Solar-wind hybrid water pumping (GEF Small Grants Program)

Installation of solar component of the hybrid water pumping system

The solar pumping element was the first to be installed. The system used is the SQFlex from Grundfos, a relatively new addition to the Grundfos range, offering more flexibility and better economy. As the SQ Flex system had been tested on the test field of the Danish Folkecenter, and taking into account the humanitarian aspect of the project, Grundfos kindly donated the pump. 

According to a test pumping by the National Direction of Hydraulics, the pump was installed at a depth of 42m. The water tank will be installed at distance of around 700m from the pump. Water will be used for gardening activities at a site near the pump, and for watering animals near the water tank. The solar part of the the system should provide between 12 and 16 cubic metres of water per day. 

Please click on images for higher resolution.

Painting frames (left), setting the moulds for laying concrete foundations (centre), making electrical connections of the panels (right).

Panels (left), setting concrete around the well head (centre), setting panels in concrete (right)

Setting panels (left), the pump ready for insertion in the well (centre), the pump connected to the drop pipe (right).

Connection of drop pipe to the "tete de forage" (left), the first water is pumped (centre), local children play in the water (right).

The pump controller showing power used by the pump (left), local woman collects water (centre), another woman checks the water (right).

The control system (left), the installed solar panel array (centre), the panels pump water (right).

For more information on water pumping in Mali, using the wind or the sun, please contact Mali-Folkecenter (contacts page)

For video clips see below. Please note, the files are quite large.

The clip on the right shows the solar panels pumping water (3.6 MB). The one on the right shows the water meter turning while pumping water (2.6 MB).