We’ve searched high and low across the web for an article on how to buy and install an off grid water pump, but we couldn’t find anything comprehensive. So, we decided to write our own based on our experience!
If you’re living off the grid in a log cabin or tiny home, or even if you’re just looking for a backup water source, an off grid water pump is a great option because it doesn’t require an external power source. And, you might save some dollars on your energy bills too!
What Is An Off Grid Water Pump?
Let’s start with the basics. An off grid water pump is a water pump that doesn’t require an external power source. That means it can run on solar power, wind power, or even hydropower.
Off grid water pumps are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their dependence on the grid. And, since off grid water pumps don’t require an external power source, they’re usually less expensive than their grid-tied counterparts.
There are a few different types of off grid water pumps, but the most common are solar-powered water pumps and wind-powered water pumps.
Solar-powered water pumps
Solar pumps are the most popular type of off grid water pump and our favourite. They’re powered by solar panels, which means they’re completely independent of the grid. Since solar panels are becoming increasingly affordable, solar-powered water pumps are a great option for those who want to reduce their dependence on the grid and create an eco cabin.
Wind-powered water pumps
These are less common than solar-powered water pumps, but they’re a great option for those who live in windy areas. Wind-powered water pumps are powered by wind turbines, which means they can be used to pump water from a well or other water source. They can be unreliable, so you need to make sure you have a backup source like a battery just in case the wind drops!
Hydro-powered water pumps
Another type of off grid water pump is the hydro-powered water pump. These are powered by water turbines, which means they can be used to pump water from a river or other water source.
Personally, we love hydro-powered water pumps because they’re completely renewable and they don’t require any fuel. But, they’re not as common as solar-powered or wind-powered water pumps, so they can be harder to find and often are slightly more expensive.
How Do Off Grid Water Pumps Work?
Generally speaking, off grid water pumps work by using a renewable energy source, like solar power or wind power, to generate electricity. That electricity is then used to power the water pump.
The water pump itself is usually a submersible pump, which means it’s designed to be submerged in water. Submersible pumps are the most common type of off grid water pump because they’re less expensive than other types of pumps, and they’re relatively easy to install.
With the power going to the pump, your water can be moved to where you need it through pipes and hoses. This can include filling up tanks, watering crops, or supplying clean drinking water.
If you need to filter your water for drinking, you can use a simple water filter or a more sophisticated water filtration system. There are a variety of off grid water filters on the market, so you’ll be able to find one that meets your needs.
How To Install Off Grid Water Pumps
Once you’ve chosen the best off grid water pump for your property, it’s time to install it. The installation process will vary depending on the type of off grid water pump you choose, but we’ll walk you through the most common types of off grid water pumps below.
Installing Solar-powered water pumps
Solar-powered water pumps are relatively easy to install. The first step is to mount the solar panels on a south-facing roof or other sunny location. Then, connect the solar panels to the water pump using a controller. Finally, connect the water pump to your water source, and you’re away!
Installing Wind-powered water pumps
The first step in installing a wind-powered water pump is to choose a location for the wind turbine. The turbine should be installed in an open, windy location. Once the turbine is in place, connect the water pump to the turbine using a controller. The final step is to connect the water pump to your water source.
Installing Hydro-powered water pumps
Hydro-powered water pumps are a bit more complicated to install than solar-powered or wind-powered water pumps. Start by finding a water source, such as a river or stream. Then, dig a trench from the water source to the location of the pump. Next, install the water turbine in the trench and connect it to the water pump. Finally, connect the water pump to your water source, and your water will flow.
FAQs
In this section, we cover some of the most frequently asked questions about off grid water pumps. In our experience, most issues can be resolved with a little troubleshooting. But, if you can’t find the answer to your question here, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.
