Frequently asked questions
What is a Solar Pump System and How does it Work?
The solar panel array will provide DC Power to the pump controller, which in turn regulates the pump drive motor based on its configuration and sensor inputs to transfer liquid from the water source to the required destination or storage.
What types of Solar Water Pumps exist?
The Lorentz S1 series is DC submersible pump configuration and the Lorentz PS2 range utilises submersible and surface mounted pump systems as either AC or DC powered depending on required pumping output.
The Lorentz S1 and PS2 range are available in Helical rotor (single cork-screw style rotor) and Multi-stage Centrifugal configurations.
What are the main components of a Solar Pump System?
The main components of the Lorentz S1 or PS2 are Pump/Motor/Controller and a Power Source of Solar Panels/Battery/AC Power Pack (AC Mains or Generator).
Additionalay it is recommended that all of the pump systems include a "Run Dry" sensor that will stop the pump when the water source is too low.
The electrical cables should be suitably rated to suit system amperage, be submersible rated and correctly installed.
When is a Solar Pump System a good option?
Choosing Solar over other power sources is dependent on many factors:
If mains power is not available, solar powered pumping may be the best option.
Other items to consider include:
Mains AC: Cost per kWh, availability to site - cable distance, 3 Phase availability.
Generator: Cost of appropriately sized Generator, Refuelling Cost/schedule, Maintenance cost/schedule.
How much water can I pump (volume/flow rate) and at what Head (lift height/distance)?
How much is dependent on two things: water source supply and required demand.
The head of a system is the vertical distance from pump to highest point plus the required pressure to deliver pumped water through the pipeline. The head and pressure is influednced by the length, pipe size and the required low rate.
How do I size the Solar Panels for a Pump?
A solar panel array must provide voltage below the controller rated maximum Volts.
Wattage can exceed the rated wattage of the drive motor and controller system.
Panels can be connected in Series (a "String") to increase Voltage output (VOC, Vmp), and/or in Parallel (equal Strings) to increase Amps (Isc, Imp).
How deep does the water source need to be and does it require a Submersible or Surface Pump?
For submersibles pumps the minimum water depth is approx. 30cm above the pump inlet, where the Run-dry Sensor should be located.
A surface mounted pump is best suited to delivering water from a water source that is above the pump (Tank or Dam) and has a run-dry sensor in the suction pipe.
Surface mounted puumps have a maximum suction lift rating to protect the pump form negative pressure which may cause cavitation, loss of prime and damage to the pump.
Submersibles pumping systems can be used in various situations from vertical (bore) to horizontal (tank) with use of a Flow Sleeve if required.
What is the "Total Dynamic Head" or Head Loss I need to overcome?
Total Dynamic Head is the combination of vertical lift from a pump to highest point the pumped water needs to reach, PLUS the head loss (friction loss) of the Pipeline (Length, Internal Diameter, at a specified output flow fate).
Specialized software and/or Pipe Engineering books with tables per Pipe Material, ID, and Flow are used to calculate the loss.
Will the Pump function in cloudy or partly shaded conditions?
The pump will function in cloudy conditions but at below optimum performance as the solar panel output power is reduced.
The pump may not operate at all if one or more of the solar panels are shaded (sunlight blocked), or even partially shaded depending on the solar panel type.
How much sunlight (irradiation) is available at my site?
Aside from specialized Lorentz Compass software there are several web sites that show sunlight data (level and duration) for a specified location.
https://pv-map.apvi.org.au/ for Irradiation and https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/ for Daylight Hours.
Can I expand my System later if my water demand increases?
Depending on the site and output requirements, a system may have the capacity to add solar panels or change of configuration to add additonal output.
What does a Solar Pump System cost?
The Lorentz S1 series Full Kits begin at $2360 + GST and includes Pump/Motor/Controller, 15M Motor Cable, A-frame, and Panels (Run-dry Sensor recommended extra).
The Lorentz PS2-150 system is priced at approx. $6600 + GST and includes Pump/Motor/Controller, Motor Cable, Pole Mount, and 500W Panel (Run-dry Sensor recommended extra).
For greater Flow and Head capabilities the Lorentz range extends to PS2-200, PS2-600, PS2-1800, and PS2-4000 as Submersibles and PS2-600 and above with Surface options.
