Thank you mate - This is the best video on this stuff ever and is helping so many people in countries like mine that dont do theses sort of things. Great looking pool too and a Big hello to little Luna.
Man that's exactly what I'll be doing on my house , I want the system to run all day long and with this sunny days in Houston is free electricity all day long
Great video thanks for sharing. This is exactly what I’m planning for our house! We just moved to S Florida in December and anything to not give FPL my $$$ will make me happy lol
Thank you! After watching the video again, I realized you mentioned the panels wired in series. Will post my setup. The local pool supply house is asking what the heck I’m up to. So much fun!
Perfect! I will be installing a 4m x 8m pool in a few months and wait to purchase a solar power system. I was told to wait for the pool and pumps to be installed before installing a solar power system. This would mean I'd need both AC and DC pumps; like yours. Our electric bill (in Thailand) is already too high and adding a pool will be more expensive! A off-grid (no batteries) solar power system seems to make (cents) sense.
Thanks. I also want to mount panels so they serve double-duty for shade. No worries with clouds in sunny Sacramento, CA. Clouds are very rare from May to Nov. After that, the pool water drops
I congratulate you on a job which has had some careful planning in the design to incorporate your Solar Panels within your Pergola. I too, would use heavier wire on the long run from the PV Units to the Pool Pump Controller to reduce voltage loss. You carefully thought of this. I live in Sydney Australia, and our power bills are extremely high. I too, have been interested in Solar Projects, and I have just completed my 3rd "Poor Man's Powerwall". Mounted on an Exterior Wall, this is an Electrical Enclosure that contains a 12v / 150Ah Deep Cycle battery. Battery is charged by one (1) Solar Panel (150Watt). A Solar Controller ensures that the Deep Cycle battery is maintained at its' best condition. From this Electrical Enclosure, all of my Lighting in the home - is LED. This system (built myself at cost of approx AUD 1000), also powers outside Security Lighting. The Electrical Enclosure also has Car-Type Cigar Lighter Sockets, and these come in handy for charging all of our mobile phones, which charge much quicker on pure DC. In a Power-Cut, our house is very brightly lit overnight, and the whole system requires no maintenance. Lights come on - and go off automatically. One day, every house will have one of these hybrid systems! There is a flood of secondhand Solar panels on the market here, and you can buy these ranging from AUD 10 to approx AUD 50 for a single 200W Panel. I do agree that the Pool Pump costs for energy can range between AUD 100 to 150 dollars per quarter in this country. I am thoroughly impressed with your Solar Project, and I like the idea that you have not used any type of Battery and Inverter System. From seeing your successful job, I plan to source a Chinese-made Pool Pump & Controller, approx. 750 Watts. Thank you for sharing your work with all of us.
Hello Peter thanks for your kind words I think anyone that has a pool should consider going solar...good luck with your installation and share it on utube...
Thank you for the inspiration! I've been attempting unsuccessfully to get one of these professionally installed in South Florida for over a year now. If you know a solar/pool contractor who can do (and guarantee) this kind of job, please let me know. The ones I've tried literally laughed and hung up on me! This project is a such a no-brainer that I'm going to have to found South Florida's first solar pool pump installation company if I can't find someone soon!
Sorry I don't of any company's that would do this which is suprising because of all the pools in the area. If a dedicated pool or solar company would do these installations I think they would make a killing in south Florida...great idea for a new business...
@@GR-jq2qp I am slowly figuring out that I totally agree with you. Just think about all the tax breaks and "green business" incentives and funding this would qualify for. For anyone in South Florida reading this, here is a lay-up of a business opportunity. This guy has already figured out how to make it work and I would be happy to invest in this kind of new business. All you'd need is a hardworking electrician to do installations all day long, and an entrepreneurial bean-counter to pick up the checks! FPL would probably swallow your new green startup before you complete 100 installs.
I got the same response from pool industry guys in AZ. "you can't do that, etc." Owner of a solar supply store said it would cost me $8k in parts to run my pool pump on solar, but it's going to be closer to $1,400
@@jethrobodine7788 How did you figure out how many panels to get? What do /i need to know about my pool pumps? (watts, volts, amperes etc.? thanks. As you can tell I am a novice but I am interested in buying panels and doing this. I am in SF bay area - bu tnot in SF proper. So quite sunny like AZ.
