Solar Pumping from Ponds to Stock Tanks

Submersible well pumps aren’t exclusively used in wells. Popular is using a well pump when you need an easy way to move water from a large tank or pond to stock tanks around the property. Self-priming surface pumps may not always be an option with cattle around. With the pump in the pond, this install shows the wiring of a tank full sensor (B), that will turn off the pump and prevent overflow. Your Pump’s Controller (A) is totally weatherproof and can be mounted easily with the solar panels. (See below for ideas on how to float the pump in a pond) RPS well pumps can be oriented horizontally or vertically in the pond with no impact on functionality or longevity and unlike a surface pump, will never lose prime. 

One option is to float a pump inside a piece of  PVC pipe. Holes are drilled in the PVC, allowing an inflow of water, and the pipe is wrapped in fine mesh to filter out large organic matter. Finally, floatation devices are attached (you can use whatever is handy, we recommend cattle ball floats, or marine floats and attach them with a couple of zip ties). If a tank is far away, a pressure shut off system is used. A check valve is attached directly off the pump to help build pressure in the line and maintain prime, a reverse action pressure switch, senses whether the mechanical float is opening or closing the line. If the mechanical float has closed the pipeline it means the tank is full and the reverse action pressure switch sends a signal to the controller to turn the pump off. If the mechanical float has dropped and the pipeline is open, the reverse action pressure switch sense the drop in line pressure and tells the pump to turn on. The reverse action pressure switch is hardwired and connected to the charge controller by two 18 gauge wires.