Battery Powered Timer Switches for Solar Pumps

How can I be sure I have the correct size solar pump?
The online Pump Sizing Wizard starts with over 100 RPS Solar Pump models and using the variables you enter about your well depth, latitude and your water needs to size your system correctly the first time. Or if you prefer talking with a friendly specialist, give us a call at 888-637-4493

How long does it take to install?
Most people find it can be easily done over a weekend and our record is a customer who installed their RPS200 system in 1 hour and 7 minutes! It's as easy as mounting your solar panels, dropping the pump down the well, and flipping the switch!

What resources are there to help me install?
Countless features and included parts and pieces make the install of an RPS pump easier than ever - for first timers and old timers alike. Our 64 page all-color user manual outlines the entire process, YouTube videos demonstrate it visually and the “DIY Success Center” (100+ articles and videos FREE access with purchase!) is available anytime, and our engineers are ready to help over email, phone or text.

How is shipping cost calculated?
Shipping is currently FREE with the current sale but the sale expires at the end of the month.

How does it ship? Timeframe to expect?
We make every attempt to ship the same day the order is received. Sometimes, this is not possible due to popularity, and the items will ship the following day or days. Many of our systems include bulky solar panels. Shipping times and delivery dates are estimates only as these services don’t offer guarantees, but often between 2 and 5 days transit for boxed systems depending on your area in the US.

In a hurry? Most systems can be expedited 2nd Day Air, we just need to know in advance and we just ask you cover the difference in cost between Ground shipping and 2nd Day Air. Freight deliveries like WaterSecures and larger Pro Series with Large Panels we use pallets and FedEx Freight. Shipping times are a little harder to estimate here. Packing and palletizing may take 1-2 days based on the season. You will be sent a tracking number once your order is scanned and in transit! ** RPS Ship-Insured™ guarantees you get what you ordered in working condition and combines with the 100% Water Assurance Guarantee to add additional peace of mind that your investment will result in water pumping!

Can I supplement the sun with power from batteries or AC/Generator?
Absolutely. But neither is necessary. Batteries allow for the storage of solar power during the day to be used at night or on cloudy days. AC/Generator converters mimic the power the sun might provide on a perfectly sunny day with AC whenever you have it. There is also an AutoSwitcher box that automatically switches between AC and Solar, weather depending.

How much area do I need for the solar panels? 
Rough dimensions of solar panels and array sizes can be found below.

How big are the Solar Panels? How many?
We size with versatile, rugged and easy-to-install 100w panels. Take the kit name (RPS 200) and divide by 100 watts for the number of panels in the kit. RPS200 = 2 100w Solar Panels. RPS800V = 8x 100w Solar Panels. Once over 1.5HP Pro Kits, large 300+ watt panels are used. Small and Large panels still have roughly the same total dimensions and surface area per watt. Smaller panels are just easier to work with, transport, and create building blocks that are easier to upgrade in the future.

What is the best way to mount the solar panels?
Mounting is easy. Panels are rigid aluminum framed so can be fastened down in a number of ways. Tilting south and adjusting to your latitude is most important vs material or construction of mounting. There are our adjustable pre-made options, and hundreds of photos of do-it-yourself mounting here.

Wait, so no batteries needed?!
Some customers just can’t believe that these pumps will work on solar power alone. They are even more delighted when they get water - and usually more than they think with only the sun! It feels like magic! Film a video of a loved one when you first turn the system on - the expressions of awe are priceless! 

RPS systems run incredibly efficiently using solar power alone. No batteries needed. While it does make sense for some customers to add a battery bank (especially with low GPM wells and for household water pressure), whenever possible, our engineers do recommend pumping more water into a storage tank for overnight use. We have more info on batteries here. Most customers start without batteries regardless, as they are easy to add in the future if desired.

Can I add more Gallons Per Day in the future with more panels?
Yes! Systems are generally very modular and you can see what “Water Upgrade Kit” (solar panels and wiring) is compatible with your system and can easily be added later. Add a compatible battery bank with more solar panels to unlock nighttime operation! 

I don’t need that much GPM, can I turn the rate of pumping down?
Lower production wells might produce less than a gallon a minute and one of the great features of RPS pumps is that the controller’s speed dial allows you to reduce the motor speed, pumping at a slower rate to match the replenishment rate of the well or water source. 

What does Water Assurance Guarantee mean?
We offer a money back guarantee that our pump systems will provide you water off of solar power when sized by one of our engineers to your well, desired setup and final total dynamic pumping head. We do require static water levels, drawdown and pressure requirements are accurately estimated during the sizing process, that installation follows the instructions of the RPS User Manual, and that you give RPS engineers a chance to troubleshoot any issues.

Lifetime Rotor Replacement Guarantee
Our brushless motors are designed to last for tens of years without maintenance. These motors (at the bottom of the pump) turn a stainless steel helical rotor inside a rubber-lined stator. Helical rotors are incredible for utilizing low power, so it makes them perfect for solar use. But these rotors are inherently the weakest point of the entire system, just like all helical pumps, especially in sand or iron-rich soil. With RPS you won’t ever have to mail your pump off to get a factory rebuild. Replace the rotor yourself on site and save time and money. No need to cut wires either, just open up the upper pump end and swap in a new rotor and your pump will operate as it did the day you installed it. Our Replacement Guarantee Policy means that we will replace these rotors whenever they wear for the lifetime of your pump’s motor. The rest of the system is convered under the 2 Year Comprehensive Warranty and Lifetime Phone Support. 

Why choose RPS?
We're America's #1 Most Trusted Solar-Powered Water Pump! RPS Solar Pump Kits are for people that believe in getting the job done themselves, and getting it done right. Our goal is to arm you with the equipment and knowledge to take control of your water and save a fistful of money doing it. 

• Why RPS is #1 - A note from owners about RPS's investment in support/warranty

• Cost, Warranty and other Histograms on Solar Pumping Market

What’s the submersion limit on the 2" and 3" submersible pumps?
The submersion limit is also different than the “total head ability” of each pump. Most people place their solar pump 20-50 feet below the water surface, as compared to a typical AC pump which installs 10 feet off the bottom of the well, but anywhere within 0 and 129 feet is acceptable. RPS specialists will help size a solar pump that best matches your well's production rate.