Solar Pump De Luxe kit. The "De Luxe" solar powered pump kit with submersible pump enables you to move rainwater round the garden without using mains electricity and without having to turn it on off by hand! When float switch detects water it starts pumping, then when the header tank is full it turns the pump off. 12 volt 12 watt solar panel, Comet pump, 2 float switches, 1 relay and 1 regulator/switch unit.

This is a “project” kit providing components only. You need do-it-yourself skills to fit it.

Why buy this kit:

It has all the advantages of the automatic kit plus twin auto float switches for more control. These do-it-yourself kits can supply a drip feed watering system directly or through a header tank (so that water is available for gravity feed at any time, even through a time switch). You can  move water from a low level collecting tank in the garden (or even at ends of a polytunnel or greenhouse) to a storage tank at a higher level. The applications are numerous in allotments, equestrian properties, market gardens and for water features.

• Solar panel with built-in charger provides 12volt trickle current to a battery (provided by the client) during daylight.
• Battery drives a 12volt pump at any time, up to the capacity of the battery. The pump remains submerged in the water butt or collector tank
• Twin Auto mode (“de luxe”): the pump is controlled by two float switches, one in the header tank to turn the pump off when full and one in the collector tank to turn the pump off when empty. Suitable when the collector tank has large capacity. This not only prevents overflow and flooding but also rests the pump and gives the battery time to charge up.

Components for solar pump kit 03

1)      12 watt Solar Charger N31CX

• Converts daylight into electricity to charge 12V batteries, extending battery life.
• Requires only daylight (not direct sunlight).
• Amorphous solar panel charges even in overcast weather.
• Blocking diode prevents reverse charging and protects battery discharge at night
• Protects against natural battery discharge and electronic drain.
• Easy to connect with crocodile clips, pre-cut holes for easy mounting.
• No regulator needed for batteries >40 amp-hours, trickle charge only

Technical Specifications:

• Rated Power 12 Watts
• Max Output Voltage 17.55 Volts
• Optimum Output current 580 milliAmps
• Cable length 3m
• Panel dimensions 90(L) x 29(W) cm
• Panel External dimensions 98(L) x 34(W) x 1.5(D) cm

2)        12 volt DC Self-priming submersible LVM pump by ITT. This 12V DC self-priming pump is ready to work off a 12volt battery or solar panel when power goes out. Fully submersible and can be left in the water permanently.

Technical Specifications:

• 12V DC LVM 111 (previously Jabsco) pump made by ITT
• Self-priming and fully submersible pump left in the water permanently.
• Flow rate: 30 litres/min
• Head: max 1 bar  (manufacturer's nominal) at pump and 8 metre head
• Power consumption: 65-80 watts
• Dimensions: 165 (L) x 38 (diameter) mm.
• Weight 0.56 kg

The float switch is a high quality GFS polypropylene 100 VA float switch by RS Components. Such switches cannot handle the electrical load of the pump, so we have matched it up with a miniature heavy duty 12 volt relay (automotive type). Wiring diagrams provided.

4)         Regulator and switch unit

The PR 0303 Solar Charge Controller by Steca provides additional protection against overcharging (HVD), deep discharging (LVD), reverse polarity, short circuit and overload of the battery. It provides temperature compensation, display of battery charging progress, display of battery voltage level, easy-screw connection terminals and (best of all) a push button switch. Note that the instructions do not describe one of the light signals you might get; yellow flashing light means short circuit, overheating, low voltage or too high a charging voltage. In our experience this light most often means one of the appliances (often the pump) has a short circuit or other fault.

   The battery is not provided in the kit. We recommend the client uses a car battery, between 20 and 100 AH (amp hours), which need not be brand new. Note that the solar charger will not charge a battery from flat; ensure the battery can be charged by a mains charger if it ever gets flat. However, several hours daily use of the pump will not, according to our tests, exhaust a typical car battery… the pump draws 30 watts while the solar panel is delivering 12 watts.

DIY (do-it-yourself) skills are needed to install this kit. The solar panel need mounting on a south facing roof or wall. Tank needs drilling and opening out with a file to the size of the float switch. The electric components need wiring (typically with automotive blade and crimp connectors). Hose pipe needs connecting to the pump with wire or jubilee clip.

To access this information in printable pdf form please click here .

You can also download the complete installation manual .

System tested by RainWaterHarvesting.co.uk in real conditions. If you have a question or two please email our "solar" man marcus@rainwaterharvesting.co.uk