46
with debris, or out of its correct position.
1. Is the solar array receiving shadow-free
light? (It only takes a small shadow to stop
it.) Is it oriented properly toward the south,
and tilted at the proper angle? See
Section 0.
2. Be sure you have the right pump for the
total lift that is required, out of the well +
up the hill. In the case of a pressurizing
system, the pressure head is equivalent to
additional lift (1 PSI = 2.31 feet) (1 bar =
10 m).
3. Be sure all wire and pipe runs are sized
adequately for the distance. Refer to wire
sizing in the pump sizing table, and to the
pipe sizing chart in this manual, reference
section.
4. Inspect and test the solar array circuit and
the controller output, as above. Write
down your measurements.
5. There may be a leak in the pipe from the
pump. Open a pipe connection and
observe the water level. Look again later
to see if it has leaked down. There should
be little or no leakage over a period of
hours.
6. Measure the pump current and compare it
with the table in the previous section.
Test #6
7. There is a “max. RPM” adjustment in the
controller. It may have been set to reduce
the flow as low as 50%. See Section 5.6.
Has the flow decreased over time?
1. Is the AC motor current lower than
normal? The pump end (pumping
mechanism) may be worn from too much
abrasive particles (sand or clay) in the
water.
2. Is the AC motor current higher than
normal? Doesn’t start easily in low light?
This is likely to be related to dirt in the
pump and/or pipe.
3. Look in the water tank or pipes to see if
sediment has been accumulating.
4. Run the pump in a bucket to observe.
5. Remove the pipe from the pump outlet
(check valve) and see if sand or silt is
blocking the flow.
6. If the check valve itself is clogged with dirt,
see CAUTION, Section 9.1.
7. To help prevent dirt problems, see Section
6.6 Coping With Dirty Water Conditions.
8. After years of use, it may be necessary to
replace the pump end. Call your pumps
supplier for advice.
9.4 If The Pump Runs But Flow Is Less Than Normal
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