Solar/Wind Power

Iwantahouse_2 · 27 July 2006 at 7:30AM

Ok only a small project but I want to run my pond pump off solar or wind power to save having to organise electricity in the garden. There is a solar pump for sale in the local garden centre for £70 but I was wondering if anyone had rigged up something similar themselves?

gromituk · 27 July 2006 at 12:59PM

Much easier and cheaper would be to use a low voltage pump and extend the low voltage cable if necessary. I doubt you'll benefit the environment much by trying to use solar/wind power. Make sure the pump's on a timer so is running the minimum amount necessary.

Volcano · 28 July 2006 at 2:25PM

Found this that might help:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_slr/episode/0,2046,DIY_14335_26509,00.html

Click on the links beneath "in this episode".

I think running the pump off solar power is a good idea, less wiring and a lower fire risk.

barisax_al · 15 August 2006 at 9:28PM

You could probably use a hub dynamo from a pushbike and make your own wind turbine. Plans are available from the centre for alternative technology. You could switch it to garden lights at night too.

gromituk · 16 August 2006 at 8:50AM

Yes, I presume that would work - low speed and weatherproof. But the output is tiny (only about 3 watts) and hub dynamos are very expensive.

Solar/Wind Power

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