The solar water pump is the heart of the solar pumping system, so selecting a good reliable solar water pump is a crucial choice in building your efficient system.
Mainly in the market, there are 2 types of solar pumps: AC pump and DC pump. AC and DC vary in the way they convert energy from their power source into the pressurized fluid flow.
- DC solar pump uses a DC motor that works based on a direct current supply (such as a solar panel or battery), so it does not need an inverter.
- While AC solar pumps use an AC motor which is powered via a solar pump inverter that converts DC getting from solar panels to AC.
Then which one is better, the AC pump or DC pump?
- Situation
If it’s DC-powered with direct current coming from a battery or solar panel, then no conversion needs to happen because there is already only one voltage being used.
If it’s AC-powered by converting the DC input which most likely comes from panels then some sort of inverter will need to be installed.
- Service life
In terms of life span, DC solar pumps have a longer life span because they use motor coils made of pure copper, whereas AC solar pumps use motor coils manufactured from aluminum/copper to achieve a competitive price.
- Noise
For noise, the DC pump is less noisy, it is totally quiet because it uses an internal BLDC motor with high manufacturing technology, however, the AC pump uses old motor technology, and the noisy sound of the AC pump will increase with time usage increase.
- Price
For the price, AC solar pump will be less expensive of course, because the motors of DC solar pumps are much higher cost than the motors of AC solar pumps. Moreover, DC pumps have a longer life span than AC pumps.
- Efficiency
DC pump is more efficient than an AC pump and requires fewer solar panels to operate. Regulate DC input voltage to hit max power point tracking (MPPT), so running the pump at the highest efficiency.
Consequently, now it is clear that using a DC pump is much better than an AC pump. If you have more ideas to be shared with us, welcome to comment here, or contact me at felina@polextech.com.