What are the initial, installation, operational, and maintenance costs over the lifetime?
Initial cost depends on the System required.
The basic Lorentz S1 series is DIY and the PS2 range generally requires an experienced Installer.
There are no operational costs unless a Generator needs Fuel or Mains AC is used to operate the pumping system.
Unlike a vehicle, solar pump systems will not need regular maintenance. However, parts do wear out and may require replacement to extend the life of the system.
What is the expected payback period compare to alternative Systems?
The payback period depends on the current pump system and its running cost per year.
For example, a new $10,000 Solar System compared to a new $3000 Diesel System using $1000 in fuel per year, the solar system equals 7 years of Diesel.
The same $10,000 Solar System replacing an existing Diesel System using $1000 per year in fuel would have a 10 year payback.
Are there grants, subsidies, or incentives for Solar System installation in my region?
Check eligibility for the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES): https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme
States Governments may offer rebates and incentives during the year: https://solarincentives.com.au/
What warranties and guarantees come with the Panels, Pump Controller, etc?
The Warranty on a Lorentz Pump System is 2 years. Panels 10-15 years, and Clenergy Mounts 25 years.
Normal wear and damage caused by the source water of other factors is not covered by warranty.
How long do Solar Panels last?
Panels can last decades, depending on factors including the local weather and installation.
What is the expected lifespan of a Pump and Controller?
Under ideal conditions, quality pump systems have been known to last more than 25 years. Unfortunately, site conditions and water quality can shorten or drastically reduce the system's expected lifespan.
What maintenance is required for a Solar Pump System?
Unlike a vehicle, Solar Pump Systems dont need regular maintenance. However, parts do wear out and require replacement.
Controller boards, drive motor bearings, sensors, cables, piping, and such may need replacing during the life of a system.
Ants/Spiders/Frogs/Moisture are known cause of controller electronics failure and may cause short circuits.
Sheep / Cattle / Birds have been known to damage cables and plastic piping.
Can hail, storms, or adverse weather damage Panels or Pumps?
Atmospheric events can damage and destroy solar panels and electronic controllers, especially during lightning storms.
Submersible pump units and cabling can also be affected by lightning and electrical interfirance.
A phenomenon called "Stray DC" and electrolysis may lead to corrosion a pumping system.
The source of Stray DC is notoriously hard to identify as it can be electric fences, badly earthed buildings, poor electrical installs, and located kilometers from the pump.
What happens when there is no sunlight?
When using only Solar, the pump system will not operate.
An alternate power source may be required if is required to operate when sunlight is not available.
Some systems have a low-light sensor that will stop the pump from struggling at low RPM in low sunlight.
Do I need Batteries or backup power?
If the solar pumping system is required to run when sunlight is low or not available, a Battery Pack/Mains/Generator may be considered.
The size of the Battery depends on the Power (W) required to run the Pump for a specified time.
Where should I place / orient / tilt Solar Panels for maximum output?
For Australia, the solar panel array is best faced North with tilt about 30 degrees (20 degrees if closer to equator) in an area not affected by shadows.
Sun Tracking Arrays are available but are added expense and complication and are not considered ecenomically viable these days.
How far can the Panels be from the Pump?
The solar array can be located at a distance, BUT the greater the distance the larger cross section of the power cable has to be to minimize loss by cable resistance called voltage drop.
The solar panel array, controller and pump should be installed close together to reduce power loss.
Do I need a charge controller or MPPT device?
An MPPT Charge Controller is a component of the Battery Pack (separate to the Battery Management System – BMS).
The pump controller will have MPPT capability.
Are there safety or regulatory requirements to install in my jurisdiction?
Consideration must be given to the safety of all pumping installations. Aside from the Australian Standards, there are State Regulations, and if Grid Connection is required (not usually) the Distribution Network Service Providers will have specific regulations.
For an installation to be deemed Extra-Low Voltage (ELV) and “self-install”, it cannot exceed 50VAC or 120VDC as per Australian / New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3000 — Wiring Rules.
Can I integrate the Solar Pump with an automated irrigation or water management system?
Yes, as long as the two Controllers can work with each other.
Can I convert an existing grid-powered Pump to Solar?
Yes, with the right equipment. A suitable Inverter and quantity of panels can provide the Wattage required.
Generally, it is not cost-effective to convert an existing pumping system to an alternative power source.
