8 Pieces of Solar Equipment for Remote Livestock Watering

Hauling water to a remote pasture is a back-breaking chore that seems to never end. Every day, you’re either filling tanks from a hose stretched to its limit or wrestling heavy containers in the back of a truck. A solar-powered watering system changes the game entirely, providing your livestock with a reliable, off-grid water source that frees you up for more important work.

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Planning Your Remote Solar Watering Setup

Before buying a single component, you need a clear picture of your needs. The goal is to build a system that can reliably meet your livestock’s daily water demand, even with a few cloudy days in a row. Start by calculating your peak water usage. A beef cow can drink up to 20 gallons on a hot day, while sheep might only need 2-3 gallons each. Multiply your herd’s daily need by three to create a buffer for non-sunny days—this is the minimum water storage you should aim for in your tank.

Next, assess your water source. Are you pumping from a shallow well, a deep well, a pond, or a cistern? The vertical distance the pump has to lift the water (the "total dynamic head") is the single most important factor in choosing the right pump. Finally, use an online calculator to determine the average daily "sun hours" for your specific location. This number, which varies by season and geography, dictates how large your solar panel and battery bank need to be to fully recharge and keep the water flowing. Don’t skip this planning stage; a system built on guesswork is a system destined to fail when you need it most.

Solar Panel – Renogy 200W 12V Monocrystalline Panel

The solar panel is the engine of your entire system, converting sunlight into the electricity that powers your pump. Without a reliable and efficient panel, nothing else works. You need one that can generate sufficient power even on less-than-perfect days and withstand the harsh conditions of an open pasture—hail, wind, and sun.

The Renogy 200W 12V Monocrystalline Panel is the ideal starting point for a small-scale livestock watering setup. Its monocrystalline cells are highly efficient, meaning you get more power out of a smaller footprint compared to cheaper polycrystalline panels. The 200-watt output is a sweet spot, powerful enough to run a sizable pump and charge a battery for a small herd of cattle, sheep, or goats. Its durable aluminum frame and tempered glass can handle years of outdoor exposure.

Before buying, confirm you have a sturdy way to mount it. A simple pole mount is often the best solution in an open field. While a single 200W panel is a great start, those in cloudier regions or with higher water demands should consider wiring two of these panels in parallel for double the amperage. This panel is perfect for the farmer who needs a robust, no-fuss power source for a system watering up to a dozen cattle or a similarly sized flock.

Submersible Pump – RPS 200 Solar Well Pump Kit

The pump is the heart of the operation, doing the hard work of moving water from your source to the trough. A pump that is underpowered for your well’s depth or your herd’s needs will lead to an empty tank and thirsty animals. You need a submersible pump designed specifically for the low-voltage, direct-current (DC) power that solar panels produce.

The RPS 200 Solar Well Pump Kit is a purpose-built solution that takes the guesswork out of matching components. It’s designed to run directly off solar panels or a battery bank, and the kit includes the pump and basic wiring. The RPS 200 is rated for wells up to 100 feet deep, making it a perfect fit for the shallow wells and cisterns common on many small farms. Its stainless-steel housing resists corrosion, a critical feature for a piece of equipment that will live underwater.

This isn’t a high-volume irrigation pump; its job is to steadily fill a stock tank throughout the day. The key is to match the pump’s capabilities to your well’s static water level and depth—check the "pump curve" chart on the product page to ensure it can deliver the required gallons per minute at your specific head height. This kit is for the farmer who wants a reliable, integrated pump without becoming an expert in fluid dynamics. It’s not for deep wells or large-scale irrigation projects.

Charge Controller – Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20

A charge controller is the system’s brain, sitting between the solar panel and the battery. Its job is to regulate the voltage and current coming from the panels, ensuring the battery is charged efficiently and safely without being overcharged. Using a panel without a charge controller will destroy your battery in short order.

The Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20 is a top-tier controller that justifies its price with superior technology. MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology is significantly more efficient than older PWM technology, harvesting up to 30% more power from your panels, especially in cold weather or on overcast days. This extra efficiency can be the difference between a full trough and a struggling pump. The "Smart" in its name means it has built-in Bluetooth, allowing you to monitor your system’s performance—power generated, battery voltage, and more—directly from your phone.

