Solar pumps generate electricity from the sun through photovoltaic cells.

There are some systems available that qualify for accelerated capital allowances. Some can be used to heat water as a sort of an excess storage option rather than a battery.

At the Moorepark open day, the payback for 6 kW Micro generation PV system for a 100-cow dairy herd was discussed. With no grant it is 13 years, with 40% grant aid it is eight years and with 60% grant aid it is five years.

Solar pump solutions

Solar Pump Solutions is a company that designs and manufactures solar-powered water pumping systems. Solar Pump Solutions says these systems have the capacity to pump high-pressure water over 1.5km to eight drinking troughs while also having the capacity to power a 12V battery fencer. The company says systems are versatile and can be used as the sole water supply, a volume booster, a pressure booster or as pumped storage for irrigation or washings. This could be a solution for farmers with land bordering river catchments, streams, drains, etc.