The solar panel array will provide DC Power to the pump controller, which in turn regulates the pump drive motor based on its configuration and sensor inputs to transfer liquid from the water source to the required destination or storage.
What types of Solar Water Pumps exist?
The Lorentz S1 series is DC submersible pump configuration and the Lorentz PS2 range utilises submersible and surface mounted pump systems as either AC or DC powered depending on required pumping output.
The Lorentz S1 and PS2 range are available in Helical rotor (single cork-screw style rotor) and Multi-stage Centrifugal configurations.
What are the main components of a Solar Pump System?
The main components of the Lorentz S1 or PS2 are Pump/Motor/Controller and a Power Source of Solar Panels/Battery/AC Power Pack (AC Mains or Generator).
Additionalay it is recommended that all of the pump systems include a "Run Dry" sensor that will stop the pump when the water source is too low.
The electrical cables should be suitably rated to suit system amperage, be submersible rated and correctly installed.
When is a Solar Pump System a good option?
Choosing Solar over other power sources is dependent on many factors:
If mains power is not available, solar powered pumping may be the best option.
Other items to consider include:
Mains AC: Cost per kWh, availability to site - cable distance, 3 Phase availability.
Generator: Cost of appropriately sized Generator, Refuelling Cost/schedule, Maintenance cost/schedule.
How much water can I pump (volume/flow rate) and at what Head (lift height/distance)?
How much is dependent on two things: water source supply and required demand.
The head of a system is the vertical distance from pump to highest point plus the required pressure to deliver pumped water through the pipeline. The head and pressure is influednced by the length, pipe size and the required low rate.
How do I size the Solar Panels for a Pump?
A solar panel array must provide voltage below the controller rated maximum Volts.
Wattage can exceed the rated wattage of the drive motor and controller system.
Panels can be connected in Series (a "String") to increase Voltage output (VOC, Vmp), and/or in Parallel (equal Strings) to increase Amps (Isc, Imp).
How deep does the water source need to be and does it require a Submersible or Surface Pump?
For submersibles pumps the minimum water depth is approx. 30cm above the pump inlet, where the Run-dry Sensor should be located.
A surface mounted pump is best suited to delivering water from a water source that is above the pump (Tank or Dam) and has a run-dry sensor in the suction pipe.
Surface mounted puumps have a maximum suction lift rating to protect the pump form negative pressure which may cause cavitation, loss of prime and damage to the pump.
Submersibles pumping systems can be used in various situations from vertical (bore) to horizontal (tank) with use of a Flow Sleeve if required.
What is the "Total Dynamic Head" or Head Loss I need to overcome?
Total Dynamic Head is the combination of vertical lift from a pump to highest point the pumped water needs to reach, PLUS the head loss (friction loss) of the Pipeline (Length, Internal Diameter, at a specified output flow fate).
Specialized software and/or Pipe Engineering books with tables per Pipe Material, ID, and Flow are used to calculate the loss.
Will the Pump function in cloudy or partly shaded conditions?
The pump will function in cloudy conditions but at below optimum performance as the solar panel output power is reduced.
The pump may not operate at all if one or more of the solar panels are shaded (sunlight blocked), or even partially shaded depending on the solar panel type.
How much sunlight (irradiation) is available at my site?
Aside from specialized Lorentz Compass software there are several web sites that show sunlight data (level and duration) for a specified location.
https://pv-map.apvi.org.au/ for Irradiation and https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/ for Daylight Hours.
Can I expand my System later if my water demand increases?
Depending on the site and output requirements, a system may have the capacity to add solar panels or change of configuration to add additonal output.
What does a Solar Pump System cost?
The Lorentz S1 series Full Kits begin at $2360 + GST and includes Pump/Motor/Controller, 15M Motor Cable, A-frame, and Panels (Run-dry Sensor recommended extra).
The Lorentz PS2-150 system is priced at approx. $6600 + GST and includes Pump/Motor/Controller, Motor Cable, Pole Mount, and 500W Panel (Run-dry Sensor recommended extra).
For greater Flow and Head capabilities the Lorentz range extends to PS2-200, PS2-600, PS2-1800, and PS2-4000 as Submersibles and PS2-600 and above with Surface options.
What are the initial, installation, operational, and maintenance costs over the lifetime?
