Preliminary judgment and treatment methods for common faults of photovoltaic water pumps

Preliminary judgment and treatment methods for common faults of photovoltaic water pumps

When there is abnormal water pumping in the photovoltaic water pump system, there is no need to seek professional repair immediately. Following the simple to complex steps for preliminary troubleshooting can often solve most common problems quickly.

1. First eliminate environmental and sunlight factors

This is a prerequisite unique to photovoltaic systems and must be confirmed first.

Check the current weather and time: it will be clear daytime. If it is a cloudy day, rainy day, early morning or evening, insufficient sunlight will cause the system output to be very small or stop completely, which is normal.

Check solar panel obstructions: Immediately check whether there are large areas of obstruction such as fallen leaves, bird droppings, dust or snow on the surface of the solar panels. Even if it is partially blocked, the voltage of the entire group of panels will drop significantly and the water pump cannot be started.

2. Step-by-step troubleshooting: Determine the approximate scope of the problem

If there is sufficient sunlight and no obstruction, you can check according to the following steps:

Step 1: Check if the water pump is responding

Phenomenon: The water pump is completely silent, does not vibrate, and does not produce water.

Preliminary processing:

Check the power supply and controller: Check all cable connections from the solar panels to the controller to the water pump to see if they are loose, detached, or chewed through by animals. Observe whether the controller (if it has a display screen) lights up and whether there is an alarm code.

Listening to identify the location: Put your ear close to the water pump and listen carefully when the sun is bright. If the water pump makes a slight "buzzing" sound but does not turn, it may be stuck or the voltage is low.

Step 2: Check that the water pump is running but does not produce water or the water volume is small

Phenomenon: The water pump has running sounds or vibrations, but no water comes out or the water flow is weak.

Preliminary processing:

Check the water source and water inlet: Confirm whether the water level in the water source (well, pond) is too low, causing the water pump to be unable to suck water. Check whether the filter screen or bottom valve of the water pump inlet is blocked by sediment or debris.

Check the pipeline: Check whether the water pipeline is flattened, whether the valve is accidentally closed, and whether there is serious water leakage in the pipeline or joints.

Check the water pump itself: For water pumps that have been used for a period of time, internal impeller wear or damaged seals may also cause insufficient output.

Step 3: Check if the system works intermittently or stops suddenly

Phenomenon: It stops automatically after running for a period of time, and starts again after a while.

Preliminary processing:

Check the controller protection: it may be that the controller operates due to overheating protection (direct sunlight in summer) or low voltage protection (instantaneous power shortage caused by passing clouds). Shade the controller and observe.

Check the water source: The water supply is insufficient, causing the water pump to trigger the dry-run protection after being evacuated, and then restart after the water level is restored.

3. Quick check on common fault causes and simple countermeasures

Problem: Not moving at all, no display on the controller

Possible reasons: cable break, connector corrosion, solar panel damage or controller failure.

Countermeasures: Check and reconnect all connectors; measure the open circuit voltage of the solar panel (a multimeter is required, pay attention to safety).

Problem: There is a buzzing sound but it does not spin

Possible reasons: The water pump is mechanically stuck, the bearings are corroded; or the starting voltage is insufficient (the light is not strong enough or the line loss is too large).

Countermeasures: Try to turn the water pump shaft manually (power off); check whether the cable is too thin or too long.

Problem: The discharge water contains sand or the water discharge is intermittent

Possible reasons: The water source contains high sand content and the filter is damaged; or the water source water level is in a critical state.

Countermeasures: Clean and check the filter; ensure adequate water supply.

4. Safety warnings and timing of seeking help

Safety first: Before any inspection, be sure to disconnect the electrical connection (you can completely cover the solar panel with a thick cloth) to prevent DC arcing.

Record the phenomenon: Record the weather, sound, and indicator light status at the time of the failure to help professional judgment.

Seek timely help: If the problem persists after completing the above-mentioned basic inspection (confirming sufficient sunlight, clean panel surface, open pipes, tight joints, and sufficient water source), it may be an internal failure of the water pump, controller, or solar panel. At this time, you should contact a professional for repair or replacement.

Summary: Look at the sky first, then the board, then check the water pipes and power supply

When troubleshooting photovoltaic water pump failures, please keep this sequence in mind. Most problems stem from external conditions (light, occlusion) and simple physical blockages (filters, pipes). By completing these basic checks calmly and in an orderly manner, you can troubleshoot most common faults yourself and get your system back up and running quickly.