone convert an electrical pump to a solar pump?

Question

i have an electrical pump but want to convert it to a solar pump for an outside fountain

Answer 1

If it is an AC pump motor it will cost a few hundred dollars. If it is a DC 12 volt pump you can just buy a solar module that puts the same amount of amps required by the pump motor. when the sun comes up the pump will start and when the sun goes down the pump will stop. If you want more then that you will need a charge controller along with a deep cycle battery.. Add in an inverter if it is AC voltage.

The best way is to just look up solar water fountain on the internet and buy one for 50 bucks. They are all over Ebay.

Answer 2

How big of a fountain is it? What volume of water does the pump have to move per minute? Depending on those variables a solar power source may or may not provide enough electricity to drive your pump. To provide enough, your solar panel may have to be quite large (and expensive) as well as being an eyesore unless you mount the panel on your roof and run a line down to the pump. IMHO I would stick with your current setup. Water is too heavy and hard to move to make solar power a viable alternative at this time for a fountain of any substantial size.

Answer 3

You can buy a little solar panel that has leads coming off of it. You just hook the leads from the solar panel to the cord coming off the pump. It might involve stripping some wires.

Here's a place to buy solar panels:
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&categoryId=702040

I really don't think you'll save that much $, though. The only time I actually used solar power, other than calculators, was to run a small car in high school. The panel was about 2 feet x 1/2 foot and it only ran one of those little 1 inch motors. I had to carry the panel and follow the car.

Answer 4

Solar panel gives around 80 volts of DC. You have to buy (or make do it your self) appropriate converter from DC to AC 220 volts and on this converter you have to plug in pump connector. Pump engine (motor) isn't so strong (I suppose that use current of 1,5 to 2 amperes (A)) and there isn't necessary strong converter. Veradisca & Best Regards, Neven.

Answer 5

Create Home Solar Power - http://SolarPower.duebq.com/?ixO

Answer 6

Yes, anyone can do the conversion if they follow the directions!