SolarAccessories

You need to know your required flow rate, the total head (vertical lift plus friction losses in pipework), and how many hours of usable sunlight your site gets. For irrigation or livestock troughs, undersizing the panel is the most common mistake, as cloudy days will noticeably reduce output. If you're unsure, give us your pipe run, lift height and daily volume requirement and we can help you match a kit.

Most solar pump kits will still run on overcast days, but output drops considerably as panel voltage and current fall. Systems paired with a battery or a controller with low-light optimisation cope best, maintaining a trickle flow rather than stopping entirely. For applications needing guaranteed daily volume regardless of weather, we'd recommend a kit with battery backup or a larger panel array to build in headroom.

Yes, submersible solar pump kits are widely used for borehole and well abstraction, but check the pump's maximum submersion depth and lift capacity against your well's static and dynamic water levels. You'll also need a controller suited to submersible operation, as surface pumps aren't designed for continuous immersion. Always check whether your abstraction requires an Environment Agency licence before installing.

Panels should be kept clean and free of debris, algae or bird fouling, as even light shading drastically cuts output. Filters need periodic checking and rinsing to prevent the pump running dry or clogging, and it's worth inspecting hose connections and seals each season for wear. A well-maintained system will run reliably for many years, so it's worth budgeting a few minutes of checks each month.

Components like filters, pressure switches, control panels and connection hoses are generally sized to fit specific pump ranges and thread standards, so compatibility isn't universal. Check the specification of your existing pump and controller before ordering replacements, particularly voltage rating and connector type. If you're not sure a part will fit your current setup, contact us with your model details and we'll confirm before you buy.

For most domestic garden, pond or small-scale irrigation setups, no planning permission is needed as the equipment is low-profile and non-permanent. However, larger ground-mounted panel arrays, borehole abstraction above certain volumes, or installations in conservation areas may require separate consents. It's worth checking with your local authority and, where relevant, the Environment Agency before starting installation.