Solar Water Pump | CHEAP Rain Barrel Solar Pump Setup

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In this video, Robert shows you how he added a 12v 20 Watt solar panel to an existing rain barrel system to charge a 12v battery that provides power to a 12v DC transfer pump purchased from Harbor Freight which is used to water his garden.
Overall, Robert’s goal was to keep the overall cost low for adding the solar panel to the rain barrel system.
He also explains how working on projects like this continues to inspire him to continue working on solar energy related projects due to how amazing it is to be able to use free energy from the sun to power devices or systems.
Check Out Robert's Other Rain Barrel Videos:
CHEAP Rain Barrel Float Switch | DIY Water Pump Protection: • CHEAP Rain Barrel Floa...
DIY Automatic Watering System | WITH Mobile App: • DIY Automatic Watering...
Rain Barrel System | CHEAP Water Pump Setup: • Rain Barrel System | C...
Below you can find the majority of the parts Robert used in the solar water pump video.
Parts / Items Used In Video:
►20 Watt Solar Panel: amzn.to/346c4aB
►Ring Terminals (5/16” - 3/8” Stud 12-10 AWG): amzn.to/37ZcAKi
►Male & Female Disconnect Terminals (16-14 AWG): amzn.to/34U8TTZ
►12 Gauge Red & Black Electrical Wire: amzn.to/3o0082e
►10 Amp Fuse & Fuse Holder: amzn.to/3rCdnIB
►Cable Gland: amzn.to/37VzEcE
►Heat Shrink Tubing: amzn.to/37WSDUg
►Zip Ties: amzn.to/2Mcxzk5
►12v 20 Watt Solar Panel: amzn.to/3nTCCnA
►Solar Charge Controller (Cheaper Alternative): amzn.to/4aBYGLr
Tools & Other Components:
►Wire Stripper & Terminal Crimper: amzn.to/2KIoUFG
►Sediment Filter: amzn.to/38xI8qc

[@wisewoman7906]

OK, I watched two of your vids. I LIKE the way you have clear, concise and detailed explanations in your how-to - and WHY. Why is so important. Very impressed.

[@JonLoeffler62]

Excellent. Thank you

[@innerjon]

Omg! Every KZbinr should have to watch your videos to learn how to put out content. Hands down best videos.

[@RodgerDodger196]

Found this in 2022-VERY CLEAR & Concise & YOUR GRAPHICS HELP TO UNDERSTAND BETTER-Excellent!

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome, and thanks for the feedback!

[@larkinscott5050]

Your videos are some of the best DIY videos I’ve ever watched. Extremely easy to understand, with diagrams where needed, good audio and video. Thanks a lot.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for the feedback and for watching!

[@sicardmd]

Folks see people like you (and I) creating this stuff and remark "But you could just buy it." We both know the value of doing it yourself! Thank you.

[@edhansen2251]

Man I love the detail and the clarity of instructions. I’m an old dude 74 and sometimes it takes that extra clarity for me to understand. Thank you thank you thank you

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome and thanks for the feedback!

[@johnsonbar5022]

Again .. you knocked another one out of the park! I go over every single video you make. You make home life so much simpler. I now have a more self-reliant home, thank to you. Again, my sincere thanks.

[@GreenTechTown]

Glad to be able to help. Thanks for the feedback!

[@hoodievash]

Dude this series is awesome this is just what I was looking for for my garden. Thanks for creating this awesome content

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for watching, and Glad to help! Will try to keep them coming.

[@user-kx6jl4ie6z]

What impresses me about your work is that it is so thorough! Good work!

[@kennethcoman2080]

Dude. That was without a doubt one of the best KZbin Videos I have seen in years. You were concise and answered exactly the questions I was trying to answer. Nailed it. Thanks!

[@johnevans6399]

I like that you have normal tools, like the rest of us, not these super fancy tools you see on other sites. Really useful vid, thanks.

[@joompah7]

Excellent quality video and instructions. Felt like I was watching an episode of This Old House or something similar. Nice editing and graphics.

