Solar pump and filter, which one.........a debate
#1
The idea is good, no running costs, but is it worth it, and will it work?
To keep the water in a pond with livestock clear you need filtration, but you also need a U.V. Clarifier (Call it what you will) Most solar kit runs on 12v, you can get 12v pumps, but you will need a reasonable size one that can pump solids. You can also get a 12v U.V. So what is the problem?
Allow me.
A U.V. and pond filter has to run 24/7, but the sun only shines for half a day (average) so you are going to need batteries to run it for the other half a day, no problem just add a few batteries? If only it were that simple. The batteries have to run the pump and U.V. when there is not enough sunshine, so you need to know how much power your pump and U.V. use (again, no problem) Let's say 200W so you are going to need batteries that can supply 200W for 12 Hours or longer. Then you will need solar panels to charge the batteries AND run the pump and U.V. Don't forget that as the sun changes position the solar panels will NOT be at their maximum output, the way round this is to increase the number of solar panels, double the amount is a good starting place.
All the above can be done IF you have the money. Do the costings yourself. Then cost how much it would be to run it via the mains.
Now you know why it's not done by solar
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