What can a 400 watt solar panel run?

Although we prefer the use of 100W panels for our smaller pumps, we use 370W panels for larger setups. A 400W solar panel can run a number of solar pump systems including submersible pumps, booster pumps, surface pumps and sump pumps.

Why 100 watt panels instead of 200+ watt panels?

We supply the highest quality mono crystalline solar panels currently available on the market. These use some of the highest efficiency solar cells available, meaning they turn the most amount of sunlight into electricity. The panels are rated for a minimum of 25 years with minimal power reduction. 100 watt solar panels are an optimal size for mounting with 1 person and easy to ship without damage. Larger 200+ watt solar panels are easily damaged in shipping and are usually too heavy/awkward to lift and install by one person. Our goal in everything we do is to make it easier to install solar pumps. At the end of the day, they have the same performance at their larger counterparts and have the benefit of cheaper replacement cost in case one gets damaged.

Can I use my existing solar panels?

The answer is ‘maybe’ as long as we can get the right voltage and overall power. Be sure to talk to an RPS engineer first to make sure. We have some great documentation to ensure the system will work properly the first time.

 
An 8 panel Pole Mount and 4 Panel Pole mount using 100W panels. Larger 200W, 300W and 400W panels could be substituted, but our Pole Mounts don’t support the larger panel dimensions.

Solar Panel Compatibility and Substitution

If you want to use a 400W panel with a system originally designed with smaller panels, take a look at how to reconfigure for what you already have…