Install Pressure Tank and Gravity-Fed Storage
At 6:38 in
How a solar well works on a farm...off grid water!
What happens here
The system includes a pressure tank, which is crucial for preventing 'water hammer' – a surge of pressure that can occur when water valves are shut off suddenly. This tank, containing both water and a rubberized bladder, slowly relieves pressure, protecting the well pump. The well itself is 460 feet deep, but the static water level is only 23 feet, meaning the pump only needs to lift water from that shallower depth, improving efficiency. The water is pumped from the well to a 1500-gallon above-ground water tank, which acts as a backup storage for times when solar power is limited due to cloudy weather. This tank was installed by digging a hole, leveling and tamping the ground, and surrounding it with rock dust to prevent rocks from rubbing against the tank. It is buried approximately 16 inches deep, below the frost line, to prevent freezing in winter.
Goal: Implement pressure regulation and large-scale water storage
Tools and materials
- Pressure Tank — Preventing water hammer and providing a buffer for water pressure
- Rock Dust — Creating a smooth, protective surface around the tank
- Shovel — Leveling and tamping the ground
- Tractor with Backhoe John Deere — Digging the hole for the water tank