[@walterbracewell3212]

Your enthusiasm is infectious. The way you approach your projects is inspiring me to do these for my wife’s garden. She would love it.

[@Beentherebefore1]

I love this video. You did a great job with the project with no cowboy rigging but sound safety. I would love to see the next step. Thank you.

[@nunyabusiness863]

Simple, effective. When disaster strikes, your mind will be even more valuable. Nicely done brother.

[@imrikkibobbi]

disaster struck, Texas still going through it and fortunately stuff like this I do around the home and my life was a ton more livable than a lot of people's last week and even right now, Solar is AWESOME even on a small scale and the thought and work Robert put into even a small project like this is Awesome!!!!!

[@VetvsWorld]

How fortuitous! I was in the process of getting an electric water pump. NO MORE! Thanks for this informative video!

[@hart796]

Great video documenting the setup steps and testing voltage of battery and the solar panel. Ty vm I learned a lot.

[@GreenTechTown]

Great to hear Roger!

[@mikewheeler1641]

MAN... You Win. These are the best!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Mike!

[@00SkaterChick00]

I came to KZbin looking for ways to irrigate my shallow water well for irrigation purposes. I have multiple rain barrels as well. I have no clue how to connect that solar part, but ONE DAY!!! This is the video of yours that I’ve watched and I am amazed. Keep them coming.

[@robertobrien4799]

Man, you are THE BEST DIY instructor out there!!!!!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Robert Obrien! :D

[@LK-bz9sk]

Excellent video. If a rookie never done this before like me can follow along you know this is a well paced clearly articulated process. Much appreciated.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for the feedback LK!

[@joshportelli]

This is an awesome idea, everything in the tote to keep rain out! I am so doing this!

[@ericforestlove]

very good video, clear, helpful .. in these trying times, what to do .. so frustrating .. black clouds descending everywhere, or whoosh, dance in meditation to dispel them .. and more practical things too - subscribed to your channel, you seem level-headed and very good at these things, solar and water pumps .. I know nothing about - thank you!

[@coryc1466]

So insanely happen I stumbled upon this! Please don’t stop creating content! I’ve been looking into this stuff and was thinking how amazing it’d be for a solar powered pump. Amazing. Thank you for slowing it down, zooming in and really teaching us how it’s all done. Amazing video, thank you thank you thank you

[@shep6123]

Yeah I’m with Anderson I like to see you add extra barrels to that system That was a great video again explain things real good I like that

[@GreenTechTown]

Hmmm.... good idea...maybe I will :D

[@susancedar8069]

Please, please, please keep making these videos! You are clear and easy to understand. I enjoy these very much.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Susan, I will try. Sometimes a little difficult juggling a full time job and working on these videos haha.

[@HillbillyHippie76]

I’m going off grid soon and will definitely be utilizing this system. Thank you.

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome! Good luck with your project!

[@michellestrawn2976]

OMG, this is so good. I love all the info and the commentary is right on point. Thank you.

[@dansutter1313]

Good video! Thanks. I'm going to set up a solar powered pump for a small koi pond.

[@GreenTechTown]

Oh that's a great idea!

[@juliele6924]

Thanks for listing all material using in this video. It's very helpful I don't have to find somewhere else. That is what i am looking for for my rain barrel.

[@Maria-In-Motion]

I’m very interested in this setup as well as the possibility of remotely controlling it. I am planning on building an off grid greenhouse (to house my orchids) that I will need to have set up with water catchment, automatic sprinklers/misting as well as power for fans, heat, lights, etc. which would allow me to travel without any worries that my collection is being taken care of. Thank you for your excellent video. 😊

[@bradlafferty]

Thank you for this tutorial! It was clear even to my meager understanding of electrical flow. You are the best teacher in the internet as far as I’m concerned.

[@celmonico]

Thank you for taking your time and showing that. I have two rain water containers with 340 gallons each and was in need to pump the water to my garden. This is a good info video that will help me to move on to a new way to transfer the water using something other than gravity because the pressure is not enough.

