Solar Well Update: 2200 Gallons/Day Achieved
Updated: By Eugene
solarwaterproject-update
Solar Well Update: 2200 Gallons/Day Achieved
The Eureka Solar Well has officially hit its design target of 2,200 gallons per day from a 600-foot well using a 2.2kW solar array.
System Overview
- Array: 2.2kW (6 × 370W panels) at 30° tilt
- Pump: Lorentz PS2-100 submersible, 48V DC direct-drive
- Well Depth: 600 feet static, 580 feet dynamic
- Storage: 5,000 gallon tank at 40ft elevation for gravity distribution
- Controller: Lorentz PS2 with MPPT and dry-run protection
Performance Data (June 2024)
| Date | Solar Irradiance (kWh/m²) | Gallons Pumped | Runtime (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-06-15 | 6.2 | 2,180 | 9.5 |
| 2024-06-18 | 7.1 | 2,240 | 10.2 |
| 2024-06-20 | 5.8 | 1,950 | 8.8 |
| 2024-06-22 | 6.9 | 2,310 | 10.5 |
Key Learnings
- MPPT is essential — The Lorentz controller maintains 95%+ efficiency across varying irradiance
- Storage buffer matters — The 5,000 gal tank provides 2+ days of autonomy during cloudy periods
- Elevation = free pressure — 40ft tank head delivers ~1 provides ~17 psi at point of use without pressure tank
- Direct DC eliminates inverter losses — 15-20% gain vs AC-coupled systems
Next Steps
- Add remote monitoring via LoRa to federation network
- Document build process for CRK bundle export
- Scale to 4.4kW array for 4,000+ gal/day for irrigation expansion
- Publish FreeCAD designs for pump mounting bracket (anti-patent filing pending)
Replication Notes
Total system cost: ~$8,500 (panels $1,800, pump $2,200, controller $800, piping $2,000, tank $1,700).
Commercial equivalent: $25,000+. 66% savings through open-source design and community labor.