Does anyone have a source for a small solar water pump? Need a complete package with solar panel, pump and water switch/sensor to turn pump on when it is in standing water.
Application is draining shallow water (1″-2″) from a flat roof after rain.
Thanks,
DG/Builder
Replies
dgbldr -
Check the archives here. There was a thread on solar a few weeks ago. There was one guy who gave a link to a bunch of solar stuff. He's associated with a magazine - can't rememeber the name of it. Maybe Solar Home or Home Power or some such. Good read. If I can get more info, I'll let you know.
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
http://www.builditsolar.com/
This maybe?
Lots of links on this site, lot of free how-to info.
Joe H
Thanks guys, unfortunately no useful info in that thread or links. The pump I am looking for is like the ones used for landscaping features and ponds (water squirters). They are about the same size as the little water pumps on tile saws.
The pumps for landscaping use do come with solar panels but are intended for continuous operation submersed, so they don't have an integral switch or water sensor. They will burn out eventually if run dry.
DG/Builder
What you need to do is to put this together yourself.Start with solar panel/battery/charger. You should be able to get a package from one the alternate energy compnies that where linked above.Then get a marine bilge pumps and switch.
Bill, I know I can put everything together myself, but I'm trying to find a package that most likely exists somewhere.
By the way, I don't need a pump anywhere near as big as a bilge pump. If you have ever seen the little solar pumps used to recirculate the water in landscaping fountains or the ones that float on ponds and squirt water up, that's the size I need. Smaller than your fist. 10 gal per HOUR is enough.
DG/Builder
Bilge pumps come that small.http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2033718http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2033718For example.Why do you think that you can find that combination of items as a standard item?
Bill, I said 10 gallons per HOUR, not per MINUTE. Look at those bilge pumps again.
The reason I think the package I'm looking for exists is that there are AC-powered pumps with built-in switches for basement floors, etc. Nothing to do but set it down and plug it in. There must be similar applications for places where AC power is not available.
By the way, the pump package I am looking for does NOT need to have a battery. Just solar power is enough. It can wait until the next day or two to do its job.
DG/Builder
check here: http://www.realgoods.com/renew/shop/list.cfm/dp/1900
they are good at consulting also
DG, y'know somebody has to ask and I gotta know so I'll step up. How do you end up with 2" of water on a flat roof?
Before I rant about fixing the roof drainage instead of pumping the water, I have to know.
"A job well done is its own reward. Now would you prefer to make the final payment by cash, check or Master Card?"
I once worked on a building with a flat roof that held water. They had made a 2" tall "lip" around the drains so the water wouldn't all drain off. It was supposed to help keep the building cool.We tore out all the flashing while we were up there so the water would drain more completely. Whoever dreamed that idea up oughta be shot.
In the end they will lay their freedom at our feet and say to us, "Make us your slaves, but feed us." [The Grand Inquisitor in Dostoevsky's parable]
I once worked on a building with a flat roof that held water. They had made a 2" tall "lip" around the drains so the water wouldn't all drain off. It was supposed to help keep the building cool.
Oh sure, now you've ruined my grand mosquito breeding grounds.
If they were serious, they should have made it about 5' deep and put some fish in there. :)jt8
"If you don't make mistakes, you aren't really trying." -- Coleman Hawking
Fair question. The roof is large (commercial) and surface is EPDM. Not perfectly flat, that's all. A few large spots where water puddles 1-2". Not a problem at all with the EPDM, we use it to line ponds.
Owner just wants to eliminate the puddles, which tend to not evaporate very fast in humid weather. That creates a bit of the greenish slimy stuff and the roof is visible from the windows of a higher part of the building.
DG/Builder
Before I really put my foot in it (but since you seek to ruin prime mosquito breeding grounds), who was the roofer? ;-)
"A job well done is its own reward. Now would you prefer to make the final payment by cash, check or Master Card?"
Sorry, Phila, nothing like that. Mosquitos not an issue at all. For some reason there aren't any there. Roofer is one of the best in the biz, I know him well. Roof membrane was installed years ago and is still perfect in every way. Material supplier guarantees it for 1" standing water. In reality one of its uses is for pool/pond liner, so water not an issue at all.
The roof deck has a couple of very gentle depressions, not really discernible to the eye. Not sure if they were there when membrane was installed. Also not sure of the cause, I am guessing sloppily made or slightly warped wood trusses. Building is about 45 years old. No leaks ever and not easily inspected from underside.
DG/Builder
dgbldr - I picked up a copy of the magazine tonight, thinking of you. The name is Home Power. Flipped thru a few pages and found a company that sells all kinds of stuff including solar pumps. Try http://www.AltEnergyStore.com and http://www.earthsolar.com. I also came across http://www.aaasolar.com. Hope one of these can supply what you need.
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
Edited 3/20/2006 10:47 pm ET by DonK to add another name
Edited 3/20/2006 10:55 pm ET by DonK
>>Roofer is one of the best in the biz, I know him well.
I hear ya. I was going to change my rant from roof drainage to callback on the roofer, but sounds like you are satisfied with the flatness of the roof.
For the most part, I don't get exercised about ponding on the roof so much for rotting (lesser) roofing materials (I know you got EPDM so it's not a big concern), but what's going on underneath. You're the man on the scene so I'll skip the rant.
Solar pump sounds like a "thinking out of the box" solution.
"A job well done is its own reward. Now would you prefer to make the final payment by cash, check or Master Card?"
Don't know if they have pumps small enough for what you want:
http://www.sierrasolar.com/index.html
Pump page (they're listed on the lefthand side)
http://www.sierrasolar.com/prod_store/WP_pumping.html
jt8
"If you don't make mistakes, you aren't really trying." -- Coleman Hawking