Question by Bike Gamer: How many solar panels do I need to run a pump?
I plan to buy solar panels of the following configuration:
Sun Force 39110 / 123 watt – 7 amps
To run through an inverter, to produce the 110v I need to run the pump during the day.
The pump is 110v / 7.5 amps / 0.5 HP
My question is, how many solar panels would I need to run the pump?
Best answer:
Answer by roderick_young
Are you sure you want those panels? It would probably be more cost-effective to get higher-wattage panels. From those specs, it sounds like you need about 800 watts of panels. That’s 4 200-watt panels.
I would skip the inverter, and look for a pump that runs off DC. In fact, many AC motors will run off DC, although that’s a trial-and-error sort of thing that no one will guarantee. Typically you would lower the voltage input to do so, so a 110-volt AC induction motor would run off maybe 70-80 volts DC, to avoid burning out the motor. But if you get a pump rated for DC, then you’ll certainly have something that works right.
Give your answer to this question below!