[@GreenTechTown]

Glad to be able to help!

[@maxinekiermeier7898]

I have been looking for a video on just this! Very well done, inexpensive and so informative! You should teach others how to make a perfect video. Keep up the good work and I am now a subscriber!

[@mitziyoung9668]

I was researching phones on Marketplace and I'm waiting for a reply back from the seller. Not sure how I ended up here, but I'm not mad because I'm building an off grid tiny home in this spring 2024 😊 Thanks!

[@RealHomerSimp2025]

Thanks for sharing, after watching your videos I feel that I can install a similar unit in my yard.

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome, glad to hear and glad to help!

[@mossymaple]

Good idea to drill a few holes with a fine mesh over the holes in bottom or lower side of tote just incase you have a leak. It would not be good to have a battery and solar current get soaked....

[@joshportelli]

I was also thinking this, better to have a drain hole and not need it. And covering with fine mesh/screen to prevent bugs inside. You could also make a drain tube with a mesh at end of tube

[@Dichodog]

absolute genius. Guess what I'm doing next spring?

[@a-b4172]

Just subbed last night. I've seen 6 videos so far. Great content and editing. Exactly the channel I was looking for. Thank you.

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome!

[@warrenhalter9293]

That's alright young man keep up the good work

[@GreenTechTown]

I'll try, thanks for watching!

[@dennislintz1]

Great job! Keep making videos. Not everyone can articulate the process in videos as well as you.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks and will do!

[@shawnr771]

Excellent build and descriptions. Having done some offgrid applications for solar power. I would make a couple of recommendations. Add a switch between the solar panel and charge controller. Another switch between the load and the controller. This way you can shut off the power from the panel to do any possible maintenance. Add a grounding cable to the panel. Drill some drain holes in holes in the bottom of the container just in case of water intrusion. Also for some reason ants like electrical systems. Put out some insecticide granules around the setup.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for the tips! I've changed quite a bit since this video and have implemented some of your suggestions, but probably need to look into adding the others. How many systems have you installed, and is this what you do for work or just a hobby?

[@shawnr771]

@@GreenTechTown Hobby and for personal. At one place I designed and installed 4 minor systems. Everything is 12 volt. Two small systems to run the lights in a house. One system is a Harbor Freight 45 watt system. It runs 4 12volt 900 lumen LED lights and will charge phones using old lawnmower batteries. When needed it provides the spark to light a propane refrigerator. Once charged a battery will last about 4 days while the other recharges. One setup solely to run a small 12 volt refrigerator freezer. Looks like an oversized cooler. Enough to keep milk and lunchmeat cold. It froze a pork butt in 12hours last year. It has 3 100 watt Harbor Freight panels plus 3 deep cycle computer back up batteries. Another setup has about 180 watts of panels and 3 more batteries that runs about 10 12volt lights in various rooms charges phones, Ryobi 18volt batteries. Then another 300 watt system to charge 3 more deep cycle batteries as a redundant system. It is usually setup to run 4 12volt lights and a small inverter to charge tool batteries. If something goes wrong I can hook the 12volt fridge to it by switching the clamps. I have switches to cut the power before and after the charge controllers. The batteries wires connections are big alligator clips that way if something goes wrong I can power up any part of the system by switching the source battery bank. I also have a set of good jumper cables running through the wall. Just in case I can charge the system using my truck in a pinch.

[@shawnr771]

@@GreenTechTownI am doing this to keep from paying a utility bill when I get old. Going green for me is not about saving the planet. It is about keeping green stuff in my pocket and not giving it to a utility company.

[@DespiteMyself7]

Thank you so much for your thorough, yet simple, instructions and explanations. I am planning a pump system, and I'd like the ability to adapt it to solar in the future, along with my greenhouse fans and ventilation. Your videos show that this is very doable!

[@GreenTechTown]

Yep, definitely doable! Go for it!

[@prioritymaleman]

Wish I had your skills! Well done.

