Solar power for small pool pump? Newbie

[MikeJeezy]

Hi, I am not even sure I'm in the right place. I am new to solar energy. I have a small 110V 0.7A pool pump for a small intex 12 foot pool. I was wondering if it is possible to run the pool pump via solar power? I would probably only run the pump couple of hours per day, and maybe not even every day.

It's not really about cost savings this time, but more to not have an extension cord running across my lawn (kids) as the pool is about 25 feet from the house. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Michael

[Mike90250]

A method for powering the 110V pump from solar will cost a lot of $$. Several PV panels, batteries, charge controller, inverter.
Either trench the lawn or live the the electric cord. To replace the AC pump with a direct DC pump, we need to know the head and flow requirements.

[Logan005]

This project will not save you any money. You would need to get rid of the AC powered pool pump and replace it with a DC pump and an over sized array. You may also need a buffer battery bank and or a DC motor controller for starting the pump. This system will cost a lot of money and require frequent battery replacement, also a lot of money. you will spend thousands and if your lucky, save a few hundred. If you use a battery, you will never achieve ROI.

[MikeJeezy]

Thank you for the feedback. Bummer, I was thinking something like this would run it plus an inverter: http://amzn.to/28Ss9BO

[Logan5]

everything in that kit is 12 volt junk. to run an equivalent pump you would need 10 of those panels. Don't waste your money. Do the research and take your time before you buy.

[Sunking]

I was thinking something like this would run it plus an inverter: http://amzn.to/28Ss9BO

No you were hoping and have no idea what it really takes.

[MikeJeezy]

Thanks for the feedback. That is why I asked because I am using the basic math of it, and obviously there is more to it. From a numbers standpoint it made sense to me. 0.7A x 110V = 77 watts. The panel is 100 watts. Then maybe add a battery. I'm just trying to learn and understand why that wouldn't work. Again, I don't need an ROI, just trying to not dig a trench.

Regards,
Michael

[SunEagle]

Thanks for the feedback. That is why I asked because I am using the basic math of it, and obviously there is more to it. From a numbers standpoint it made sense to me. 0.7A x 110V = 77 watts. The panel is 100 watts. Then maybe add a battery. I'm just trying to learn and understand why that wouldn't work. Again, I don't need an ROI, just trying to not dig a trench.

Regards,
Michael

The main reason that 100 watts of solar panel will not work is because that 77 watts the pump may use is an instantaneous value and not a over all daily value calculated in watt hours. Also that 100 watt panel will really never produce 100 watts during the day due to efficiency, losses and the changing sunlight. Include a battery, charger, inverter, wiring all adds to those losses.

A solar/ battery system needs to be designed based on the daily watt hour usage and knowing your location to determine your sun insolation hours. Even only running that pump for a few hours a day will require at least a battery that costs close to $200 along with 3 of those 100 watt panels, charge controller and inverter. You will be spending over $500 when for a much smaller amount run a power source from your home underground to the pool.

[MetricAmerica]

God, what a bunch of fuddy-duddies, like say go for it, but just use what you have and buy solar panels and grid-tie them....home depot in having a one day sale, today only, a day after I freakn just ordered mine... check it out now, great buy.... http://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Sol...b2x4/206365811
After wards go to Amazon and buy a 600-1000 grid-tie inverter for around $100-130! I have and it works great...

[SunEagle]

God, what a bunch of fuddy-duddies, like say go for it, but just use what you have and buy solar panels and grid-tie them....home depot in having a one day sale, today only, a day after I freakn just ordered mine... check it out now, great buy.... http://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Sol...b2x4/206365811
After wards go to Amazon and buy a 600-1000 grid-tie inverter for around $100-130! I have and it works great...

That Amazon grid tie inverter is illegal to use in the US as well as Canada. If you use one then you are taking a chance on it failing by fire. As well as getting your butt in a ringer with your POCO when they find out you are generating power without a contract.

If that is being a fuddy duddie that fine. I will accept the name calling. But I will not tolerate anyone suggesting people to go purchase illegal and dangerous equipment just to generate power using PV.

[ButchDeal]

God, what a bunch of fuddy-duddies, like say go for it, but just use what you have and buy solar panels and grid-tie them....home depot in having a one day sale, today only, a day after I freakn just ordered mine... check it out now, great buy.... http://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Sol...b2x4/206365811
After wards go to Amazon and buy a 600-1000 grid-tie inverter for around $100-130!

$1/w, not a great sale. illegal use of a plugin inverter with no UL listing and no permit, or interconnect, priceless

I have and it works great...

Till it doesn't.

[MetricAmerica]

Oh well it can be done, to off set his power for the pump and not have to change anytthing! And bull, $1 a watt is a great deal and free shipping, for any less then a 5+ kW system! Again bunch of fuddy-duddies some people can't afford to be rich like the fuddy-duddies....

[ButchDeal]

yes following the law is fuddy duddy ...

hope no one is hurt when your house burns down.

[SunEagle]

MetricAmerica

Some of your input is good and helpful. But when you take a position that using illegal equipment to save a few $ on the electrical bill I would say you are skating on thin ice and I will not allow continued input with respect to those actions.

THIS IS YOUR FIRST AND LAST WARNING.

[MikeJeezy]

Thank you all for the feedback!