Hi GR. Just noticed your reply (back to me). The Jintai (900W) DC Pool Pump & Controller are available in Australia, and costs AUD $1166. Since viewing your excellent work, I have read-up much more about your neat system. The Solar 'experts' in Australia claim that you should attempt to supply Solar Power to this type of motor, at a factor of 1.4. That is to say, that (if you are running a 1200W DC Pump), your total wattage produced from your Solar Panels should be 900W X 1.4 = 1260 Watts. Personally, I would aim for a 1.5 factor, due to the cloudy and overcast days. I do not want to take anything away from you, because I have written this. On a very cloudy and dull day, a 175 Watt only produces approx. 0.5 A when measured as short-circuit current. Yet, the same Solar Panel will produce 5.5A in full sun. I am guessing that the 1200W DC Solar-Powered Motor (under the correct conditions) would draw approx. 15 or 16A. And yet, the Solar Panels (on cloudy days), will only produce 2 or 3 A. Herein lies the problem, and the DC Pump will most certainly slow down. I love the way that you had thought carefully about one Pool Pump 'backfeeding' the other, and you had installed Check-Valves in order to prevent that happening. Now I have thought of perhaps a neater way to achieve the same thing, and I would like all technical persons to comment about this: I would like to modify my 240v AC (Capacitor-Start) Mains-Driven Pump Motor, and replace the existing Rotor Shaft with a new (longer) Stainless - Steel Rotor Shaft which has been extended to protrude from the rear of the mains-driven 240v AC Motor. The whole purpose of extending the new shaft (at the rear), would be to simply connect the Solar DC Motor (by a suitable Coupling Device) to the AC Motor. A large Blocking Diode or simply a 2-pole Changeover Switch could be placed in the DC line between the DC Pump and its' Controller in order to prevent any back-EMF from causing damage to the DC Motor Controller, in the event that you decide to operate the AC Pool Pump Motor, with the DC Pump Motor also being driven. There seems to be distinct advantages in doing it this way, because it will take - up less room, than maintaining two separate pumps. Yes, there would be (initially) higher frictional starting loads, but both motors would be low-friction when up to speed. I thought of all this, simply because my Pool Pump Enclosure isn't large enough to place two (2) separate Pump Units and associated plumbing within. This is a lengthy message, but I feel that this idea worth the consideration of others. I cannot see why this idea would not work.
That seems like pretty neat idea although which ever pump is running will always have to carry the load of the other one...don't know if that would produce extra drag or wear...would love to see it in action. You are correct about the panels not producing full power on overcast days the pump will run slower but it will run longer at least 10 hours or more in my case compared to 8 hours on my ac pump I think the total gallons pumped by the end of the day will be pretty close. The only time I use my ac pump is to prime the system after cleaning the filters or to run the spa at night...then it goes back to solar .
I am so glad that I 'stumbled' upon your excellent video. And this forms the basis for new ideas. I appreciate your response (back to me) and your thoughts regarding the fact that two (2) Motors in tandem would create a little more friction. I suppose that the mains-driven pump would have no problems in driving an 'idling' Solar-Driven Motor, as the initial starting current demand would be higher. But neither motors have carbon brushes (a source of higher friction). I do love the thought that (in a tandem-driven motor system), there would be absolutely no change to the original plumbing. Any increase in plumbing and pipework would also slightly increase the current draw of either motor anyway, as this is an increased impedance to water flow. I would love to place both AC and DC Pump Motors in tandem, but I have checked online, and it seems impossible to purchase just the 900W DC Motor / Controller WITHOUT the chinese-made Pump Body! Just like you, we have an abundance of sunshine here in Australia, and (assuming that I went ahead with this idea), I would compensate (in the planning stage) for the tandem-motor frictional losses by upgrading the DC Motor to 1200W, and also combined with a suitable Solar Panel Array. Thanks once again for your positive response.
I have a similar set up here in AUS running a TAIFU pump and I had to fit a timer to stop the pump starting too early as it was taking longer to prime and wearing out the pump seals and now we can't get replacement parts for them, you have to buy a whole new pump replacement
Really appreciate your detailed response. Couple of last questions: 1. Is there a diverter valve/switch for the water intake pipe to switch between your solar pump and the AC pump? 2. Where did you get the check valve? Thanks.
fpmd99 I don't have any diverter between the 2 pumps...you don't need one... the one way check valves take care of that. Whichever pump is running forces the other pumps check valve closed to keep from back feeding. You can get these valves from your local pool store I found mine on EBay alot cheaper. They come in different sizes make sure you get the size for your application... .
I am attempting to set up a electric generator system attached directly to my inground pool filter pump water outlet side. I want to use it to generate enough 220v 60hz current to feed back into the system to slightly offset the cost of running the pump during filtering of the pool.... Or.... generate enough 110v 60hz current to power an electric heater to help heat the pool cutting down on propane pool heating costs. So, what I think I need: 1. is to find a reasonably priced high-volume/low resistance water pump (possibly centrifugal), 2. tied to or mounted on a pump motor or car alternator and somehow converted to a generator, 3. Run that current through an appropriate inverter that can also output either the 220v or 110v AC at 60hz. 4. Then use that current to either run an electric pool heater at 1500 - 2000w or 5. Used in conjunction with 3 or 4 car 12v batteries, 6. back-feed the captured current back into the system.???? Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated!!!! I am trying to do this on a budget. I also realize and understand energy loss and entropy and the 1st and 2nd Laws, so I am only trying to recapture a portion of energy that is currently wasted. So far, I have thought about employing the use of a "jet well pump", or a centrifugal pump and running them in reverse of designed flow???
