Will a system save me money vs. the alternatives (Petrol / Diesel Generators, Mains Electric)?
As water sources are often sited where grid power cannot be economically provided and generator refueling and maintenance costs are becoming far too prohibitive, the economy and reliability of solar electric power make it an excellent choice for remote water pumping. As a result, more and more livestock and crop producers are enthusiastic solar pump users. Solar pumping systems in remote locations will more often than not be cost effective compared to generators, even with 5 times the initial capital cost. Low end generators, which are initially inexpensive, require consistent maintenance and have a design life of approximately 1,500 hours. Small to medium sized solar pumping systems often initially cost less than a durable slow speed engine driven generator. Most larger pump systems initially cost more than generator systems, but tend to be far more economical in the long run and significantly less hassle! If getting electricity to your water source is hugely expensive, solar is an ex
