Since as long as anyone
can remember, solar power has mainly been used to dry clothes and food.
However, in the recent times, solar power
is gradually becoming an important source of energy as more people are opting
for this renewable source rather than fossil fuel, a non-renewable source of
energy. So, what is solar power? This can be described as the use of the sun’s
energy either directly as heat or indirectly by harnessing it using solar
panels in order to generate electricity.
The main reasons as to
why Solar Power is gradually phasing out fossil fuel are:
·
Solar power is inexpensive as one only
incurs initial costs of setting up and it is free thereafter; also, it avoids
the costs associated with environmental degradation.
·
Solar power, unlike fossil fuel, is clean energy and it, therefore, does not harm the environment in
any way.
Solar power is used in
a number of ways including water heating,
lighting, cooking and water pumping among others.
Despite having all the
above uses, solar powered water pumping is the primary focus of this article.
Solar powered water pumping could be either around the house, for the fountain
or even for irrigation. Use of solar energy to pump water is not only pocket-friendly but also a very reliable method
to provide water, especially in areas where water points or resources are
vastly spread; no alternative source of energy is available; or fuel costs are
fairly high.
Solar water pumps are
quite dependable as they can operate in almost any location and are at their utmost capacity when needed; during dry, hot
and sunny periods. This, therefore, proves very helpful for the farming sector;
in animal grazing and other farm activities like irrigation.
Solar water pumps also
come in handy in remote areas that are far away from the national power grid.
In such areas the connection fee to electricity is usually high and it is, therefore, cost effective to use solar
power to pump water.
Some of the other
merits of solar water pumps may include
unattended operation, low maintenance, easy installation and a longer life span
as compared to other pumps.
Despite seeming greatly
advantageous, solar powered water pumps also have their demerits which include:
·
The high
cost of procurement, which is the capital. Solar powered water pumps require a
large amount of money to set up but it is much cheaper to maintain afterward.
This, therefore, could pose a challenge for a larger population to get access.
·
Solar powered pumps may not be as
dependable in rainy, cold or cloudy periods when there is completely no sunlight. Hence, this forces people to seek
alternative means of pumping water during such periods.
·
Despite being cheap to maintain, repairs
and service of solar powered pumps often require skilled personnel. This is a major challenge in the
rural areas.
All in all, solar water
pumps are a better alternative to the other types of pumps because the use of
solar energy is free, environmentally
friendly and increases human productivity. What more could you ask for?