Great job on the pergola and pump setup. But is there a real ROI with the setup? Figure $2500 on the bottom end and my ROI is over 55 months, and then I am sure i will need a new pump.
very nice job, thank you for sharing your video, I have a question do we need to change the pump when we install and power with solar? thank you very much
Great presentation! Were you concerned with wind up lift where you mounted the panels? I thinking about placing them on my pool cage, everyone says it won't hold up in a storm. Has your system as shown, withstood high winds? Again great video!!
The panels have been up for about 7 years with no problems hurricane Irma came by in 2017 and knocked down my wooden fence but the panels stayed in place...
May you tell more about a solar controller. I have 4 solar panels in series, total 1280W, 96V (Renogy solar, each panel: 320W, 24V) and run "Happybuy Solar Swimming Pool Pump, 1200W 136GPM Powerful Motor, 72VDC Max" from Amazon. About 1 month, the controller is stop working, solar pump is fine (twice - exchange to the other a pump system is still last less than 1 month). Can you let me know where are you buy the system and please give me some advices. I live in California. Thanks
72volt 1200watt solar pump with MPPT controller is now $495 and 900 watt is $404, I should go for 1200watt (1.6HP)? and how many panels would I need? A a/c 1.5hp pool pump cost $240/year in electricity, so pays for itself in 2years for the motor and take 5 years if you include 6 solar panels.
I’ve watch your video several times and just bought a 900w 72v solar pump, what size panels and how many do you think I need to run it? I live in So California where it’s sunny most of the time.
Great job...electrical question...panels put out 32-39 vdc...4 panels in series bumps voltage to 120v to 160vdc...seems too high for pump requiring 70vdc. Am I wrong in calculations or can controller take this high a range of dc voltage?? Seems like 2 panels in series and 2 in parallel for this motor?? thanks
Hello Glenn my original plan was to hook up 2 sets of panels in series and parallel them together like you suggested which would give me about 64+ volts and about 16+ amps with these particular panels, that's the reason why I ran the 10 gauge wire . After talking to Solar Power pools they suggested that I run them in series which when I measured at the controller was giving me about 130+ volts and 8+ amps with full sun. The specs for this controller states that the best working voltage is 86 VDC biggest open voltage 150 VDC current overload 15A so as you can see with these particular panels that was my best choice. The system has been running with this setup for almost 3 years without any problems so apparently the controller can handle the higher voltage but not the higher amperage. If I had to do it again I would try get panels that would bring me closer to the best working voltage for this controller...Hope that helps...
@@GR-jq2qp Thanks for the prompt reply...you can't argue with success and reliability. Panels are now available that do 40 vdc so that is closer to the spec voltage. Manufacturer is recommending 6 panels with 2 sets of three in series and hooked up in a parallel setup...overkill for Florida in my view. requires a lot of sun area and big array. Thanks again...
@@GR-jq2qp I am in the midst of doing this exact setup. I have a question on cable size. Is running 8 awg wire when you only need 10 cause any problem. Also what type of cable did you use.
I noticed two pumps. I'm guessing to run a separate pump manually for cleaning / maintenance? Are there two separate inlets coming in from the pool or just one inlet with a diverter to switch between pumps?
Yes 2 pumps the original a/c pump that came with the pool, I use that pump only to prime the system after cleaning the filters or to run the spa at night otherwise the dc solar pump does all the work. There is no diverter I use 2 one way check valves look at the video for the explanation...
My pool is a little under 15,000 gallons. I am thinking of ordering this pump. But wondering if the 21-19 will be sufficient . Your pool is much larger and you are running your spa also I believe. I assume the smaller pump takes less panels?
This is awesome. I live in Coral Springs and was wondering if this was even possible. Thanks for sharing. So I need 3-4 panels, junction box, 10 gauge wires, DC pump with controller and shut off switch that is DC rated, Check valves, pvc for fittings and to run wires. Did I miss anything? I am so doing this.
@@GR-jq2qp Thank you! There is a company sunrayus.com/#1HP that sells a 1HP pump package which includes pump, controller, 3 panels, wires, etc for $2700. do you think I should go that route or Just buy everything separate. It seems cheaper separate. I m assuming you bought each element separate as you said you got the panels scratch n dent?
Actually the package mentioned above does not have a controller, because the 1HP DC pump they sell is a brush type...so it just runs when the power goes to it. They do provide a controller for their brushless pumps which are 1.5hp and upwards. I currently have a 1hp pump.
@@ricardobroderick3163 I would recommend brushless... the pump I have is a Jintai pump and has been running for 4 years with no problems depending on what size you need they go for about 900 to 1200 dollars on ebay and even cheaper if you buy direct from China. I would consider that and get the rest of the stuff locally just my 2 cents...
