Alternative Energy Forums

Project: Replacing a solar submersible waterfall pump in an existing 500 gallon capacity water garden

I am new to solar power to begin with. So system is preferable out-of the box or with easy instructions to follow...
The water garden is suited in an area where wild life like deer, birds have access to. However, electric bill is a burden especially when there is a projected increase in fuel prices. The pump has to run 24/7 because if you turn off the pump at night, all the 500 gallons have to be replaced the next morning. A waste of water....

The electric pump circulating the 500 gallon capacity water garden 24/7 undoubtedly have a high maintenance cost.

The system looks like this... The skimmer at the bottom has a pump which pumps the water upstream located 30 feet away. So its like a 30 feet long mini-river elevated about 5 feet from the base

A similar picture is here:
   

So the compromise of having a water source for wildlife and energy costs is having a solar waterfall pump.

I am trying to find one but all I see are small solar fountain pump.
Ideal requirements for pump
1. Submersible
2. Can handle 500 gallon capacity
3. Can run 24/7 (so a battery OR a system which can switch from solar pump in daytime and electric at nighttime)
4. Solar cells are high capacity so they are small and inconspicuous/hidden or be camouflage with surrounding plant life
5. Durable...coz of the 24/7 task, its a must
6. Not noisy
7. Reasonable cost

Where can I found one?

herbolaryo

http://store.altenergystore.com/Solar-Pool-Heaters-and-Solar-Spa-Heaters/Solar-Pool-Pumps/Dankoff-Solar-SunCentric-P-Solar-Pool-Pump/p467/

You still need to buy an array to power it.

Howie

The cost of the pump plus the solar cells will be $1500+. Are there efficient and yet inexpensive alternatives?

Is it tax deductible? By how much?

herbolaryo

If you go on Siliconsolar.com , There is a solar waterfall kit + a pump it cost $79.95.

solardude

There are many different types of solar water pumps that can be used in fountains as well. The packages can vary in pricing from $700 up to $5000 or more.