PV Gap

Jennifer Said:

Solar Panel watts needed?

We Answered:

Mimi:
Solar Power is not really that economical, and has many other disadvantages as well.
You did not specify much info in your question as to the size of the water or air pump.
So let's make some assumptions to get you some numbers.

1) Let's say the water and air pump are about 1 HorsePower (HP). The 1 HP pump , considering efficiency losses, will draw around 1,000 Watts , or 1 kW.

2) The 600 Watt LED Light is quite high --- they are usually much smaller lights 40 Watts or less. BTW --- these LED lights are very expensive light as well. Just so you are aware.

Between the pump(s) ( maybe 1000 to 1400 Watts) and the 600 Watt light ----- and without knowing the specifics --- you are probably looking at around 2,000 Watts or 2 kW.

A 2 kW Solar PV unit will run around $20,000. The PV unit will only run at full capacity during daylight hours. They usually average about 5 hours per day. So you will only be able to run your pump and LED Lights during the middle of the day --- maybe 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
If you want to run the pump and lights after sundown, you will need "battery back-up". The electric storage batteries will likely run about an extra $5,000. They will last about 5 years.

If you decide this doesn't work out well --- you can stay with the local utility --- at $0.10 per kWh. It will cost you about $0.10 per hour to run the pump --- maybe 30 to 50 cents per day. It would cost you about 6 cents per hour to run your light. Maybe 30 or 40 cents per day.
You could essentially run your pumps and light several hours each day --- all for about $1 per day, or $365 per year. This sounds like a less costly alternative.