With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements : 1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps. 2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Let's analyze the statements regarding solar water pumps:

1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps: This statement is incorrect. Solar power systems are highly versatile and are widely used to run both surface pumps (which are located above the water source and draw water) and submersible pumps (which are designed to operate while fully submerged in a borewell or open well). Submersible solar pumps are particularly popular for deep well applications where access to electricity is limited.

2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston: This statement is incorrect. Solar energy can be used to power various types of pumps, including both centrifugal pumps (which use rotational kinetic energy to move water, commonly used for high flow rates) and positive displacement pumps like piston pumps (which use a reciprocating or rotating element to directly displace liquid, often suitable for high head and low flow). The choice of pump type (centrifugal, piston, diaphragm, etc.) depends on the specific irrigation or water lifting requirement (e.g., head, flow rate), not on whether the power source is solar or grid electricity. Solar pumps are designed with appropriate controllers to drive different pump technologies.

Therefore, both statements are false as solar power offers flexibility in powering various pump types and configurations.