solar panel for direct DC pond pump

[morelli]

hello,

i am planning to cycle/filter water in my duck pond. i found a dc submersible pump with the following specs:

volts - 12dc
amps - 1000mA
head - 5m
flow - 500 L/h (at zero)
power - 12W

i would like to go direct solar with this and simply pump when the sun shines. that said and given these specs:
1. what size panel would you recommend?
2. i suppose i should have a voltage regulator between panel and pump? any recommendations?
3. any other panel or regulator or design advice is much appreciated
thanks

[Mike90250]

First, you will need a "Linear Current Booster"

This keeps the pump motor from burning out at dawn, dusk & partially cloudy conditions, where the motor would be stalled.

Then, I'd suggest at least a panel rated at 3 amps, @ 17v or 50 - 100 watts. Remember, the panel will not have perfect aim at the sun, and will seldom produce it's full power

[morelli]

thanks for your reply Mike90250, helps a lot.....

will the LCB also keep the voltage to the pump close to 12vdc? don't think t can take variable voltage well.

good suggestion on the panel sizing.

m

[Mike90250]

Yes, the LCB is supposed to regulate the voltage to the motor

http://www.solarconverters.com/ppt7.htm

Voltage Limited Output
Maximum Output Voltage (V) 15