Can We Run This Pump With Solar Energy?

Panels are rated. Pumps are rated. Simply select a panel size that exceeds the pump rating.

Why did you choose air compressing for this purpose? Converting power into compressed air is a process of low efficiency, and regarding solar power, with its still limited output on this days, you should avoid losses at all.

If this is a restriction, and you must use compressed air, then you already have your energy storage media right away. Just add a reservoir in the compressor outlet. I can't think in a simpler and cheaper way of doing that.

Regarding the electric dimensioning, PWSlack is right. Choose the panel according the compressor requirements. You may need a battery to help starting, may need an inverter and a controller to regulate power to the compressor motor, but will do.

I have a friend that is working on a similar concept, but using an electric pump instead, moved by solar panels. His team is using a very nice conceived control system that is designed to make it work longer with the insulation variations during the day.

Of course, when the night comes, the pump just stops. But this is not an issue, because in that case the storage media is simply the water itself.

Regards.

By "air compressor pump" I assume this is an existing installation of an airlift pump or possibly a jet pump?

If a new installation there are companies that supply the complete assembly of pump, panels and controllers. Our large cattle stations often use them to provide water for the stock.

If an existing installation, the pump doesn't care where it's power comes from as long as it is the right voltage, frequency etc and there is sufficient power.

For an existing installation you may need panels, controller, inverter and possibly battery storage. If using compressed air, then add an air reservoir to store extra when you have surplus power for use when you don't have enough.

Otherpower.com has a good site that should help you. An air compressor doesn't have the right valves for pumping water.

For pure solar pumping, it would be fun to work up a pulsing steam pump that used a solar cooker to boil water to provide a pulse of steam to a tank of water. A standard safety valve may serve as a heat operated pop off valve to provide the sudden rush of steam to pump the water. I don't know how many times this device can reset, this is an experimental idea. Once blown clear of water by the steam, the tank would have to be refilled somehow.

This whole thing would have to be built of the best of materials by a professional pipefitter. An extra pop off valve would be a good idea to serve as a backup safety in case the first one fails. This thing is going to literally jump when operating, so sound construction will be necessary, everything will have to be fastened down securely.

I have not heard of a purely solar pump, it is a lot safer to get a photovoltaic panel and a dc pump.

This you know?

It may be more efficient than an electric pump with a solar panel?

Here are tables of efficiency material / height / pressure reached.

Quote FAO http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=BR2002001911

Excerpt from Portuguese http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0103-90162002000100029&script=sci_abstract

08.30.2015

Today the try to Amelia Green Farm (see Google Maps) !!

bye, Mario