@@GR-jq2qp Perfect! I found Jintai. they have a 1.2hp and a 1.68 hp pump...i currently have a 1 HP. Should I just get the 1.2HP or up it to 1.68hp? Found a seller on AliExpress selling th ecomplete kit even with solar panels shipped. Takes about 3 weeks via FedEx. Ready to go. Thanks.
fpmd99 hello I bought the pump from solar power pools in California...I used an existing ground rod that is located by the pool equipment to ground the panels and pump...I don't have any drawings of the wiring but I can try to explain it....after wiring the 4 panels in series you are left with 2 wires one positve and one negative these 2 wires were run to the junction box on the pergula using wire nuts the positive wire is joined to a red 10 gauge wire and the negative goes to 10 gauge black wire...the panels are all grounded together using ground clamps and copper ground wire and that also goes to the junction box and gets wire nut to a green 10 gauge wire... These 3 wires run inside the 1/2 conduit to the pool equipment were I use an a/c compressor disconnect box and terminate the 3 wires there. The existing ground rod gets terminated there with the green wire that takes care of your ground..the red and black wire are also terminated there then I ran a red and black wire thru the flex conduit to the pump controller. There is a 30 amp fuse block in that box that you can remove to shut off the panels from the pump controller and finally there are 3 wires that run from the controller to the pump these wires are color coded and labeled. I also used flex conduit on this...hope that helps...
GR 55 Do you happen to know what size, brand and style fuse you used? This is about the only thing hanging me up on the install. Picture of the inside of your junction box would be great if possible. Thanks a bunch for the video sir!
I am going to recreate your system. I have no experience with any of this, and I'm wondering what type of instructions come with the pump? Also, is there some way to install something (a battery?) that I can bank the energy with for days that it might be cloudy? Or is that not needed? Will I also need to install a timer? Or is the sun pretty much the on and off switch? Please explain things to me like I'm an infant... I really have NO experience or idea what I'm doing 😬 Thank you from New Mexico
Hello Phillips family the pump does come with a diagram of how to wire it up it's pretty straightforward. A battery backup on a system this size would be very expensive I suggest using a 220 volt a/c pump which I only use to prime the system when I clean the filters or to use the spa at night. In cloudy days the solar pump will still run but at a lower output you could switch over to the a/c pump if you want to buy I rarely do . I don't have a timer I don't need one the sun is my timer... good luck on your install...
@@GR-jq2qp Thank Yoy for your reply back. You mentioned you are saving about 100 bucks a month on your electricity bill. Are you running your pump 100 % off of your solar panels only ?. Or part of it also comes from your regular AC power?
How did you determine how many panels you need? Is is strictly based on how many watts or is it based on volts or amps or all 3? I want to start planning out my build.
You need to size the pump first according to the size of your pool then you can determine how much power that pump requires by checking the specs on the pump...
I found the pump online. Anyway you could include a picture of your wiring diagram? Also, how did you ground the pump and the solar panels separately? Thanks again!
Hi GR - Finally got mine up and running. Thank you so much for the ideas, especially the check valves. Here's my set up th-cam.com/video/VYBixc-gTkc/w-d-xo.html - Cheers!
Congratulations on your setup looks great !!! Nice clean install I'm sure you'll enjoy it for years to come...thanks for posting and the nice comments...
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Great, perfect timing for me. Thanks for sharing your clean install.
Thank you mate - This is the best video on this stuff ever and is helping so many people in countries like mine that dont do theses sort of things. Great looking pool too and a Big hello to little Luna.
Awesome set up and beautiful place ya have!! Thanks
Man that's exactly what I'll be doing on my house , I want the system to run all day long and with this sunny days in Houston is free electricity all day long
Very nice man! Nice job, Congrats!
Thank you. Finally, something relevant AND practical that can be applied to life.
Excellent workmanship, thanks for sharing
This is fantastic simple and straight run to DC variable motor; perfect 👍
Great video thanks for sharing. This is exactly what I’m planning for our house! We just moved to S Florida in December and anything to not give FPL my $$$ will make me happy lol
Great video! Exactly what I was looking for thx
Thank you! After watching the video again, I realized you mentioned the panels wired in series. Will post my setup. The local pool supply house is asking what the heck I’m up to. So much fun!
😮 xxx n z😢s we I’m 😊😔😆
Excellent installation! Well done 👍
Perfect! I will be installing a 4m x 8m pool in a few months and wait to purchase a solar power system. I was told to wait for the pool and pumps to be installed before installing a solar power system. This would mean I'd need both AC and DC pumps; like yours. Our electric bill (in Thailand) is already too high and adding a pool will be more expensive! A off-grid (no batteries) solar power system seems to make (cents) sense.
Thanks. I also want to mount panels so they serve double-duty for shade. No worries with clouds in sunny Sacramento, CA. Clouds are very rare from May to Nov. After that, the pool water drops
I congratulate you on a job which has had some careful planning in the design to incorporate your Solar Panels within your Pergola. I too, would use heavier wire on the long run from the PV Units to the Pool Pump Controller to reduce voltage loss. You carefully thought of this. I live in Sydney Australia, and our power bills are extremely high. I too, have been interested in Solar Projects, and I have just completed my 3rd "Poor Man's Powerwall". Mounted on an Exterior Wall, this is an Electrical Enclosure that contains a 12v / 150Ah Deep Cycle battery. Battery is charged by one (1) Solar Panel (150Watt). A Solar Controller ensures that the Deep Cycle battery is maintained at its' best condition. From this Electrical Enclosure, all of my Lighting in the home - is LED. This system (built myself at cost of approx AUD 1000), also powers outside Security Lighting. The Electrical Enclosure also has Car-Type Cigar Lighter Sockets, and these come in handy for charging all of our mobile phones, which charge much quicker on pure DC. In a Power-Cut, our house is very brightly lit overnight, and the whole system requires no maintenance. Lights come on - and go off automatically. One day, every house will have one of these hybrid systems! There is a flood of secondhand Solar panels on the market here, and you can buy these ranging from AUD 10 to approx AUD 50 for a single 200W Panel. I do agree that the Pool Pump costs for energy can range between AUD 100 to 150 dollars per quarter in this country. I am thoroughly impressed with your Solar Project, and I like the idea that you have not used any type of Battery and Inverter System. From seeing your successful job, I plan to source a Chinese-made Pool Pump & Controller, approx. 750 Watts. Thank you for sharing your work with all of us.
