Whether you are someone looking for alternatives for cutting the utility bill or rising to the occasion once a power outage occurs, a solar generator has proven to be a great choice. Besides, it also comes in handy if you live off-grid.
Regardless of why you want to buy one, you must also know whether it can power the appliances. For example, can a solar generator power a sump pump?
If you reside in an area prone to floods, you know all too well how vital a sump pump is. However, power outages are also quite common during such weather conditions.
If you were to buy a solar generator, would it help you run your sump pump under such circumstances? Read on to find out.
Will a Solar Generator Power My Sump Pump?
Yes, a solar generator can power a sump pump. However, you need a solar generator with enough power to run your sump pump efficiently.
For instance, the size of your solar generator will make a huge difference. When choosing the ideal size, consider how big your home is.
The level of flooding also matters since it determines the amount of water the sump pump will handle. The more water it needs to remove, the more power your sump pump requires.
Another factor you can’t afford to ignore is how humid the area is. The more humid the climate is, the harder your sump pump will work to be effective. Equally important, it will consume much power requiring your solar generator to be powerful.
However, a lack of backup could lead to interruptions, thus compromising your safety since the sump pump may not be in a position to work at all times.
Whereas a high running wattage is vital, backup power is equally important in ensuring that your solar generator powers the sump pump for as long as needed.
Sump pump owners often overlook the compatibility aspect. Did you know that some sump pumps won’t recognize the power of your solar generator, especially old models?
It explains the need to confirm compatibility before investing in a solar generator. For example, a 120-V power outlet is crucial since it is the standard.
The least recommended wattage for a solar generator intended to power a sump pump is 1000 watts. Any wattage less than that may jeopardize the efficiency of your pump.
Nevertheless, your sump pump may need a more powerful solar generator. The bottom line is factoring all the necessary factors that could make a huge difference.
What Size of Solar Generator Do I Need to Power a Sump Pump?
The answer to the above million-dollar question depends on your sump pump horsepower. The higher it is, the large the solar generator should be, and vice versa.
Here’s a discussion on how large your solar generator needs to be depending on your sump pump horsepower.
1 Hp Sump Pump
If your premises need a heavy-duty sump pump, consider such horsepower. It is most suitable when dealing with extreme flooding.
That’s because it is powerful to displace a large volume of water. Besides, it throws the water it removes pretty far.
So, if you can’t dispose of the excess water nearby, the sump pump may also be ideal for easy and proper disposal. Interestingly, don’t expect the pump to take much time to eliminate the water since it can do quite a lot, even in one minute.
The same applies when removing water in deep areas, including basements. After all, it will lift the water to about 200 ft.
However, its efficiency relies on the solar generator’s wattage, which should be high for obvious reasons.
For instance, the solar generator that the 1 hp sump pump needs to run should have a wattage of about 2000 watts. Starting the sump pump gets even more demanding since it needs 4000 watts.
Do you see just how much power this appliance needs? However, that’s understandable, given the extreme conditions it can work under.
¾ Hp Sump Pump
It is yet another option that won’t disappoint when dealing with highly flooded areas and deep places. It may not be as powerful as the previous counterpart, but it can pump up to 90 gallons every minute, and that’s impressive.
On average, most of these sump pumps will need around 1500 watts to run. It may differ from brand to brand, but this wattage works for most of them.
½ Hp Sump Pump
It may not be the least powerful sump pump, but it isn’t as powerful as the above options. However, the amount of water it can drain is impressive and thus ideal when handling slight floods.
For instance, the sump pump is enough to pump up to 60 gallons every minute. It is a rate slightly above the needs of most homes when controlling floods.
As for the wattage, a solar generator with between 1000 and 1050 watts is sufficient. However, it requires up to 2100 watts to start, and it is important to consider this high initial surge of power.
1/3 Hp Sump Pump
It is a sump pump that has proven adequate for most average homes. That’s why having at least such a pump is advisable to handle flooding.
After all, it can empty up to 42 gallons in a minute. Equally important, the sump pump needs 800 watts to run and 1300 watts to start, which is important information when buying a solar generator.
¼ Hp Sump Pump
Lastly, this sump pump can empty up to 30 gallons of water in a minute. If your basement experienced mild flooding, it is an ideal choice.
It requires the least wattage to start and run. However, don’t consider it for excessively flooded and deep places.
Advantages of Powering a Sump Pump Using a Solar Generator
Upon buying the right solar generator to power your sump pump, consider the following benefits;
- It will save you the money you would have spent on your electricity bill since its source of energy is natural and renewable
- Despite working in excess water, the solar generator, including its panels, doesn’t come into contact with water thus easy to maintain with minimal wear and tear
- Floods and grip power outages often occur simultaneously, and a solar generator is a great substitute under such circumstances
- It will increase your home’s value
- Their warranties also mean no worrying about repair or replacements as long as the warranty is valid
- A solar generator is also easy to install and use
- It will reduce carbon footprint effectively