This level of insight is invaluable for troubleshooting and understanding your system’s health. The 100/20 model number means it can handle up to 100 volts from the panels and will output up to 20 amps to the battery, which is more than enough for a 200W or even a 400W panel array. While cheaper PWM controllers exist, the Victron MPPT is an investment in efficiency and intelligence, perfect for anyone who values data and wants to squeeze every last watt out of their solar panel.

Deep Cycle Battery – Battle Born 100Ah 12V LiFePO4

The battery is your system’s insurance policy, storing excess solar energy to power the pump on cloudy days or overnight. A standard car battery won’t work; you need a deep cycle battery designed to be repeatedly drained and recharged. This is what provides water security when the sun isn’t shining.

The Battle Born 100Ah 12V LiFePO4 battery represents a major leap forward from traditional lead-acid batteries. LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry offers a much longer lifespan (often 10 years or more), is significantly lighter, and can be safely discharged to a much lower level without damage. A 100Ah Battle Born provides nearly double the usable energy of a 100Ah lead-acid battery, as the latter should only be discharged to 50% to preserve its health.

This battery also features a sophisticated built-in Battery Management System (BMS) that protects it from over-charging, over-discharging, and extreme temperatures, making it a remarkably resilient power source for a remote location. The main drawback is the high upfront cost. However, when you factor in its longevity and usable capacity, the total cost of ownership is often lower than replacing multiple lead-acid batteries over the same period. This battery is for the farmer who is building a system for the long haul and prioritizes reliability and performance over initial savings.

Pump Controller – RPS Universal Pump Controller

While the charge controller manages energy flowing into the battery, the pump controller manages energy flowing out to the pump. It acts as a protective interface, allowing you to connect sensors that turn the pump on and off automatically. It also provides critical protections that can save your pump from self-destruction.

The RPS Universal Pump Controller (UPC) is engineered to work seamlessly with RPS pumps. Its most vital function is providing run-dry protection. It can sense when the pump is drawing less current—a sign that the well is running low on water—and will shut the pump off to prevent the motor from burning out. This single feature can save you the cost and hassle of pulling and replacing a damaged pump.

The UPC is also the connection point for your float switch in the stock tank and optional low-water sensors in the well. It consolidates all the system’s "logic" into one weather-resistant box. This is not an optional component if you’re using an RPS pump; it’s the central nervous system that ensures all the parts work together safely and automatically. It’s designed for the person who wants a fully automated, self-regulating system that doesn’t require daily supervision.

Water Trough – Tuff Stuff Products 110 Gallon Stock Tank

The stock tank is the final, and most visible, piece of the puzzle. It needs to be large enough to provide a buffer of water for your animals and tough enough to withstand being nudged, kicked, and leaned on by livestock. It also has to endure constant sun exposure without becoming brittle and cracking.

The Tuff Stuff Products 110 Gallon Stock Tank is a farm-grade classic for a reason. Made from recycled, chemically neutral LDPE (low-density polyethylene), it’s incredibly impact-resistant and won’t buckle or crack even in extreme temperatures. The thick, rounded top lip is easy on animals and strong enough to resist abuse. At 110 gallons, it provides a substantial reservoir for a small herd, giving the solar pump plenty of time to refill it throughout the day.

A tank of this size is large enough to be a reliable water source but still small enough for one person to move and clean when empty. Always place your tank on firm, level ground to prevent tipping. For this system, you’ll also need to drill a small hole near the top to mount the float switch. This tank is the go-to choice for anyone needing a durable, no-nonsense water trough that will last for decades.

Float Switch – Waterline Controls WLC-FS-ADJ

A float switch is the simple but essential device that automates your entire system. It sits inside the water trough and signals the pump controller to turn on when the water level is low and turn off when the tank is full. Without it, you’d either have to manually switch the pump on and off or risk the pump overflowing the tank and wasting precious water and energy.

The Waterline Controls WLC-FS-ADJ is a significant upgrade over the cheap, plastic-encased float balls that often fail. This is a robust, mechanical switch with an adjustable stop-and-start range. You can easily set the high and low water marks, which allows you to control how much the water level drops before the pump kicks on. This prevents "short cycling," where the pump turns on and off too frequently, which can shorten its lifespan.

