Most cities are densely populated due to people flocking from different places due to the presence of more facilities there. Thus, water consumption is very high in urban areas compared to rural or suburban localities. A huge quantity of water is needed for drinking and various cleaning purposes. Now, lots of educated people understand the necessity of water conservation; otherwise, many cities will be waterless in the near future. Important cities, like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and New Delhi are already facing a severe water crisis. Solar water pumping systems can be a good solution to this problem of water conservation.
A solar water pump is designed to create electricity from sunlight through solar panels, which is used to run the electric motor of the pump. Solar energy is converted to DC electricity through these panels. It can continue functioning even when there is no electricity supply. It is beneficial in many ways in urban areas and may soon replace traditional water pumps in modern cities. These powerful pumps can draw groundwater from wells and tube wells, to supply via pipelines to all buildings in the areas where they are installed.
Prominent role played by solar water pumps in urban water conservation
City life is highly benefitted by the action of solar water pumps, where pollution is a burning problem. This pump helps in easier accessibility to water for the large urban population, without causing any kind of pollution.
Supply of clean water:
A solar water pump always supplies clean water that can be safely used for drinking by humans and other creatures. So, urban people can rely on solar water pumps for the availability of pollution-free drinking water all the time. This pumping system is useful when there is a prolonged power cut due to a natural disaster. People do not need to panic due to the scarcity of water, as they can still enjoy water supply by this solar pump. Moreover, the water supplied by this pump is considered to be healthier and free of all contamination, fit for consumption by all living creatures.
More volumes of water supply:
A solar water pump can supply 2000 liters of water in a day. Hence, it is ideal for use in city parks and community gardens, where large quantities of water are needed for the irrigation of plants. This large volume of water is also enough to serve different urban dwellings where hundreds of people live in a housing society or colony. The steady supply of water to these places helps to improve the lifestyle of inhabitants.
No loss of energy:
Since a solar water pump creates electricity from sunlight onsite, no other source of power supply is required for its functioning. This pump does not waste traditional electricity obtained from thermal grids or hydroelectricity projects. Moreover, sunlight is a reusable source of energy, which can be used again and again without any scarcity except on cloudy days. Pumped water is stored in multiple overhead tanks, which can be supplied as needed. Though thermal or hydropower can be wasted, there is no risk of wastage in the case of solar energy.
More cost-effective:
As sunlight is available for free all over the earth, no cost is involved for electricity production that is needed to run a solar water pump. Apart from urban areas, it can be also used in places where hydro or thermal power may not be available easily. Therefore, the use of solar pumps is very convenient in the case of a financial crunch. The water supply also costs much cheaper due to the use of solar pumps. The initial price of a solar pump can be easily recovered by using it for a few years, owing to its high productivity.
Eco-friendly for urban environment:
The use of solar water pumps is an environment-friendly option that seems much better than the use of traditional water pumps. Hence, it is preferred now in many urban areas, to make the environment of cities a bit cleaner. Sunlight is the cleanest and most popular source of energy favored by all environmentalists, as it does not pollute the surroundings in any way. Hence, it is useful in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, which is a major problem in the cases of fossil fuels.
Easier maintenance:
The maintenance of a solar water pump is much easier due to the presence fewer number of parts, compared to other water pumps. So, there is less need for replacement of parts after some years. It is reportedly seen that maintenance of solar pumps is 50% less complicated than all other water pumps. Moreover, the pump, pipes, solar panels, pump controllers, and the water tank used in a solar pumping system are more durable and last for many years without any maintenance work.
High durability:
The number of solar panels in a solar water pump is decided according to the requirement of water to be supplied. These panels are made of photovoltaic or PV cells that turn photons of sunlight into electrical energy. Solar panels usually last for more than 25 years, making a solar water pump highly durable. Solar pumps continue working for 15 – 25 years, adding to the long list of advantages of these devices. Highly efficient submersible or surface pumps are used in this pumping system, depending on the source of water.
Wrapping Up
No formal training is needed to run this solar water pump. The installation of this pump is also very simple. Its operation does not require constant monitoring after it is switched on. It saves water for future use, after drawing up water from very deep levels down the earth. Thus, it is the best idea for water conservation in all urban areas even in times of drought.
Commercially, the solar pumping system has high potential in the urban market. People are saved from worrying about the irregularity of water supply in cities, helping them to be tension-free. So, inhabitants of cities can use their energy for more useful activities.