[@GreenTechTown]

Just go for it and learn along the way. Thanks for watching!

[@JerryRigEverything]

Sweet setup! I like it. Now I gotta upgrade my system.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Jerry!

[@gertgartenhaus8016]

if you would position the rain barrel higher, direct under the outlet of the gutter, gravity would do that job with almost no maintenance

[@donnamcdonald3709]

I thought about that idea too, but it would look crazy, lol. 😦

[@Doctoranthetardis]

Lacks control for precision irrigation

[@ShoalsChickens]

Like rain?​@@Doctoranthetardis

[@TheAdhdGardener]

Yyoooooo u legit solved my problem with the booster pump n yes I said to myself id like it solar then BAM here u go with a video on it😁 my prob was getting the water from my barrels to the garden cuz i had no pressure😬

[@GreenTechTown]

Haha Nice! Glad to hear the video was able to help!

[@breeze787]

Fantastic video editing job! Free energy from the SUN? Who'd a thunk?! Thanks for putting this up!

[@cjclaverie7969]

These are some of the best I have viewed. I was planning on doing just what you shared. Now I have a head start on how to approach my project! Awesome!!

[@GreenTechTown]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@jimmydesperado2936]

By far the best video on youtube for this type of water set up. And I've watched quite a few. Great job.

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback!

[@filamphibian2980]

Wonderful video. Currently 100% tied to the grid, I see this as a great example of how to take steps in moving towards renewable energy.

[@GreenTechTown]

Most definitely!

[@KaytieBabooah]

I would love to see you add a second water barrel connecting to the one you have. I am really stumped on that one!!

[@GreenTechTown]

Yeah I think that would be a great idea!

[@davidmeredith6207]

I'm thinking of connecting several barrels together gravity fed.

[@thecombatcactus4254]

Good stuff! Rigging up a little solar pump myself. Containing everything in a tub like that for water proofing is smart! Video is so good my fingers just naturally clicked the Subscribe button .

[@neogator26]

Sweet!!! I literally looked this pump up last night and wondered how well it would work for lawn watering purposes. I recently bought a 55 gal plastic tank to gather rain water and by the next week stepped up to a 275 IBC tote which is 2/3rds full after a good rain. All the best DIYers use Ryobi!! lol

[@brianparker460]

Future reference a pipe Union would have been a good idea next to the pump to be able to move the pump it serviced or replaced. I have a koi pond, and I have a union, next to the pump, it saved my butt many times... And also allows you a way to blow out the line in the winter time so it won't freeze and break the PVC, other than that excellent video!!

[@JenniferMekenas]

I really appreciate the way you break things down, make it easy for pretty much everyone to understand! I also like how you repurpose supplies you already have on hand! Great video, thank you!

[@natebolton9385]

I'm almost sold on doing this now. Loving this series

[@GreenTechTown]

Go for it! :D

[@BeOurBee]

I've been enjoying these videos! I've been through the hardware store often enough to know all the things you're using, but it's still good to have a video going through the process. And the best part: nothing 3-D Printed (take THAT, KZbin recommendation algorithm!) One thing I would have done different is to use clips to secure the cable from the panel to the bin, and put in a drip loop at the wall lower than the point where it enters the gland on the bin to prevent water from running down the cable and into the bin. That's the kind of stuff I picked up on my job as an ISP installer: drip loops everywhere a cable goes through a wall.

[@GreenTechTown]

Very very good tip about the drip loops. Funny enough, I read or stumbled upon a guy recommending that a few months back.Thanks for sharing.

[@aspitofmud6257]

Wow! The best video I've seen and your workmanship is excellent! Thanks. I'll be doing something similar very soon.

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome!

[@zambonni]

Wow nice job. Good video as well. I've seen so many of these where people don't take time to put in production value. A+++

[@patty9265]

This is what I have been looking for to set up a out side shower with my ibc totes, what a great video thank you. If you lived in my neck of the woods I would hire you to install .

[@howardu5314]

clear and concise ,great closeups great video good job man.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Howard!

