The Solectrogen solar powered swimming pool pumping packages utilize the sun's energy to operate the filtration pump, eliminating the need for utility power, thereby saving the cost of the electrical energy normally used by the AC pool pump. It also eliminates the need for controls and timers. Because the pump is directly connected to the output of the solar panels, it starts running shortly after sunrise and continues until shortly before sunset. Naturally in the summer when the days are longer, the pump runs for more hours per day and, in the winter, for fewer hours per day. On cloudy and overcast days the pump runs more slowly, pumping less water through the filter.. All this makes the Solectrogen pool pumping system a natural fit for swimming pool filtration, because algae growth is accelerated in the summer when the days are longer and the water is warmer, requiring more filtration capacity, while in the winter when the days are shorter, and the water temperatures are cooler, the algae growth is retarded and the pool requires less filtration. Most conventional pool filtration systems have a timer programmed to run the pump for four hours per day in the summer. Since the Solectrogen system would run the pump six to ten hours per day in the summer (depending on location), the pump size required for the filtration of a given size pool may be reduced by 40 to 60 percent. In other words, if a 1.5 HP AC pump is required, a 3/4 HP Solectrogen pump can accomplish the same amount of filtration because it would run for longer hours. Similarly, a 2 HP AC pump can be replaced by a 1 HP Solectrogen pump and a 1 HP AC pump by a 1/2 HP Solectrogen pump. Our tests show that cartridge filters are most suitable for use with the solar powered pumps, somewhat oversized sand filters do well also, but the diatomatious earth (DE) filters are not suitable because they produce more pressure drops, requiring larger pumps. The pump volute and casing are constructed of reinforced engineered plastic making them light-weight and corrosion-free. A trap is built into the pump, providing easy access to its strainer basket. The permanent magnet DC motors are highly efficient and run at 2500 RPM at the design voltage of 90 VDC. The Solectrogen Pump Packages are available in three sizes: 1/2, 3/4, and 1 HP, each with appropriate size and number of solar electric panels to power the pump. The interconnects between the modules and panels are made with water-tight flex conduit and connectors, utilizing the module junction boxes. Warranty is limited 10 or 20 years on the PV modules and limited 1 year on the pump.
