Last year, we were very excited to update you on the solar-powered water pumping system we installed at Finca Guarumo. This system was supposed to be a game-change, providing us with a reliable water source, rain or shine. Specifically, we installed 4 x 360W solar panels strategically positioned to convert sunlight into electricity. They powered a peripheral pump that moves water from our natural spring 180 meters (and 35 meters uphill) to a 2,500 liter holding tank. From there, gravity feeds the water to our off-grid home.
Transporting all the system components like the 60kg lithium batteries, bags of concrete and sand, the panels themselves, all on our backs, via the trails through dense jungle was quite an epic endeavor! But the end result was to make the dry season much more sustainable without solely relying on rainwater collection.
That solar-powered water pump saga did not end last year. Those 60kg batteries and bulky panels we hauled through the jungle? Well, turns out that was just the beginning of our aquatic adventure here at Finca Guarumo. Plot twist: the peripheral pump decided to turn into a mini-volcano. It overheated so badly that it made plastic hoses explode and even bulged a high-resistance PVC tube!
After a few too many unexpected jungle showers (courtesy of our temperamental pump), we knew it was time for Plan B. Enter the submersible pump! We took the plunge (pun intended) and dropped this new pump directly into our water reservoir. And wow, what a difference! We're now moving 500 liters of water 180 meters uphill in just 30 minutes. Of course, Mother Nature occasionally reminds us who's boss - a fallen tree or a sneaky hose disconnection can still throw a wrench in the works. But compared to our former geyser impersonator, this is smooth sailing.
From hauling batteries to battling exploding hoses, our quest for reliable water has been quite the rollercoaster. But that's life in the jungle - always keeping us on our toes!