Solar Pumping FAQ's
Helping farmers save money with solar power solutions
What Rebates & Grants Are Available for Solar Pumps?
There are several rebates and grants available in Australia to help reduce the cost of installing a solar pump. The main incentive is the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). These STCs act as a financial incentive, reducing the upfront cost of eligible solar pump systems. The number of certificates you receive depends on the system size and your location.
In addition, various state and regional grants may be available for farmers and landowners looking to improve water efficiency and sustainability through solar pumping. Programs such as the On-Farm Energy Grants and other state-based sustainability initiatives may offer funding or subsidies for solar-powered water systems.
We recommend checking with your local government, agricultural department, or water authority to see what rebates and grants apply in your area. If you’d like help navigating the available incentives, feel free to get in touch with us!
Why Lorenz Pumps?
Lorentz is a trusted German manufacturer with over 20 years of experience in the solar pumping industry. They offer the widest range of solar pumps worldwide, specifically designed for rural and off-grid properties. Unlike many other brands, Lorentz focuses solely on solar-powered water pumping, ensuring their products are built for efficiency and durability.
One of the standout features of Lorentz is their CEC-approved solar pump controller—the only one currently certified by the Clean Energy Council (CEC), Australia’s renewable energy regulator. This certification is essential for accessing government grants and rebates, meaning you get both peace of mind and financial benefits when choosing a Lorentz system.
Additionally, Lorentz pumps are known for their exceptional reliability and long lifespan, backed by a four-year on-farm warranty. Whether you need a system for livestock, irrigation, or household water supply, Lorentz provides one of the most dependable solutions available.
How Much Water Can a Solar Pump Deliver?
The water output of a solar pump depends on several factors, including the required pumping height, pipe size, and the number of sunlight hours at your location.
The Lorentz range of solar pumps varies from small, DIY single-panel kits to large-scale systems powered by up to 200 kW of solar energy—equivalent to approximately 450 standard solar panels.
- The smallest Lorentz DIY systems start at a minimum of 2,500 liters per day.
- The largest Lorentz solar pumps can deliver up to 1.8 million liters per day.
For solar pumps requiring motors larger than 75 kW, we design custom systems using an alternative brand to ensure optimal performance.
Where Can You Install a Solar Pump?
A solar pump can be installed almost anywhere. Since it runs on solar energy, the best placement for solar panels is in a location with maximum sunlight exposure. If shade is unavoidable, we take this into account when designing the system. In some cases, a larger pump or additional solar panels may be required to compensate for reduced sunlight. However, as long as the system receives a few hours of unshaded sunlight each day, a solar pump can be installed.
We have successfully installed solar pumps in remote areas across the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales—ranging from hot, arid climates to the freezing frosts of the South Australian Outback and Riverland regions. In short, if there’s sunshine, we can design a solar pump to suit your needs.
How Reliable Are Solar Pumps?
Solar pumps consist of four key components: a pump, a motor, a controller, and solar panels. The controller regulates the power from the solar panels to drive the motor. The reliability of a solar pump depends primarily on two factors: the quality of the water being pumped and the quality of the installation.
Lorentz solar pumps are specifically designed for remote and harsh environments. With over 20 years of experience, Lorentz has engineered its pumps using 304 stainless steel, ensuring durability even in severe water conditions. Their reliability is on par with major electrical pump brands. Additionally, Lorentz controllers are rated IP66, meaning they are built to withstand all weather conditions.
Modern solar panels have significantly improved over the past 30 years, with most now offering 20 to 25-year warranties, further enhancing system reliability.
We have installed hundreds of Lorentz solar pumps across the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia, achieving outstanding results in a wide range of conditions—from extreme heat to freezing cold.
A professional installation is crucial for long-term performance. Protecting cables within conduits or cages helps prevent damage from wildlife such as cockatoos, wild dogs, or cattle, ensuring the system remains intact and operates efficiently for years to come.
We have successfully installed solar pumps in remote areas across the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales—ranging from hot, arid climates to the freezing frosts of the South Australian Outback and Riverland regions. In short, if there’s sunshine, we can design a solar pump to suit your needs.
Are Solar Pumps Cost-Effective?
If you regularly operate a pump, switching to a solar pump can lead to significant cost savings. Typical payback periods range from 2 to 5 years, based solely on energy or fuel savings. The more frequently the pump is used, the greater the savings and the quicker the return on investment.
Beyond direct energy savings, solar pumps reduce additional costs that are often overlooked, such as:
- Servicing costs (both parts and labor) for diesel generators or motors.
- Maintenance expenses for line shaft mono pumps.
- Labor costs associated with refueling, starting, and stopping remote pumps.
