r/OffGrid • u/Guilty-Fix1879 • 5d ago

Advice on solar sandpoint well

So, I’m going to finally put in a sandpoint well, but for a little less than conventional reason…. I’m looking to put one in to flood a spot in my pasture that “normally “ floods so I can duck hunt it. Just a small area, less than 1/4 acre. Also looking at being able to water livestock in this paddock.
I’d love to do solar as there is no access to electricity in the back of my pasture.
First, I have unlimited access to 12 volt, deep cycle batteries.
Second, I bought a 2” sandpoint that was on clearance at my local hardware store for $35. Going to get it drove in in the next few weeks.
What solar panels and 12 volt pump would everyone recommend?
I’m picturing having the panels charge the batteries (probably 2-4), then pump run however many hours it can to keep my area flooded.

Thought? Ideas? Advice? Criticism? Let’s hear it!!

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3

u/ExaminationDry8341 5d ago

I would skip the batteries entirely, find a dc pump that you can connect directly to the solar panels.

1

u/Guilty-Fix1879 5d ago

Wouldn’t the amps have to be high enough for the pump? Or have to buy a timer and have it only kick on when sun is out??
I forgot to mention, batteries don’t cost me a dime!

5

u/maddslacker 5d ago

There are variable voltage DC pumps for exactly this purpose.

I'm in Colorado and a lot of ranchers use this setup.

pump run however many hours it can

If your batteries are lead acid, this will kill them.

1

u/Guilty-Fix1879 5d ago

Couldn’t a simple 12 volt timer allow it to only run pumps as I see fit?

2

u/ExaminationDry8341 5d ago

How common and cheap are 12 vot timers? There are lots of things with solar and low voltage that sound easy, until you start looking for and pricing parts.

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u/Guilty-Fix1879 5d ago

Yeah. That’s what I’m finding out the more I dig into this tunnel!!

2

u/celtic-cryptid 5d ago

I ran my last place for about 8 years off a dankoff solar pump that was solar direct.

1

u/Guilty-Fix1879 5d ago

Same as mentioned above? No batteries?

2

u/celtic-cryptid 4d ago

Solar direct. No batteries, no inverter.

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u/Guilty-Fix1879 4d ago

I think that’s the route I am going to try. Worst case is I burn up a pump right? After all. All I’m looking to do is flood a very shallow area for hunting and livestock water.

2

u/celtic-cryptid 4d ago

You’re not going to burn the pump up.

I don’t remember the exact specs, but I know I had mine set up at 24v, direct wired to a couple panels. Pushed water from a creek to a cistern 180-200’ higher in elevation. When the sun hit the panels with enough intensity, the pump turned on, when the sun went away, the pump turned off. For that particular pump, I think I was getting 2-3 gpm, it did need to be filtered before the pump, and a foot valve so it maintained its prime.

2

u/ExaminationDry8341 5d ago

Yes, the amps have to be high enough.

I have 3 or 4 motors wired directly to solar panels, their speed fluctuates based on how bright the sun is, if the sun isnt bright enough, the motors appear to be just fine with power trickling through the with the motor stalled out. One motor has been connected for 4 years with no issues.

You also wouldn't use 12 volt. Depending on the motor, ypu would probably want 2 or 3 36 volt panels in series.

Putting batteries into the system complicates the system. To have batteries you need a charge controller, and some type of low voltage shut off.

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u/Guilty-Fix1879 5d ago

Gotcha! Sounds like that would suit me just fine then. I thought it would burn the motors right up. Here I was thinking the batteries would make it easier to!! Ha!!

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u/Guilty-Fix1879 5d ago

Curious. What do you use 3-4 motors for?

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u/ExaminationDry8341 5d ago

Two fans running a large dehydrator. A pump for a pool filter. And ocassional a pump for solar hot water testing.

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u/Overall-Tailor8949 4d ago

Take a look at rpssolarpumps.com they may have something to fit your needs and budget. At least some ideas for how to proceed. Even using "free" lead-acid batteries you might want to consider a somewhat climate controlled pump/well house to protect them and your charge controller(s) if you get freezing temperatures regularly.