Hello Peter thanks for your kind words I think anyone that has a pool should consider going solar...good luck with your installation and share it on utube...
Thank you for the inspiration! I've been attempting unsuccessfully to get one of these professionally installed in South Florida for over a year now. If you know a solar/pool contractor who can do (and guarantee) this kind of job, please let me know. The ones I've tried literally laughed and hung up on me! This project is a such a no-brainer that I'm going to have to found South Florida's first solar pool pump installation company if I can't find someone soon!
Sorry I don't of any company's that would do this which is suprising because of all the pools in the area. If a dedicated pool or solar company would do these installations I think they would make a killing in south Florida...great idea for a new business...
@@GR-jq2qp I am slowly figuring out that I totally agree with you. Just think about all the tax breaks and "green business" incentives and funding this would qualify for.
For anyone in South Florida reading this, here is a lay-up of a business opportunity. This guy has already figured out how to make it work and I would be happy to invest in this kind of new business. All you'd need is a hardworking electrician to do installations all day long, and an entrepreneurial bean-counter to pick up the checks! FPL would probably swallow your new green startup before you complete 100 installs.
I got the same response from pool industry guys in AZ. "you can't do that, etc." Owner of a solar supply store said it would cost me $8k in parts to run my pool pump on solar, but it's going to be closer to $1,400
@@jethrobodine7788 How did you figure out how many panels to get? What do /i need to know about my pool pumps? (watts, volts, amperes etc.? thanks. As you can tell I am a novice but I am interested in buying panels and doing this. I am in SF bay area - bu tnot in SF proper. So quite sunny like AZ.
Fantastic video!!!
Tanks..short effective video to the point..👍
Awesome. I think I'll do the same. Thanks.
Nice work
Hi GR. Just noticed your reply (back to me). The Jintai (900W) DC Pool Pump & Controller are available in Australia, and costs AUD $1166. Since viewing your excellent work, I have read-up much more about your neat system. The Solar 'experts' in Australia claim that you should attempt to supply Solar Power to this type of motor, at a factor of 1.4. That is to say, that (if you are running a 1200W DC Pump), your total wattage produced from your Solar Panels should be 900W X 1.4 = 1260 Watts. Personally, I would aim for a 1.5 factor, due to the cloudy and overcast days. I do not want to take anything away from you, because I have written this. On a very cloudy and dull day, a 175 Watt only produces approx. 0.5 A when measured as short-circuit current. Yet, the same Solar Panel will produce 5.5A in full sun. I am guessing that the 1200W DC Solar-Powered Motor (under the correct conditions) would draw approx. 15 or 16A. And yet, the Solar Panels (on cloudy days), will only produce 2 or 3 A. Herein lies the problem, and the DC Pump will most certainly slow down.
I love the way that you had thought carefully about one Pool Pump 'backfeeding' the other, and you had installed Check-Valves in order to prevent that happening. Now I have thought of perhaps a neater way to achieve the same thing, and I would like all technical persons to comment about this:
I would like to modify my 240v AC (Capacitor-Start) Mains-Driven Pump Motor, and replace the existing Rotor Shaft with a new (longer) Stainless - Steel Rotor Shaft which has been extended to protrude from the rear of the mains-driven 240v AC Motor. The whole purpose of extending the new shaft (at the rear), would be to simply connect the Solar DC Motor (by a suitable Coupling Device) to the AC Motor. A large Blocking Diode or simply a 2-pole Changeover Switch could be placed in the DC line between the DC Pump and its' Controller in order to prevent any back-EMF from causing damage to the DC Motor Controller, in the event that you decide to operate the AC Pool Pump Motor, with the DC Pump Motor also being driven. There seems to be distinct advantages in doing it this way, because it will take - up less room, than maintaining two separate pumps. Yes, there would be (initially) higher frictional starting loads, but both motors would be low-friction when up to speed. I thought of all this, simply because my Pool Pump Enclosure isn't large enough to place two (2) separate Pump Units and associated plumbing within. This is a lengthy message, but I feel that this idea worth the consideration of others. I cannot see why this idea would not work.
