Irrigated agriculture is big business in Australia, it produces more than 20% of the total value of Australian agricultural production.
Traditionally, irrigation pumps are powered by diesel or electrical energy supplied from the grid.
However, with the cost of solar panels decreasing and solar rebates available to offset costs, solar pumps have now become a popular and economically realistic choice for irrigators and farmers.
Malcolm Eyre, Managing Director at Franklin Electric, said solar pumps have become popular because they offer reliable and affordable pumping, and are also climate friendly.
“With the cost of power increasing, the high cost of pumping water using electricity or diesel can be a burden, so irrigators have been turning to solar power as an alternative.
“Solar power gives them another option which is more cost effective and is scalable, giving irrigators the ability to expand their solar array to allow for greater water pumping if it is required.
“Solar pumps, such as Franklin Electric’s Fhoton SolarPAK and SubDrive SolarPAK, are on the cutting edge of design and innovation,” Malcolm added.
“Having been optimised to provide the most water for the least amount of energy possible, it means irrigators can pump more water with less sunlight making them extremely energy efficient,” Malcolm went on to say.
Solar systems have the additional benefit that they can be integrated with diesel or mains power.
“Because of their high flexibility, solar pumps can switch between solar power and electricity or diesel power to maintain constant power supply when there is limited sun exposure.
“Even if there is not enough solar power to fully run the pump, irrigators will still see a decrease in power charges,” Malcolm said.
Franklin Electric products and solutions are available from an extensive dealer network across Australia.
Check the Franklin Electric website for the wide range of products the company handles.
See the full information here: www.franklin-electric.com.au or call direct for the nearest dealer on 1300 FRANKLIN (1300 372 655).
