Solar Pumping Solution for Water System on Hikuai Farm

We worked closely with a customer of ours who upgraded from an outdated diesel pump system to a modern solar-powered water pumping solution, transforming the efficiency of their farm operations saving them time and money. 

TW Farm and Electrical installed a reliable solar setup that now pumps 15,000L of water per day in the summer months 60 meters uphill from a pond, serving several hundred stock on the block. The installation also includes tank level monitoring for peace of mind, removing the need for frequent trips to refuel and start the diesel pump.

From Diesel Hassles to Solar Efficiency

Our Customers main farm is a dairy operation, with their large support blocks only supply of water a diesel pump located at the back of the farm around an hour away. The farm relied on this pump as it was the only practical source of water on the farm. This setup required the farmer to travel an hour to refuel and start the pump every three days, especially during the summer when demand was high. With several hundred stock on the property and the water source located at the back of the farm, through multiple gates, this process was time-consuming and labor-intensive.

To address these challenges, TW Farm and Electrical worked closely with the customer through multiple consultations and site visits to specify and design a solar pumping solution tailored to their needs. The system features a DAB submersible pump, mounted on a PVC float pontoon in the farm’s pond. Due to the pond’s shallow depth, the pump was mounted at its maximum angle, ensuring optimal performance. The pontoon was securely tied to the shore with ropes for easy retrieval during servicing.

This solar-powered system now pumps water 60 meters uphill to a twin tank 25,000L tanks which gravity feed the troughs throughout the farm. Delivering 15,000 liters per day during the summer. The 1200W solar array, consisting of three 400W panels, powers the system with a 25-year performance warranty, ensuring long-term reliability. The existing diesel pump was left in place as a backup and the controller selected can also be connected to 240v generator to run the pump

Remote Monitoring and Peace of Mind

In addition to the solar pump, TW Farm and Electrical installed Cellular battery powered tank level monitoring using the Farmo.com.au platform. This allows the farmer to remotely monitor the water levels, eliminating the need for manual checks and providing real-time updates to ensure the stock always has access to water

Collaboration and Expertise

TW Farm and Electrical collaborated with White International, the New Zealand distributor of DAB equipment, to ensure that the right products were selected for the job. Our in-house team of electricians installed the system with precision, and the 200-meter pipeline that connected the pond to the tank was already in place, simplifying the setup.

Tailored Solutions for Our Customers

Solar pumping solutions from TW Farm and Electrical are available from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the volume of water needed and the lift required. We specialize in designing systems that fit the specific needs of each farm, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance.

Conclusion

This solar pumping project in Hikuai is a prime example of how TW Farm and Electrical can help simplify the water system on your farm using new technologies. The major wins in a project like this are massive savings in time, cost of fuel, and as a bonus it is more environmentally freindly. With ongoing support, remote monitoring, and a tailored design, TW Farm and Electrical provides farmers with the tools to keep their stock watered with minimal hassle. To explore a solar pumping solution for your farm, contact us today.