That seems like pretty neat idea although which ever pump is running will always have to carry the load of the other one...don't know if that would produce extra drag or wear...would love to see it in action. You are correct about the panels not producing full power on overcast days the pump will run slower but it will run longer at least 10 hours or more in my case compared to 8 hours on my ac pump I think the total gallons pumped by the end of the day will be pretty close. The only time I use my ac pump is to prime the system after cleaning the filters or to run the spa at night...then it goes back to solar .
I am so glad that I 'stumbled' upon your excellent video. And this forms the basis for new ideas. I appreciate your response (back to me) and your thoughts regarding the fact that two (2) Motors in tandem would create a little more friction. I suppose that the mains-driven pump would have no problems in driving an 'idling' Solar-Driven Motor, as the initial starting current demand would be higher. But neither motors have carbon brushes (a source of higher friction). I do love the thought that (in a tandem-driven motor system), there would be absolutely no change to the original plumbing. Any increase in plumbing and pipework would also slightly increase the current draw of either motor anyway, as this is an increased impedance to water flow. I would love to place both AC and DC Pump Motors in tandem, but I have checked online, and it seems impossible to purchase just the 900W DC Motor / Controller WITHOUT the chinese-made Pump Body! Just like you, we have an abundance of sunshine here in Australia, and (assuming that I went ahead with this idea), I would compensate (in the planning stage) for the tandem-motor frictional losses by upgrading the DC Motor to 1200W, and also combined with a suitable Solar Panel Array. Thanks once again for your positive response.
I have a similar set up here in AUS running a TAIFU pump and I had to fit a timer to stop the pump starting too early as it was taking longer to prime and wearing out the pump seals and now we can't get replacement parts for them, you have to buy a whole new pump replacement
dashaB0553 que c lo
Well done
Very nice work. I hope you installed a DC rated fuse in the disconnect. AC fuses do not work for DC loads.
You are correct...it does have dc rated fuse....
Thanks...
Really appreciate your detailed response. Couple of last questions: 1. Is there a diverter valve/switch for the water intake pipe to switch between your solar pump and the AC pump? 2. Where did you get the check valve? Thanks.
fpmd99 I don't have any diverter between the 2 pumps...you don't need one... the one way check valves take care of that. Whichever pump is running forces the other pumps check valve closed to keep from back feeding. You can get these valves from your local pool store I found mine on EBay alot cheaper. They come in different sizes make sure you get the size for your application...
.
Awesome exactly what I want to do. How do a the AC pump know when to switch off? Is there a flow meter or other smarts somewhere?
I am attempting to set up a electric generator system attached directly to my inground pool filter pump water outlet side. I want to use it to generate enough 220v 60hz current to feed back into the system to slightly offset the cost of running the pump during filtering of the pool.... Or.... generate enough 110v 60hz current to power an electric heater to help heat the pool cutting down on propane pool heating costs.
So, what I think I need:
1. is to find a reasonably priced high-volume/low resistance water pump (possibly centrifugal),
2. tied to or mounted on a pump motor or car alternator and somehow converted to a generator,
3. Run that current through an appropriate inverter that can also output either the 220v or 110v AC at 60hz.
4. Then use that current to either run an electric pool heater at 1500 - 2000w or
5. Used in conjunction with 3 or 4 car 12v batteries,
6. back-feed the captured current back into the system.????
Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated!!!!
I am trying to do this on a budget.
I also realize and understand energy loss and entropy and the 1st and 2nd Laws, so I am only trying to recapture a portion of energy that is currently wasted.
So far, I have thought about employing the use of a "jet well pump", or a centrifugal pump and running them in reverse of designed flow???
Thanks for this video. You’ve done an excellent job with installation and it’s so neat and thoughtfully designed.
Are still enjoying the system?
Yes system is still working great it's been almost 6 years since the install...
Great job on the pergola and pump setup. But is there a real ROI with the setup? Figure $2500 on the bottom end and my ROI is over 55 months, and then I am sure i will need a new pump.
very nice job, thank you for sharing your video, I have a question do we need to change the pump when we install and power with solar? thank you very much
No I left the original a/c pump in place and I use it to prime the system after cleaning the filters or if I want to use the spa at night...
Is this set up still working good after 3 years now? And where did you buy the pump from?
Great presentation! Were you concerned with wind up lift where you mounted the panels? I thinking about placing them on my pool cage, everyone says it won't hold up in a storm. Has your system as shown, withstood high winds? Again great video!!
The panels have been up for about 7 years with no problems hurricane Irma came by in 2017 and knocked down my wooden fence but the panels stayed in place...
I bought the Jintai 1.6 hp pump. Is the floating switch strictly for a well water application and is not used with a swimming pool?
I have 3 hp pump how big of system and what would you recommend
My my pool?
May you tell more about a solar controller. I have 4 solar panels in series, total 1280W, 96V (Renogy solar, each panel: 320W, 24V) and run "Happybuy Solar Swimming Pool Pump, 1200W 136GPM Powerful Motor, 72VDC Max" from Amazon. About 1 month, the controller is stop working, solar pump is fine (twice - exchange to the other a pump system is still last less than 1 month). Can you let me know where are you buy the system and please give me some advices. I live in California. Thanks
Would this work as a stand alone pump for smaller pool 16x8 3300 gallons of water? Thanks!
