[RE-wrenches] Solar/Batt Well Pump Recommendation Request

[Mick Abraham]

With only 85' of lift, that pumping requirement could probably be handled by
a 120 volt AC pump--depending on the GPM requirement. I'm not suggesting
that a perfectly good motor be pulled/replaced just to avoid the 1:2
transformer, but if that 240 motor is old/possibly ripe for replacement...or
if things had been planned differently before...

I avoid the exotic/solar direct type pumps whenever possible. This sounds
like a perfect opportunity to do just that avoidance. When an exotic pump
breaks, what can the homeowner do for a quick repair...considering that
parts will probably not be in local inventory?

Also: 85' depth probably needs a well truck with winch to pull/replace that.
I normally advise the homeowner to make/maintain a relationship with a
mainstream well supply guy for anything down the hole. Sometimes I try to
influence the pump decision but I usually advise that the homeowner reward
the well guy with that part of the business. That way, the well guy has some
incentive to hop to it if something goes wrong with the primary water supply
to the home.

Jolliness,

Mick Abraham, Proprietor
www.abrahamsolar.com

Voice: 970-731-4675


On Tue, Nov 2, 2010 at 1:42 PM, Jason Szumlanski <Jason at fafcosolar.com>wrote:

>  I have a customer with an existing grid-tied PV system with battery
> backup (24Vdc). The inverter feeds a (120V only) critical load subpanel. He
> has a 240V well pump with 85’ total lift and a 4” well. Originally he came
> to me looking for a PV direct solar well pump. Immediately I thought about
> just using a step-up transformer to handle the 240V well pump on his
> existing system, saving a lot of cost (he does not need additional PV to
> handle the pump load and the inverter is capable of running the pump). Now I
> think the better solution is to get him a DC well pump to run directly off
> his existing battery bank. I would just need to add a LVD. If he wants to
> add more solar, we can tackle that separately.
>
>
>
> Any thoughts on my approach, and anyone with a recommended pump model off
> the top of their head?
>
>
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>
> Fafco Solar
>
>
>
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