Green Solar Powered Water Barrel

Step 7 Inside view of battery box with motor

An inside view of the standard size battery case and equipment layout. the solar cell was left with clamp connections in order to enable quick removal of the battery case lid for cleaning and maintenance.
The pump was recycled from an older sailboat. The battery is a standard size lawn tractor 12v, and with proper maintenance should last 6-10 years before being needing to be recycled at the depot.
An older car battery that just doesn't have the power to crank the car fast anymore would be more than adequate for this application, and a great alternative to buying a new battery.
The 5.5W solar cell was also recycled for a fraction of it's original cost from an online classified, and solar cells have a lifespan of aprox 15-20 years. I wanted this little project to last as long as possible before needing any repairs.

Comments

[LancePenney]

Do you have a charge controller between the solar panel and battery? Or maybe the panel has a charge controller built in? Excellent project by the way.

[damoelld]

the panel has a built in charge controller and thank you!

[Entropy512]

Are you sure, or is it just the "panel not large enough to damage battery with overcharging" approach?

Most people have used 5 watt panels with car batteries without any charge controller.  (I do for maintaining my rarely driven convertible's battery.)

[rsamtmann]

Great project. Can you suggest a specific brand/model of solar panels? I have searched for one with a built in charge controller, but can't seem to find one. Many have a diode to prevent drainage, but I haven't seen one with the charge controller. Thanks in advance.

[linesabovemyhead]

Is there a way to power the pump other than with the panel and battery? My house is under constant shade, so using grid power would be much more feasible. Do you know of an AC-to-DC converter that would work for the FloJet? Great project. Thank you for posting it!

[damoelld]

if you don't want to use a DC pump, check out a plumbing store for a small 120vac sump pump. Most times, AC motors are cheaper than DC anyway. Then you will just have to run a weatherproof extension cord out to the pump. Remember to ensure with AC that EVERYTHING is very well insulated from water, and hopefully connected to a GFI outlet.