Where do solar pumping systems work?
Solar pumping systems work anywhere the sun shines. The majority of the continental U.S. enjoys plenty of sun to operate a pumping system economically. The intensity of light varies greatly throughout the day. Morning and afternoon sunlight is less intense because it is entering the earth’s atmosphere at a high angle and passing through a greater cross section of atmosphere, which reflects and absorbs a portion of the light. We measure sun intensity in equivalent full sun hours. One hour of full sun is roughly equivalent to the sunlight on a clear summer day at noon. The sunlight or insolation levels also vary seasonally. Fortunately, most needs for water correspond with the sunniest seasons of the year – spring, summer and fall. Small to medium solar electric pumping systems are easily portable. By mounting the solar system on an axle or trailer, a system can be moved from well to well. This increases the economic return of a system by increasing the seasons of use. It may also corres
