Solar Pumping



		Energy Research Demonstration of Photovoltaic-Powered Water Pumps Investigator: Dr. Christopher Sinton Industrial Partner: Four Winds Renewable Energy Under the Agricultural Energy Pilot Program from the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Dr. Chris Sinton and Roy Butler from Four Winds Renewable Energy were awarded funds to demonstrate and market photovoltaic (PV)-powered water pumping systems. The purpose of this project is to provide New York State farmers with a cost-effective and dependable method for watering dairy or beef cattle without relying on grid-based electrical power or diesel/gasoline powered pumps. With the collaboration of Colin McCarthy at the Alfred State College Farm (ASC) Laboratory, three demonstration systems were manufactured and installed: 1) a submersible pump in a 230 foot well in a heifer pasture at the Alfred State College Farm Laboratory; 2) a floating pump on a pond in a beef grazing pasture at the Alfred State College Farm Laboratory; and 3) a momobile demonstration unit to be used at workshops and outreach activities. Learn more: Solar Water Pumping Presentation, September 2003 Final Project Report, July 2002 This is a mobile demonstration unit that can be set up wherever the sun shines. If you would like a demonstration, please contact us. Solar Power in Agriculture A Demonstration of Photovoltaic-Powered Water Pumping on New York Farms In a one-day workshop in Alfred in September 2001, the installation and use of photovoltaic-powered water pumps in agriculture was explored. We showcased how these systems can be used to provide water to animals from a well and from a surface water source from installations at the Alfred State College Farm Laboratory. Windy Dankoff gave a tutorial on the technology and installation of PV-powered water pumps. This solar array serves a 225 foot well. There are two 64 watt Unisolar modules attached to a Zomeworks passive tracker. The submersible pump is a Shurflo 9300 operating with 24V DC. Speakers included: Gene Bertsche - Bekaert ECD Solar Systems Roy Butler - Owner, Four Winds Renewable Energy Windy Dankoff - Founder, Dankoff Solar Products, Inc. Chris Sinton - Acting Director, Center for Environmental and Energy Research, Alfred University Major support for this project was provided by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets with participation from the Alfred State College Farm Laboratory, Bekaert ECD Solar Systems, Four Winds Renewable Energy, and the Center for Environmental and Energy Research at Alfred University. Alfred University students and workshop attendees listen to Windy Dankoff of Dankoff Solar Products talk about solar technology.
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