Aquabarrel designed this installation for a residential client in Montgomery County, Maryland. The county currently offers cash rebates of $500 for 500 gallons of rain water retention. This installation was designed to maximize water volume retention to achieve the 500 gallon, $500 rebate with a 20% or higher ROI. The main uses are for storm water management and irrigation. Average annual rainfall for the area is 44 inches.

To keep costs down, an above ground tank was considered for placement on an existing small footprint concrete pad. The customer is eco-minded and requested an alternative tank. A 48"x40"x48", 275 gallon IBC Tote was located for less than $150.00. 6 inch K style gutter and 3x4 downspouts were installed for conveyance of the roof water towards the tank. A $60.00 off-set downspout diverter from Aquabarrel was installed on the downspout. The downspout diverter allows for ease of redirecting the water away from the tank during periods of freezing weather.

Since there are no trees overhanging this part of the roof it was determined that a $30.00 Aquabarrel Barrel Topper - Rain Barrel Filter would be acceptable for debris capture. The bottom of the debris filter has a 3" diameter outlet. It was installed into the primary water inlet directly under the elbow of the downspout diverter. In keeping with Aquabarrel's concept of a balanced entry/overflow system, a $22.00, 4" Flex-Drain overflow pipe was installed.

The owners plan on taking the home 'off the grid' in the near future. Added to that was the fact that an electric GFIC outlet was not readily available at the desired installation location. The bulk of the available budget was spent on the solar panel, pump and controller unit. The primary components were pre-assembled into a sturdy, exterior grade housing. The solar panel is attached with u-bolts and the component box is mounted on the IBC's cross members. The cost of the solar panel and configured parts was $750.00.

This solar powered pump unit is capable of sending water down a 25 foot long hose and creating a stream of water out to a distance of 25 feet with a standard garden hose sprayer. (Approx. 30PSI) The controller is designed to shut down the pump when the pressure reaches 45PSI. A second unit was installed on an outbuilding where electric was not easily accessible either. As a result of this installation, Aquabarrel now offers a 'plug and play' Solar Panel Pump Kit on its website.

Find out more by visiting www.aquabarrel.com