Several alternative pumping systems are available. The estimated costs and pumping capacities for some alternative pumping systems are listed in Table 3. These estimates do not include the costs of drilling a new well or reconditioning an old well. Solar pumping systems are attractively priced but the pumping capacity may limit their utility. Pumping capacity varies with daylength, cloud cover, and the depth of the well.
Windmills are also less expensive but have limited pumping capacities.
Water developments relying solely on solar or wind power must have a storage system to insure a continual supply of water. On pastures that support high stock densities, solar and wind based systems may not be able to supply enough water despite having storage tanks or ponds. For instance, a 320-acre Old World bluestems pasture stocked with 160 yearlings requires about 1,920 gallons of water daily. This amount is near the maximum daily capacity of a solar system that is operating under optimal conditions. The system would barely supply cattle needs and could not accumulate water stores.