72volt 1200watt solar pump with MPPT controller is now $495 and 900 watt is $404, I should go for 1200watt (1.6HP)? and how many panels would I need?
A a/c 1.5hp pool pump cost $240/year in electricity, so pays for itself in 2years for the motor and take 5 years if you include 6 solar panels.
Did you run into any problems with code setting up the solar panels on your pergola?
I’ve watch your video several times and just bought a 900w 72v solar pump, what size panels and how many do you think I need to run it? I live in So California where it’s sunny most of the time.
Hello I'm interested in buying a 900w 72v solar pool.pump. I'm curious to see how many panels wattage and volts total you ended up installing.
Great job...electrical question...panels put out 32-39 vdc...4 panels in series bumps voltage to 120v to 160vdc...seems too high for pump requiring 70vdc. Am I wrong in calculations or can controller take this high a range of dc voltage?? Seems like 2 panels in series and 2 in parallel for this motor?? thanks
Hello Glenn my original plan was to hook up 2 sets of panels in series and parallel them together like you suggested which would give me about 64+ volts and about 16+ amps with these particular panels, that's the reason why I ran the 10 gauge wire . After talking to Solar Power pools they suggested that I run them in series which when I measured at the controller was giving me about 130+ volts and 8+ amps with full sun. The specs for this controller states that the best working voltage is 86 VDC biggest open voltage 150 VDC current overload 15A so as you can see with these particular panels that was my best choice. The system has been running with this setup for almost 3 years without any problems so apparently the controller can handle the higher voltage but not the higher amperage. If I had to do it again I would try get panels that would bring me closer to the best working voltage for this controller...Hope that helps...
@@GR-jq2qp Thanks for the prompt reply...you can't argue with success and reliability. Panels are now available that do 40 vdc so that is closer to the spec voltage. Manufacturer is recommending 6 panels with 2 sets of three in series and hooked up in a parallel setup...overkill for Florida in my view. requires a lot of sun area and big array. Thanks again...
@@GR-jq2qp I am in the midst of doing this exact setup. I have a question on cable size. Is running 8 awg wire when you only need 10 cause any problem. Also what type of cable did you use.
I noticed two pumps. I'm guessing to run a separate pump manually for cleaning / maintenance? Are there two separate inlets coming in from the pool or just one inlet with a diverter to switch between pumps?
Yes 2 pumps the original a/c pump that came with the pool, I use that pump only to prime the system after cleaning the filters or to run the spa at night otherwise the dc solar pump does all the work. There is no diverter I use 2 one way check valves look at the video for the explanation...
how does it work with a suction pool cleaner?
My pool is a little under 15,000 gallons. I am thinking of ordering this pump. But wondering if the 21-19 will be sufficient . Your pool is much larger and you are running your spa also I believe. I assume the smaller pump takes less panels?
I think I would go with the larger pump...
This is awesome. I live in Coral Springs and was wondering if this was even possible. Thanks for sharing. So I need 3-4 panels, junction box, 10 gauge wires, DC pump with controller and shut off switch that is DC rated, Check valves, pvc for fittings and to run wires. Did I miss anything? I am so doing this.
Yeap that's pretty much it... good luck with your project...
@@GR-jq2qp Thank you! There is a company sunrayus.com/#1HP that sells a 1HP pump package which includes pump, controller, 3 panels, wires, etc for $2700. do you think I should go that route or Just buy everything separate. It seems cheaper separate. I m assuming you bought each element separate as you said you got the panels scratch n dent?
Actually the package mentioned above does not have a controller, because the 1HP DC pump they sell is a brush type...so it just runs when the power goes to it. They do provide a controller for their brushless pumps which are 1.5hp and upwards. I currently have a 1hp pump.
@@ricardobroderick3163 I would recommend brushless... the pump I have is a Jintai pump and has been running for 4 years with no problems depending on what size you need they go for about 900 to 1200 dollars on ebay and even cheaper if you buy direct from China. I would consider that and get the rest of the stuff locally just my 2 cents...
@@GR-jq2qp Perfect! I found Jintai. they have a 1.2hp and a 1.68 hp pump...i currently have a 1 HP. Should I just get the 1.2HP or up it to 1.68hp? Found a seller on AliExpress selling th ecomplete kit even with solar panels shipped. Takes about 3 weeks via FedEx. Ready to go. Thanks.
Awesome install. I am looking to do something similar. Where did you buy the pump?
fpmd99 hello I bought the pump from solar power pools in California...I used an existing ground rod that is located by the pool equipment to ground the panels and pump...I don't have any drawings of the wiring but I can try to explain it....after wiring the 4 panels in series you are left with 2 wires one positve and one negative these 2 wires were run to the junction box on the pergula using wire nuts the positive wire is joined to a red 10 gauge wire and the negative goes to 10 gauge black wire...the panels are all grounded together using ground clamps and copper ground wire and that also goes to the junction box and gets wire nut to a green 10 gauge wire... These 3 wires run inside the 1/2 conduit to the pool equipment were I use an a/c compressor disconnect box and terminate the 3 wires there. The existing ground rod gets terminated there with the green wire that takes care of your ground..the red and black wire are also terminated there then I ran a red and black wire thru the flex conduit to the pump controller. There is a 30 amp fuse block in that box that you can remove to shut off the panels from the pump controller and finally there are 3 wires that run from the controller to the pump these wires are color coded and labeled. I also used flex conduit on this...hope that helps...
