Solar Pumps vs. Windmill Pumps vs. Generator vs. Grid — Full 5 Year Cost Analysis

Having seen and heard lot of misinformation over the years about the total cost of installing and running a variety of different water pumping options, we thought we’d spend some time analyzing the options and comparing the upfront costs, the operating expenses, and labor/maintenance. Using 500 gallons per day.

 

RPS Solar Pump

Grid AC Pump

Windmill Pump

Generator AC Pump

  RPS 200 with ‘Turnkey’ kit 220V AC Pump – 1hp 25′ Steel Rig, 8ft diameter 220V AC Pump – 1hp
UPFRONT COSTS        
Cost of system $1,968 $600 $8,500 $600
Other Parts (pipe, etc) Included $200 $100 $200
Grid Hookup / Pole $0 $1,000 $0 $0
Installation $0 $400 $1,000 $400
Electrician $0 $200 $0 $50
Trenching $0 $200 $0 $0
Total cost upfront $1,968 $2,600 $9,600 $1,250
         
OPERATING COSTS        
Cost of gas per hour $0 $0 $0 $2.00
Monthly Service Fee to Power Co $0 $10.00 $0 $0
Estimated cost per gallon to pump $0 $0.002 $0 $0.004
Total operating cost after 1 year $0 $485 $0 $730
Total operating cost after 5 years $0 $2,425 $0 $3,650
         
LABOR        
Weekly Labor in Hours 0 0 0 2
— Involved Weekly       Driving, starting and running generator
Yearly Labor / Maintenance in Hours 3 3 15 6
— Involved in Maintenance Clean Solar Panels twice a year Write Checks and curse at the Power Company Grease Bearings, Replace Leathers as needed Oil change, general generator maintenance
Total hours labor in 5 years 15 15 75 530
Cost of Labor at $10/hr $150 $150 $750 $5,300
         
  RPS Solar Pump Grid AC Pump Windmill Pump Generator AC Pump
TOTAL COST AFTER 5 YEARS $2,118 $5,175 $10,350 $10,400
  $ $$ (2x) $$$$$ (5x) $$$$$$ (5x)

We’ve heard lots of different numbers (especially for running Utility Power to a remote well!) so let us know what you think.
Call our friendly team anytime. 888-637-4493

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