Partner in Progress

Southwest’s team of experienced PV technicians can design and construct a solar electric system to meet your needs. As an alternative solution for your power needs, our technicians ensure that all PV systems are of the finest quality and are most cost effective. All systems are designed to provide highly reliable, low maintenance, long life and most importantly safe, electrical power. It is our commitment to quality, combined with our dedication to provide superior customer service, that creates an unparalleled value for our customers.

Electricity from The Sun

Solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) systems can be used to power water pumps in remote locations far from utility lines. The cost of extending a power line in remote and isolated locations to small loads like livestock watering sites are very costly for both the customer and the utility. On average, it costs Southwest $12,000 to $15,000 to build a mile of single phase line plus additional annual costs for maintenance. Both the customer and Southwest benefit when an alternative source of power can meet your energy needs. Depending on the depth of your well and daily water requirements and various other data, a PV system could be the least costly option when the nearest utility line is ½ mile or more away.

Pumping Water with the Sun

When electric utility service is not a viable choice, it’s time to explore the alternatives. In some cases, other power sources for pumping water besides PV may be practical. These include windmills and engine generators. Windmills have been used on ranches to water livestock for generations. Why should ranchers consider switching to PV systems? For two reasons: the wind often does not blow as much in the summer when livestock needs water the most and windmills require plenty of maintenance; the other alternative, engine generators, require high maintenance, fuel must be hauled to the pumping site, pose a threat of fire, they are noisy and give-off unpleasant exhaust fumes.

In contrast, PV pumping systems are quiet, need no fuel, require very little maintenance and pump the most water during the sunniest, hottest days of summers. Other advantages of a PV system are:

"Free Energy"- once a PV system is purchased and installed, there is no additional cost of fuel. Sunlight is a renewable and plentiful resource.

"Reliable Power" PV power supplies have no moving parts and the PV modules carry ten or twenty year warranties.

"Flexibility" - many PV pumping systems allow for convenient expansion. If the pumping is sized large enough to accept additional power, PV modules can be added at a later date to increase water output.

"Quick Installation" - most PV water pumping systems can be installed in less than a day.

PV Pumping Systems Components

Most PV-pumping systems consist of a PV array, a water pump, a pump controller and a storage tank. Optional components include water level sensors or float switches. PV arrays are comprised of PV modules that range in size from 50 to 80 watts. The PV modules are the most reliable component in any pumping system. Pumps - the main difference between conventional line-connected pumps and PV pumps is the fact that PV pumps are designed to run off of DC power supplies. There are many reliable DC power centrifugal and positive displacement or diaphragm pumps designed to operate with PV power supplies. Centrifugal pumps are good for pumping medium to large volumes of water. PV powered diaphragm pump’s flow rate is directly related to the motor speed. Pump Controllers, maximize the water delivery of pumping by matching the voltage and current output of the PV array to the requirements of the pump motor. Storage tanks, for stock watering applications - round open tanks of galvanized steel, cement or clay bottoms are typically used.

Free Site Evaluation and Consultation

Our team of experienced technicians will be glad to schedule a site evaluation at no cost or obligation to you. This consultation will help you determine your water requirements and cost options for a PV system to meet your needs. Some questions to think about:

Once again with this new service, Southwest is using the latest in technology to prove again we are "Providing Powerful Solutions For Changing Times".