First hand solar pump experience for irrigation?

GeauxLSU · Feb 28, 2007

txdon said:
I'll try to remember to take a picture of the pump flowing and the solar panel.

Great. Thanks!

zeuspaul · Feb 28, 2007

Measure the difference in elevation. If the pond is the same or less than the river you might try a siphon.

Zeuspaul

GeauxLSU · Feb 28, 2007

zeuspaul said:
Measure the difference in elevation. If the pond is the same or less than the river you might try a siphon.

Zeuspaul

Yeah the problem is I think it varies but with the long term average level being the pond is higher than the river. Of course the river rises and falls with rains.

How does a simple man check it to be sure though? GPS?

zeuspaul · Feb 28, 2007

The distance to the pond is 50 or so feet?? You could use an 8 ft 2x4 and a carpenter's level. Level the board and measure to the ground on the high end of the board. Repeat as necessary. Then add up the distances to the ground when going uphill and subtract the distances when going downhill. It's crude but you should be able to know within a half foot or so if the distance isn't too far.

If the river fluctuates more than you want the pond to fluctuate it won't work as you imply. It's only going to work if you can accept river level as pond level.

Zeuspaul

GeauxLSU · Feb 28, 2007

zeuspaul said:
If the river fluctuates more than you want the pond to fluctuate it won't work as you imply. It's only going to work if you can accept river level as pond level.
Zeuspaul

Yeah can't do that. The river probably fluctuates 6 feet or more during strong rains. Once filled, I'd like the pond to average HIGHER than the river level and not fluctuate but maybe 2-3 feet ideally.

Mich75 · Feb 28, 2007

GeauxLSU, you say you have a flowing river to pump from... in which case a "sling pump" might be just what you need.
Very simple tech, not much more to it than a rotating coil of poly pipe

GeauxLSU · Feb 28, 2007

Mich75 said:
GeauxLSU, you say you have a flowing river to pump from... in which case a "sling pump" might be just what you need.
Very simple tech, not much more to it than a rotating coil of poly pipe

I know, that is EXACTLY what I'd like to use but they don't make those anymore with no clue to who does. I ran across it a while back when I first started considering options. Wish it was still made....