- Eliminating the need for crane trucks to service or replace line shaft pumps or diesel motors.
A professionally installed solar pump system can operate efficiently for over 20 years. During this time, the pump itself will require standard servicing intervals, but the solar power system will continue to run with minimal maintenance costs, making it a highly cost-effective long-term solution.
Are Rebates Available for Solar Pumps?
Yes! The same solar rebates available for household and off-grid solar systems also apply to Lorentz solar pumps. These pumps are listed on the Clean Energy Council’s approved inverters list for the Government’s Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs). This means you can receive an upfront discount on your solar pump system.
The rebate amount works similarly to household solar—your location and the size of your solar panel system will determine the total savings. Rubix Solar will calculate this discount for you and clearly display the savings on your invoice, ensuring you get the maximum rebate available.
What Is the Payback Period of a Solar Pump?
The payback period for a solar pump depends on how often it is used and current diesel or electricity costs. The more frequently the pump operates, the quicker the system pays for itself.
As a general guide, if your pump runs for long hours most days of the year (9 to 12 months), you can expect a payback period of 2 to 5 years for a standard solar pumping system.
Do Solar Pumps Require Generator Backup?
A properly sized solar pump will deliver the required water without the need for a generator backup. If all necessary information is provided during the design phase, the system can be tailored to ensure sufficient water is pumped during daylight hours year-round.
However, if water needs to be pumped at night or the water source (such as a bore) cannot supply enough water within daylight hours, an additional energy source may be required. In these cases, batteries, a generator, or grid power can be used to extend pumping time. That said, for most applications, a well-designed solar pump system eliminates the need for backup power.
Do Solar Pumps Use Any Fuel?
Solar pumps are powered entirely by the sun, so no fuel is required. If nighttime pumping is necessary, you can install batteries, use a generator, or connect to the grid through a power pack to run the pump after the sun sets.
In general, if the pump is properly sized for the application, fuel usage should be zero.
Can You Install a Solar System in a Shaded Area?
The more sunlight the solar panels receive, the more water the solar pump can move. However, if shading is a concern, the system can be designed to accommodate it. Some options to optimize solar panel performance in shaded areas include:
- Running longer cables to place the solar panels in a more open, unshaded area.
- Adding more solar panels to compensate for the reduced sunlight exposure, ensuring the system operates efficiently.
- If you have a shaded dam, an option may be to float the solar panels on a frame in the water to maximize sun exposure.
Whatever the specific requirements, these considerations will be incorporated into the initial design to ensure the system delivers the necessary amount of water.
Do Solar Pumping Systems Stop When There Are Clouds
Solar pumps are variable speed, adjusting the pump speed based on the amount of solar energy available. With a properly sized system, the pump may slow down during heavy cloud cover, but it typically does not stop.
The amount of solar energy available is measured and monitored by the controller, using a parameter called irradiation. On a clear day, standard irradiation levels are 1,000 watts per square meter. Lorentz solar pumps with a helical rotor can continue to operate effectively with irradiation as low as 50 watts per square meter.
The water output of a solar pump depends on several factors, including the required pumping height, pipe size, and the number of sunlight hours at your location.
The Lorentz range of solar pumps varies from small, DIY single-panel kits to large-scale systems powered by up to 200 kW of solar energy—equivalent to approximately 450 standard solar panels.
- The smallest Lorentz DIY systems start at a minimum of 2,500 liters per day.
- The largest Lorentz solar pumps can deliver up to 1.8 million liters per day.
For solar pumps requiring motors larger than 75 kW, we design custom systems using an alternative brand to ensure optimal performance.
The water output of a solar pump depends on several factors, including the required pumping height, pipe size, and the number of sunlight hours at your location.
The Lorentz range of solar pumps varies from small, DIY single-panel kits to large-scale systems powered by up to 200 kW of solar energy—equivalent to approximately 450 standard solar panels.
- The smallest Lorentz DIY systems start at a minimum of 2,500 liters per day.
- The largest Lorentz solar pumps can deliver up to 1.8 million liters per day.
For solar pumps requiring motors larger than 75 kW, we design custom systems using an alternative brand to ensure optimal performance.
A solar pump can be installed almost anywhere. Since it runs on solar energy, the best placement for solar panels is in a location with maximum sunlight exposure. If shade is unavoidable, we take this into account when designing the system. In some cases, a larger pump or additional solar panels may be required to compensate for reduced sunlight. However, as long as the system receives a few hours of unshaded sunlight each day, a solar pump can be installed.
We have successfully installed solar pumps in remote areas across the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales—ranging from hot, arid climates to the freezing frosts of the South Australian Outback and Riverland regions. In short, if there’s sunshine, we can design a solar pump to suit your needs.