Head scratching Pond pump solar

[Mach75]

Hi
im completely new to all things solar
this is this first time I’ve really thought about using it for anything since I live I the U.K.

During the lockdown, the mrs and I built a small pond and waterfall.

we are powering the waterfall with an old bilge pump
we were wondering if it would be possible to power it using solar/batteries during the summer months.

the pump is 12 volts
rated at 11 amps / fused for 15 amps
which ( I think ) rates the pump around 130 watts
the pump would need to run most of the day 10 hours or so ( especially if we get a few fish for the pond)

ive tried doing some research but it all got a bit confusing, I’ve read about charge controllers how they switch the load on/off, but that would mean the pump would go on/off during the day.

if anyone could give me some info on wether it’s possible or even worthwhile, It would be greatly appreciated .

thanks
solar newbies

[azdave]

In my opinion, way better to bury a house power line to a small a/c pond pump and put it on a timer. I would never want to install all the solar gear and batteries required then have to maintain it all if house power is available. Solar will require constant fiddling and battery replacement plus seasonal issues. Even if you have to bury a long line to the pond, you will save money in the long run by not choosing solar.

[Mach75]

Thanks for the reply
we have power close to the pond, running the pump from the mains wouldn’t be a problem
I was thinking solar would be a bit more environmentally friendly,
I think you might be right

[SunEagle]

Thanks for the reply
we have power close to the pond, running the pump from the mains wouldn’t be a problem
I was thinking solar would be a bit more environmentally friendly,
I think you might be right

Well a solar/battery system with a load of 1.3kWh a day (130w x 10hr = 1300wh) is probably going to cost you somewhere between $1500 and $2000 USD. And then you may have additional costs depending on the amount of useful sunlight you can get to recharge the batteries. On top of that to get "smart" controls to turn your loads on & off may increase the cost of the CC.

Unless you really want to have solar /battery system as a power source you should expect to spend more then you expect and get less than you want.

For some money is no problem, but for others being environmentally friendly can be costly.

[Mach75]

Thanks for all your help
il buy a power supply unit and plant a tree in the garden

[bcroe]

Thanks for all your help
il buy a power supply unit and plant a tree in the garden

You can still be green by installing net metering solar. Let the PoCo be your zero cost,
zero maintenance, infinite capacity, 100% efficient battery. Bruce Roe

[Mach75]

Hi bcroe
could you explain what that means plz

[bcroe]

Hi bcroe
could you explain what that means plz

Powering direct will take some very troublesome batteries. But you could generate the
power and send it to the grid under net metering. When you need the power, take it
back from net metering credit for free. Bruce Roe