[@gurumantrakhalsa17]

Really appreciate all the effort in putting something together to share. Clear, concise and doable. Thanks.

[@GreenTechTown]

Always great to hear!

[@jase_drifter]

i made a off-grid garden watering system on a timer that triggers a 12v water pump ( using one of my solar systems ) to turn on for 4 mins every tues , thurs , saturday to water my garden while i am not at my camp site .

[@GreenTechTown]

That is awesome!

[@elizabethsansom6447]

Young man keep up the good work God bless y’all.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Elizabeth for the support!

[@maxsmith8336]

You've made a challenging project seem possible - I'll give it a go - thanks

[@sudhirshantinath2683]

Great video- found the material helpful. Only thing I might change is lower the volume of the music a bit or get rid of it all together. Your content is good enough that it does not need it.

[@rixanneh18]

I like the music :p

[@Sam_Holt]

set up an irrigation system to everything you regularly water, then set a switch timer on the positive or negative lead for the pump. Set it to water everything at sunset so you don't hurt the grass or plants in strong heat. You can use those cheap common plugs that turn lamps on or off on a timer. I'd also put a cut off float in the rain water barrel so that the pump doesnt activate if there is not enough water inside the barrel. Simply put a relay switch at the top of the barrel, with a float (from a toilet) on a long metal rod pushing on the relay at the top. the water will always push the float upwards unless it is below the level you set.

[@warrenalbert7922]

Excellent video and thanks for the clarity. Simple block diagram goes a long way to connect things.

[@siarlbychan]

I'm looking to set up a solar water pump to circulate water in a water garden and I think this fits perfectly in that plan! Thank you so much. What a wonderful DIY tutorial video! I guess the only thing I would need to do different is add some sort of off and on switch or even a simple timer.

[@GreenTechTown]

I thought the same when first starting out but soon learned about on-demand pumps. I've done a comparison in a video you can find here:kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4inhp2Lrdhmn6s I'm currently using an on-demand pump.

[@siarlbychan]

@@GreenTechTown thank you very much. I will check that out!

[@paca_bill4863]

Great upgrade to the system! Very impressed with your ingenuity constructing the system. One thing I may suggest in your plumbing is to add a pipe union fitting on the output side of the pump. As it is currently shown, if you have to remove the pump, you will have to cut the pipe to remove the pump. With a union, removal becomes much easier.

[@GreenTechTown]

Great suggestion!

[@devilsknight]

Sorry if noted already, but i have those filters, and the clear plastic grows algae like crazy!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for the info. Will look out for it.

[@DieselD_OnTheMic]

Just want to say thank you! Your videos have helped me out considerably with my own rainwater storage/pumping solution!

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome, great to hear!

[@earnestbass4043]

Great video, and yes, a video on remote control of your watering system would be great!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks! If you haven't already found it, I have created 2 videos showing just that on the channel. :D

[@Wdlpsr]

Thank you for your videos. So hard to find good content and yours is excellent!!!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for the feedback Wdlpsr!

[@karledman4625]

Great job! Like your descriptions and recommendations. Would recommend adding a drip coil loop to your wire entering the battery container to ensure the water drips away from the container. Also keep coiled wires off the inside bottom of the container.

[@GreenTechTown]

I agree, and thanks for sharing.

[@johnwyman6331]

Since it's only 12 volts DC, it won't short out in water. Although it is still good practice.

[@spamcan2551]

I'd also have set up a drip coil loop just before the solar charge controller in case the gland of the thru-fitting deteriorates over time and the external drip loop is disturbed to prevent it from doing its thing. (Water could afffect the solar controller's operation shouild it enter the controller.) The panel's Voltage won't "short" out in the traditional meaning, but it will conduct some current and may decrease your solar panel's output to the controller too. Your vids are excellent!

[@someutubchannel69]

You should get a Government grant for Your work! I like the way people like You Think! 😎👏🏽👍🏽

[@GreenTechTown]

Haha I wish they would. Thanks!

