Harvest Rain with Solar Power

In theory, harvesting rain is easy: you just put out a bucket or barrel, and wait for the clouds to gather. But then you’ve just got…a big barrel of water. Putting the rainwater to efficient use once you’ve collected it can be a bit more challenging.

If you’d like to use recycled water for your garden or car washing needs, but don’t have the money or energy to invest in a sophisticated rain harvesting system, the solar-powered RainPerfect pump from ITT might be just the easy solution you’ve been looking for.

How RainPerfect Works:

The RainPerfect pump and solar panel install easily and provide plenty of pressure through an ordinary garden hose, making it easy to use the recycled water for a variety of different outdoor uses.  The pressure is enough to run most low pressure sprinklers, wash a car or water just about anything around your home.

With the solar panel there is no need for an electrical outlet making the RainPerfect pump ready to go anywhere anytime.  Considering that water usage increases in the average suburban home during summer by 30 percent from lawn, flower and garden watering, RainPerfect offers an easy way to green your landscaping endeavors.

“Since it works with solar energy, there is no need for electrical work in order to have an electrical outlet for a rain barrel pump,” said Jeff Schopperle, Product Manager at ITT. ” And by running the pump ‘off the grid,’ energy is saved and rainwater is utilized.  It’s just a better way for the environment on both fronts.”

Other things you should know about the RainPerfect pump:

• Runs off of a solar rechargeable NiMH battery for operation anytime — day or night
• Easy to install and adaptable to most style rain barrels
• Effectively pumps up to 100 gallons on a single charge

Also, your RainPerfect pump and rain barrel purchase may qualify you to receive a rebate from your local service utility company or government.  Check out this handy chart for details about availability and instructions on how to redeem rebates.

RainPerfect hits the shelves this month and will be available nationally through www.grainger.com, and at Tractor Supply locations.

Have you ever harvested rainwater for use inside or outside your home? Tell us about it in the comments!

Also check out:
Catching Rain With Rain Barrels
How To Harvest Your Rainwater
Old Trashcans For Rainwater Collection

Image Credit: Flickr – madmack66