Built for industrial applications, its simple, all-mechanical design is far more reliable in a dusty, outdoor environment than more complex electronic sensors. You will need to wire it back to the pump controller’s sensor input terminals. This switch is for the farmer who understands that automation is only as good as its weakest link and is willing to invest in a bulletproof component for a critical function.

Wiring Kit – WindyNation 10 Gauge Solar Cable Kit

Connecting all your electronic components requires the right kind of wire. Using wire that is too thin (a higher gauge number) results in significant voltage drop, especially over long distances. This means wasted power and a pump that may not get the voltage it needs to start, even on a sunny day.

The WindyNation 10 Gauge Solar Cable Kit provides the heavy-duty, UV-resistant cable you need to connect your solar panel to your charge controller. 10 AWG wire is the standard for small solar installations like this, minimizing power loss and ensuring your system runs at peak efficiency. The kit typically includes one red and one black cable, often with MC4 connectors pre-installed on one end for a plug-and-play connection to the solar panel.

Before ordering, measure the distance from where your panel will be mounted to where your controller and battery will be located, and buy a kit with enough length to cover that span with a little extra to spare. You will still need some smaller gauge wire to connect the controller to the battery and the pump controller, but this kit handles the most critical, high-power connection. This is a non-negotiable part of the build for anyone serious about getting all the power they’ve paid for from their panel to their battery.

Siting Your Panel for Maximum Sun Exposure

Your solar panel’s location and orientation are just as important as its wattage. A perfectly good panel placed in a poor location will deliver poor results. The ideal site is one with a clear, unobstructed view of the sun’s path across the sky, from morning until late afternoon. Even partial shading from a single tree branch or a distant building can dramatically reduce the panel’s output.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the panel should face true south, not magnetic south. You can find true south using a compass and adjusting for your local magnetic declination. The angle of the panel, or its "tilt," also matters. A good rule of thumb is to set the tilt angle equal to your latitude for year-round performance. For even better results, you can adjust it seasonally: a steeper angle (latitude + 15 degrees) in the winter to better catch the low sun, and a shallower angle (latitude – 15 degrees) in the summer.

Spend time walking your pasture to find the best spot. Consider not only sun exposure but also proximity to your well and protection from livestock, who may be tempted to use the panel mount as a scratching post. A sturdy fence around the setup is a wise investment to protect your equipment.

Seasonal Maintenance for System Reliability

A solar watering system is low-maintenance, but not zero-maintenance. A few simple checks each season will ensure it operates reliably for years and prevent small issues from becoming costly failures. Think of it as routine health care for your farm’s most valuable new employee.

At the beginning of spring, and after any major storm, clean the surface of your solar panel with a soft cloth and water. A surprising amount of dust, pollen, and bird droppings can accumulate, reducing its efficiency. While you’re there, check that all wiring connections are tight and free of corrosion. A dab of dielectric grease on electrical terminals during assembly can help prevent this.

Periodically inspect the pump’s intake screen to ensure it isn’t clogged with mud or debris, which can strain the motor. In the fall, if you live in a region with hard freezes, you’ll need to winterize the system. This may involve draining the pump and plumbing lines or, for some deep-well pumps, simply disconnecting the power and letting the water drain back down below the frost line. A little preventative care goes a long way toward ensuring the water is flowing when spring arrives.

Assembling Your System for Water Security

Putting the pieces together can seem daunting, but it follows a logical flow of energy. The solar panel connects to the "PV" or "solar" input on your charge controller. The charge controller’s "battery" output then connects to the terminals of your deep cycle battery. This is your charging circuit, and it should be assembled first to allow the controller to read the battery voltage.

The second part of the system is the pumping circuit. Your pump controller will be powered by the battery. The submersible pump’s wiring connects to the "pump" output on the pump controller. Finally, the float switch wires connect to the designated "sensor" or "tank full" inputs on the pump controller. This ensures the controller knows when to start and stop the pump based on the water level in the trough.

Always double-check the polarity (+ and -) of every connection before turning the system on. Mount your controllers and battery in a weather-resistant enclosure to protect them from the elements. Once assembled, you have a self-sufficient, automated system that provides true water security, freeing your livestock—and you—from the limitations of the grid.

Building a remote solar watering system is an investment in self-sufficiency and smart farm management. By choosing durable, well-matched components, you’re not just buying equipment; you’re buying peace of mind. You’re creating a reliable resource that supports healthier animals and makes managing remote pastures a practical reality.