Long-term customers Michelmore Grazing Company have recently purchased seven solar powered pumping systems from the Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment Mackay branch. All the solar systems supplied are used to pump water from onsite bores to poly water storage tanks, to then feed the properties multiple cattle water troughs. Some existing bores were used to replace dated diesel setups / windmills, along with some new bores being added to increase the total number of watering points for the cattle. Michelmore Grazing Co. purchased three Solar Pumping Systems for Fort Cooper Station and another four systems installed at Kainga Station.

This 6 month project saw Dowdens Mackay source, supply, install and commission a number of GRUNDFOS & MONO solar pumps, a MONO 2400 WATT Solar System (all used in conjunction with solar panels / frames) and undertake repairs on an existing Mono Diesel Pump system at Michelmore Grazing Co.'s Fort Cooper and neighbouring Kainga Stations (Nebo, QLD). The repairs carried out on the existing Diesel Driven Mono Helical Rotor Bore Pump involved replacing the rusted head housing with this pump now being used as a back-up for one of the new Solar Pumping Systems.

The high-quality GRUNDFOS & MONO Solar Pumping Systems have already delivered Michelmore Grazing Co. notable cost savings via a reduction in diesel fuel usage and a significant decrease in the need for ongoing diesel motor maintenance. Michelmore Grazing Co. now saves both time and money by not having to undertake laborious daily checks on the diesel pump sets fuel levels.

As a company that has built its foundation from the servicing and development of agricultural pumps and water treatment technology / applications, Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment have the experience to engineer a solution to suit any agricultural application. For over 40 years Dowdens have been providing customers with solutions-based technology - designed to improve efficiency, reduce downtime and increase longevity of products and systems. Dowdens provide affordable and efficient solar pumping solutions to help combat ever increasing electricity prices. From stock watering systems through to large scale broad acre irrigation our dedicated sales, installation and service crews have you covered. All systems are expertly designed to suit any site specifications, utilising a variety of efficient engine and electric pump units.

Key Project System Features:

• 4x GRUNDFOS SQF2.5-2 SOLAR PUMPS (these pumps can be run by a generator if needed)
• 1x GRUNDFOS SQF3A-10N SOLAR PUMP (this pump can be run by a generator if needed)
• 1x GRUNDFOS SQF5A-7N SOLAR PUMP (this pump can be run by a generator if needed)
• 1x MONO 2400 WATT SOLAR SYSTEM running 1x MONO SS062 PUMP
• Multiple 250 WATT SOLAR PANELS

FORT COOPER SOLAR SYSTEMS

Comet Bore:

• The largest of the systems is a MONO 2400 Watt Tracking Solar System, which delivers up to 40m³ per day from a bore feeding four tanks up to 8kms away. This system consists of three tracking arrays and a MONO SS062 Pump.
• Repairs were also carried out on the existing Diesel driven MONO Helical Rotor Bore Pump by replacing the rusted head housing. The pump is now used as a back-up for the new solar pumping system.

Yards Bore:

• This six panel GRUNDFOS Solar System was installed at Fort Cooper's main yards to transfer water from a bore to a high level tank which in-turn feeds the main homestead area and cattle yards. The system uses a GRUNDFOS SQF5A-7N Solar Pump and 6x 250 watt panels on a post mount delivering up to 30m³ per day.

One Mile Bore:

• A three panel GRUNDFOS Solar System was installed at the One Mile Bore supplying water 600m from the bore to a storage tank. The pump used was a GRUNDFOS SQF2.5-2 Solar Pump that delivers up to 17m³ per day.

KAINGA SOLAR SYSTEMS

Bruce's Bore:

• This is a six panel GRUNDFOS Solar System installed on Bruce's Bore delivering water to 3 poly tanks up to 2km away. The GRUNDFOS SQF2.5-2 Solar Pump can deliver up to 25m³ per day.

Donaldson's Bore:

• This is a four panel GRUNDFOS Solar System installed on Donaldson's Bore delivers water to a poly tank situated 300m away. The GRUNDFOS SQF2.5-2 Solar Pump can deliver up to 25m³ per day.

Cattle Creek Bore:

• This is a three panel GRUNDFOS Solar System installed on the Cattle Creek Bore delivers water poly tanks situated 500m away. The GRUNDFOS SQF3A-10 Solar Pump can deliver up to 25m³ per day.

Walter's Bore:

• This is a four panel GRUNDFOS Solar System installed on Walter's bore delivering water from the bore to a poly tank 500m away. The GRUNDFOS SQF2.5-2 Solar Pump can deliver up to 25m³ per day.