A Futurepump solar irrigation pump is built to be simple to set up and easy to maintain. No specialist tools or technical training required. This guide walks you through installation and the basic maintenance routine that will keep your pump running reliably for years.
Before You Start: What You’ll Need
- Your Futurepump solar pump (SE1 or SF2)
- Solar panel(s) – 60W, 120W or 180W for SE1, 120W or 240W for SF2
- Inlet hose and filter
- Discharge hose
- A stable, sunny location for the solar panel
- Access to your water source (river, pond, or shallow well)
All hoses, fittings, and accessories are available in our SE1 spares centre and SF2 spares centre.
Step 1: Position Your Solar Panel
- Place the panel on flat, stable ground facing the sun – ideally south-facing in the northern hemisphere, north-facing in the southern hemisphere.
- Avoid shade from trees, buildings, tall grasses or crops. Even partial shading significantly reduces output.
- The panel does not need to be directly next to the pump – the cable can run up to 3 metres and if you need it further, extension cables are available.
Step 2: Set Up the Pump at the Water Source
- Place the pump as close to the water surface as possible to minimise suction lift.
- Attach the inlet hose and filter to the pump inlet. Make sure the filter is fully submerged.
- Prime the pump by pouring a small amount of water into the pump body – just a cup full will do
- Connect the discharge hose to the pump outlet and run it to your field or storage tank.
- Ensure all connections are tight and secure before starting.
Step 3: Connect and Start
- Connect the pump cable to the solar panel and switch on (the switch is on the panel)
- Check that water is flowing within a minute or two of connecting. If not, check the filter is submerged and all connections are secure.
Daily Maintenance (Takes 5 Minutes)
- Check the inlet filter – rinse it clean if it’s blocked with silt or debris. A blocked filter is the most common cause of reduced flow.
- Check hose connections – make sure nothing has worked loose overnight.
- Wipe the solar panel – dust and dirt on the panel surface can reduce output by 10–20%. A damp cloth is all you need.
Weekly Maintenance
- Inspect hoses for cracks, kinks, or wear – especially at connection points.
- Check the pump body for any signs of damage or unusual noise during operation.
- If you’re using a sprinkler system, check sprinkler heads for blockages.
Seasonal Maintenance
- At the end of the irrigation season, flush the pump and hoses with clean water before storage.
- Store the pump in a dry, shaded location.
- Inspect the flywheel belt and valves annually and replace if worn, many spares are included in the pump box but if you need more either register a support case at support.futurepump.com if under warranty or additional spare parts are available in our Spares Centre.
Common Issues and Quick Fixes
| Problem | Likely | Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Pump not starting | Insufficient sunlight or shaded panel | Reposition panel, check for shade |
| Low flow rate | Blocked inlet filter | Remove and rinse the filter |
| No flow despite pump running | Air leak in inlet hose | Check and tighten all inlet connections |
| Reduced output over time | Dirty solar panel or worn valves | Clean panel; inspect and replace and valves if needed |
| Pulley slipping on flywheel | Wet or worn flywheel belt | Dry the flywheel belt, or replace it if worn |
| Pump stops mid-day | Overheating or cloud cover | Ensure pump is shaded; it will restart when sunlight returns |
Need Spare Parts?
Our SE1 and SF2 pumps come with a 10 year warranty. If your pump is under warranty or you are unsure what is wrong with your pump, just submit a support case via support.futurepump.com and we will be in touch with you.
We also stock a full range of replacement parts for both the SE1 and SF2, including valves, hoses, and filters. Browse our Spares Centre to find what you need.