Solar powered pumps

[Doug G]

I want to have a 2hp Pentair Intelliflow pump powered by solar panels but have difficulty in getting advice on appropriate size panel(s) etc.

Must be able to switch over to mains (to use pump and jets) at night.

Do NOT want to use batteries.

Any suggestions/recommendations?

 

[Casey]

Welcome to TFP Doug. I can't help you but someone should be able too! Hope you enjoy TFP!

 

[Isaac-1]

You would probably get better performance by getting one of the DC powered pool pumps specifically built for direct solar power use, these pumps speed up and slow down depending on available power from the panels. If you want to power an intelliflo from solar panels then the panels will need to be MUCH larger and be connected to an inverter system to convert DC to AC, with a lot more intelligence, and the panels will either need to be massively oversized or connected to a battery bank to handle the initial start up surge when the pump starts.

 

[Charlie_R]

As noted by Isaac, it really isn't practical to go with full solar for you pump. At current technology level, up front costs are very high, and there is essentially no payback (ROI).