Futurepump now offers a range of solar water pumps to fit the needs of farmers and growers around the world. The SF2, SF2H, and SE1 – but how do they compare and which is the best option for you?
There are many different types of solar water pumps available now as they become increasingly popular around the world. They can be used for many tasks such as; irrigation, watering livestock, water storage, and spraying crops, with no ongoing fuel costs.
Choosing a solar water pump is not only about what you are irrigating but the size of land that needs to be considered, as well as its topography. You should consider how much your land slopes and varies in height, and what this means for the total distance and vertical height (lift) you need to pump water.
Solar Powered Irrigation
The two types of solar pumps that are mostly used in agriculture:
- Surface Water Pumps
- Submersible water pumps
Choosing between these two types should be quite a straightforward task, but we are here to help.
The main factor will be how deep down the water level is in the water source. If it is deeper that 7m (22ft) from the surface, then you will need a submersible. However, if you’re water source is between 0 and 7m deep you can use a surface water pump.
Futurepump’s solar pumps range are surface water pumps – this means they are placed on the ground near the water source rather than directly into the water.
If your water source is suitable for a surface pump (up to a 7m suction depth), then this is the option for you, and you should read on. If your water level is lower than 7 metres below the surface, look at submersibles. We do not offer this type in our range, however, check out our solar pump guide to learn more about how to pick a submersible pump.
Get to know Futurepump’s range of solar pumps
We currently offer three models of solar water pumps – the SF2, SE1, and SF2H. All of our solar pumps in our range work with solar energy and are:
- Easy to install and use
- Easy to carry and move around
- Easy to maintain
They all work in a similar way, built on our own research, testing and design. However they are all designed to deliver for different needs, with the key differences being in flow rate and lift.
So let us help you compare these differences and select the right solar pump in our range that matches your needs.
Learn more about the SF2 – Highest Flow Rate
Our SF2 solar pump is the largest capacity pump in our range. We recommend it for people wanting to irrigate up to 2 acres and lift water between 0 and 7m with a total head of 15m.
The key takeaways for the SF2 are:
- SF2 pump can deliver up to 1 L/s (3,600 L/hr @120W)
- Ideal for irrigation up to 2 acres
- Can draw a water from 7m of depth
- Has a total head of up to 15m
- Compatible with tanks and most forms of irrigation – for example it can be used with 4 sprinklers
- It can work with different amounts of solar input – we offer 120W and 240W but it can also work with third party panels.
Example: you have a shallow well with water five metres below the surface and your crops are on land ten metres above your water source. This means that you require a pump with a total lift of 15m.
Learn more about SE1 – Most Compact
The SE1 solar pump is the smallest pump in our range with a total head of 15m. We recommend the SE1 for people wanting to irrigate up to 1 acre.
The key takeaways are:
- SE1 pump can deliver up to 0.5 L/s (1,800 L/hr @60W)
- Ideal for irrigating up to 1 acre
- Can draw a water from 7m of depth
- Has a total head of up to 15m
- Compatible with tanks and most forms of irrigation – for example can be used with 2 sprinklers
- It can work with different amounts of solar input – we offer 60W and 120W and like the SF2 it can work with third party panels
The main difference across our range so far is flow rate difference.
But are you looking to lift water more than 15m? Maybe the SF2H is a better option for you…
Learn more about SF2H – Highest Lift
The SF2H solar pump is simply the high head version of the SF2 pump. This means it can lift water higher than the SF2 and SE1, but due to the extra effort this requires from the pump, it has a lower flow rate then both the SF2 and SE1.
- SF2H pump can deliver up to 0.4 L/s (1,440 L/hr @240W)
- SF2H pump can also draw water from 7m of depth
- Has a total head of up to 45m (with 240W) and 25m (with 120W)
- Compatible with tanks and most forms of irrigation
- It can work with different amounts of solar input – we offer the SF2H with 120W and 240W but it can also work with third party panels
Example: you have a shallow well with water seven metres below the surface and your crops are on land thirty-eight metres above your water source. This means that you require a pump with a total lift of 45m.
An SF2H high head kit is also availble to convert an SF2 into the highlift version, if you are wanting more flexibility.
Where to find our range of solar pumps
You can find out more our each of our solar pumps, associated accesories and where to purchase on our online shop.
We offer worldwide shipping direct from us or you can also use our interactive map to the contact details for you local distributor.