Initial cost depends on the System required.
The basic Lorentz S1 series is DIY and the PS2 range generally requires an experienced Installer.
There are no operational costs unless a Generator needs Fuel or Mains AC is used to operate the pumping system.
Unlike a vehicle, solar pump systems will not need regular maintenance. However, parts do wear out and may require replacement to extend the life of the system.
What is the expected payback period compare to alternative Systems?
The payback period depends on the current pump system and its running cost per year.
For example, a new $10,000 Solar System compared to a new $3000 Diesel System using $1000 in fuel per year, the solar system equals 7 years of Diesel.
The same $10,000 Solar System replacing an existing Diesel System using $1000 per year in fuel would have a 10 year payback.
Are there grants, subsidies, or incentives for Solar System installation in my region?
Check eligibility for the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES): https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme
States Governments may offer rebates and incentives during the year: https://solarincentives.com.au/
What warranties and guarantees come with the Panels, Pump Controller, etc?
The Warranty on a Lorentz Pump System is 2 years. Panels 10-15 years, and Clenergy Mounts 25 years.
Normal wear and damage caused by the source water of other factors is not covered by warranty.
How long do Solar Panels last?
Panels can last decades, depending on factors including the local weather and installation.
What is the expected lifespan of a Pump and Controller?
Under ideal conditions, quality pump systems have been known to last more than 25 years. Unfortunately, site conditions and water quality can shorten or drastically reduce the system's expected lifespan.
What maintenance is required for a Solar Pump System?
Unlike a vehicle, Solar Pump Systems dont need regular maintenance. However, parts do wear out and require replacement.
Controller boards, drive motor bearings, sensors, cables, piping, and such may need replacing during the life of a system.
Ants/Spiders/Frogs/Moisture are known cause of controller electronics failure and may cause short circuits.
Sheep / Cattle / Birds have been known to damage cables and plastic piping.
Can hail, storms, or adverse weather damage Panels or Pumps?
Atmospheric events can damage and destroy solar panels and electronic controllers, especially during lightning storms.
Submersible pump units and cabling can also be affected by lightning and electrical interfirance.
A phenomenon called "Stray DC" and electrolysis may lead to corrosion a pumping system.
The source of Stray DC is notoriously hard to identify as it can be electric fences, badly earthed buildings, poor electrical installs, and located kilometers from the pump.
What happens when there is no sunlight?
When using only Solar, the pump system will not operate.
An alternate power source may be required if is required to operate when sunlight is not available.
Some systems have a low-light sensor that will stop the pump from struggling at low RPM in low sunlight.
Do I need Batteries or backup power?
If the solar pumping system is required to run when sunlight is low or not available, a Battery Pack/Mains/Generator may be considered.
The size of the Battery depends on the Power (W) required to run the Pump for a specified time.
Where should I place / orient / tilt Solar Panels for maximum output?
For Australia, the solar panel array is best faced North with tilt about 30 degrees (20 degrees if closer to equator) in an area not affected by shadows.
Sun Tracking Arrays are available but are added expense and complication and are not considered ecenomically viable these days.
How far can the Panels be from the Pump?
The solar array can be located at a distance, BUT the greater the distance the larger cross section of the power cable has to be to minimize loss by cable resistance called voltage drop.
The solar panel array, controller and pump should be installed close together to reduce power loss.
Do I need a charge controller or MPPT device?
An MPPT Charge Controller is a component of the Battery Pack (separate to the Battery Management System – BMS).
The pump controller will have MPPT capability.
Are there safety or regulatory requirements to install in my jurisdiction?
Consideration must be given to the safety of all pumping installations. Aside from the Australian Standards, there are State Regulations, and if Grid Connection is required (not usually) the Distribution Network Service Providers will have specific regulations.
For an installation to be deemed Extra-Low Voltage (ELV) and “self-install”, it cannot exceed 50VAC or 120VDC as per Australian / New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3000 — Wiring Rules.
Can I integrate the Solar Pump with an automated irrigation or water management system?
Yes, as long as the two Controllers can work with each other.
Can I convert an existing grid-powered Pump to Solar?
Yes, with the right equipment. A suitable Inverter and quantity of panels can provide the Wattage required.
Generally, it is not cost-effective to convert an existing pumping system to an alternative power source.