[@ppilgrim3441]

You have given me so much useful information here. Thank you for your excellent tutorial!

[@tomkeeling9165]

First video I've seen from this channel. Very helpful and informative 👍. When you mentioned it was winter I burst out laughing. Being Canadian I didn't expect that.

[@GreenTechTown]

Haha, welcome to the channel Tom!

[@carmenbryant1257]

Keep the knowledge coming. You are a great teacher, you explain things so well.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Carmen!

[@anthonybohan]

Excellent video. Thanks very much from France🇫🇷🍷

[@davidmeredith6207]

Very well done sir. Just what I'm looking for.

[@yengooo]

Robert, this was an awesome help for me! I’m planning to create a system just like this one for my parent’s gardens. I’ll be following your future videos for sure! Thanks for all the hard work and I love your efforts towards clean energy!

[@yengooo]

The links are so clutch, I’ll be ordering these parts soon!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for the feedback, and as always, glad to be able to help!

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome!

[@robindawesome7916]

You made this series dead simple. Much appreciation!

[@GreenTechTown]

Always good to hear! :D

[@grendelum]

unless you live at 45°N, it’s best to set the angle for your panels at whatever your latitude is... you’ll get the best avg. angle all year.

[@rmilstead]

One of the best diy videos I’ve watched. Instant subscriber.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Rod! :D

[@richardhendrix9929]

Great video, my only comment is to check your pump manual..some should not be started dry

[@FalconWing1813]

Very cool! I have built something similar last year, My battery , charger and pump got hot sitting in the sun , So I have planted alot of vegetation around it to shade from the heat of the afternoon sun.

[@GreenTechTown]

Nice idea!

[@FalconWing1813]

@@GreenTechTown Thanks! I was wondering which watering method you find easier to use ? Soaker hose / sprinkler / or just by hand using the spray hose? I have not add that to my project yet and was wondering which is best to use with this setup. thanks!

[@dragonssynbyington1516]

Thank you so much you just answered a bunch of questions my husband and I had this will help us immensely blessed you!

[@TheKlokan44]

Very clear and filmed well - Thanks!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for the feedback TheKlokan44!

[@muensterjohnson7615]

Good job. You should consider replacing that black plastic storage bin. Several months baking in the sun will make it very brittle.

[@jimwyatt6652]

Thanks for the great videos they are excellent. You are a great teacher, you could do a instructional video about how to make a KZbin video every one would benefit from it. I am going to do a solar water pump for my hand dug well. This video will really help. Ps a drip loop on the wire from the panel just before it enters the box would be a little insurance to keep water out of the box . 😎✌️🙏🏻

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome to hear, and thanks for sharing the tip Jim, and good luck with your project :D

[@AZTechLabs]

Great video. 1 tip i would give is on ALL connection areas especially in the controller, use dielectric grease to keep oxidation down. Solder any connections you can for best results. 2 cents

[@GreenTechTown]

Great tip and thanks for sharing Infiltrator2003.

[@conniewallace7529]

I don't know what you just said. 😄 I wish I knew more about electricity. But, great video.

[@GreenTechTown]

Haha, you can learn a great deal from KZbin, but I definitely recommend reaching out to an electrician if you are new to dealing with electrical work.

[@podskizee]

Thanks, I’ll definitely copy lot of these plans!

[@Arban345]

Great job. Keep em coming! I enjoyed the pragmatic and straight forward approach to your videos. Seriously, great job. :-)

[@keyfitter]

Great video! You now have a new subscriber. Currently, I use solar for off grid workshop but I really liked this video as I'm building a rain water collection system also.

[@GreenTechTown]

That's great! I would like to build an off grid workshop one day as well when time allows.

[@reza2251]

Great video. Clear descriptions. Going to subscribe for more. Thanks

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome, welcome aboard!

[@doxx2427]

Bro you have inspired me! I had no idea these things existed. Thanks for sharing you've earned my Sub!

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome, glad to be able to inspire in some way!

[@chrisclouds4182]

Top quality, thank you for these videos full of information!