@GR55 can you provide their website or physical address in California? I would love to install this asap. Thanks for the video👌🏾👍🏾
Did you ground your panels? Nice build. Thanks
Yes they are grounded to a ground rod...
Hello, I have 26k gallons pool with separate pump for my waterfall. Can i run my pool n waterfall with just 1 1200 watts solar pump? Thank you
Do I need a junction box? I bought the 900 Jintai model based on this video. Can I go directly from panels to controller or am I risking damage?
Yes you do need a junction box with a DC rated fuse to protect the controller and pump...it also serves as a disconnect point to the equipment.
GR 55 Do you happen to know what size, brand and style fuse you used? This is about the only thing hanging me up on the install. Picture of the inside of your junction box would be great if possible. Thanks a bunch for the video sir!
Why not put a battery in between to harvest excess energy and keep it running?
How is it working for you today?
I am going to recreate your system. I have no experience with any of this, and I'm wondering what type of instructions come with the pump? Also, is there some way to install something (a battery?) that I can bank the energy with for days that it might be cloudy? Or is that not needed? Will I also need to install a timer? Or is the sun pretty much the on and off switch? Please explain things to me like I'm an infant... I really have NO experience or idea what I'm doing 😬
Thank you from New Mexico
Hello Phillips family the pump does come with a diagram of how to wire it up it's pretty straightforward. A battery backup on a system this size would be very expensive I suggest using a 220 volt a/c pump which I only use to prime the system when I clean the filters or to use the spa at night. In cloudy days the solar pump will still run but at a lower output you could switch over to the a/c pump if you want to buy I rarely do . I don't have a timer I don't need one the sun is my timer... good luck on your install...
What size pvs to filter
Can i please hire you to install one at our home? I live in Dade City, FL
QUESTIONS :
DO YOU HAVE YOUR SOLAR PANELS FOR YOUR HOT TUB, RETURN JETS AND ANY POOL AND PATIO LIGHTING ?
The panels are only powering the pool pump which also runs the spa jets...
@@GR-jq2qp Thank Yoy for your reply back.
You mentioned you are saving about 100 bucks a month on your electricity bill.
Are you running your pump 100 % off of your solar panels only ?.
Or part of it also comes from your regular AC power?
Yes I'm running the pool pump only from the solar panels it's a dedicated DC solar pump...
Do you have a link to the place you bought the pool pump and controller?
SolarPowerPools.com
I'm planning to use 4 255W panels wired in series with this same pump. I assume that should be ok
Or would 5 255 Watt panels be preferable and not overkill
I would go as high as possible without exceeding the volt/amp specs of the pump controller...
Do I need to buy another pool pump?
How did you determine how many panels you need? Is is strictly based on how many watts or is it based on volts or amps or all 3? I want to start planning out my build.
You need to size the pump first according to the size of your pool then you can determine how much power that pump requires by checking the specs on the pump...
I found the pump online. Anyway you could include a picture of your wiring diagram? Also, how did you ground the pump and the solar panels separately? Thanks again!
Can you Share link to pump?
great job
looking to do something similar..im in the landings fort laud. maybe we are neighbors. can i come look at your setup?
tom luken
Hello Tom I'm in West Kendall ...yes you're welcomed to check out my setup...
Hello from Ft. Laud., how did your project turn out?
What was the name of the company where you bought the panels? I live in St. Petersburg.
Sun Electronics in Miami Lakes ...
Im curious why didn't you remove the AC pump when you installed your solar pump.
I use it to run the spa at night it's also there as backup...
Is this a solar heater, or a normal heater powered by solar energy?
There is no heater the solar array is only running the solar pool pump ...
Can i have the information to buy one of the solar pumps that you have please?
Hello the pump is made by Jintai it's a Chinese company if you do a search you'll see sites that sell it...
so, if it's cloudy, no pump circulation?
If it's cloudy or raining it will still run but with a lower output...it's a variable speed pump.
if these Chinese companies make direct replacement motor/controller combination for Hayward MaxFlo XL pump,
that would be great.
How much did the pool pump cost?
Javier J it was around $1200.00 for the pump and controller....
@@GR-jq2qp good job!! Looks very clean installation for people who have winters a solar water heater would be another good project
How is the pump holding up now?
Still going strong after almost 4 years...
Hi GR - Finally got mine up and running. Thank you so much for the ideas, especially the check valves. Here's my set up th-cam.com/video/VYBixc-gTkc/w-d-xo.html - Cheers!
Congratulations on your setup looks great !!! Nice clean install I'm sure you'll enjoy it for years to come...thanks for posting and the nice comments...
Aint they all made in China?? 😆