Ok - total newbie question here. I'm trying to work out the size or number of solar panels required to run a DC pump for use as a solar heating system for a swimming pool.
I've located what looks like a suitable pump with the following specs
- Voltage: 8V-24V DC (Standard:12V DC), 4.5amps
- Max Flow Rate for 15W model : 11.5 L/Min - Max Water Head: 3M
- Min start-up power consumption less than 2 Watt
The aim is to direct connect the pump to the solar panel allowing for it to operate whilst sufficient sunlight in order to pump water into the heating elements of the pool (think black plastic tubes on roof of house).
Now the question. Given 24v, 4.5amps I think it equates to approximately 100watts. The solar panels from a local supplier give specs such as:
- Maximum power: 120W
- Rated voltage: 12V
- Open circuit voltage: 21.8V
- Short circuit current: 7.14A
The other alternative is the 200w panel which has specs like:
- Maximum power: 200W
- Rated voltage: 24V
- Open circuit voltage: 45.3V
- Short circuit current: 6.15A
- Voltage at max power: 37.8V
- Current at max power: 5.31A
Thus which panel would work; 120W or 200W ? Also do I need to worry about the open circuit voltage and short circuit current ?
thanks for you help grant