Complete Guide to Solar Water Pumps: Types, Price, And Uses

Solar water pumps have become increasingly popular globally in recent years. This trend is especially due to the decreasing costs of solar technology, the growing need to protect the environment, the increasing cost of fuel, and the need for reliable access to water in off-grid areas.

The global solar pumps market is currently valued at USD 1.99 billion, and is projected to reach USD 7.08 billion by 2035, a growth of 255.8 per cent.

What are solar water pumps, and why are they increasingly so popular globally? This complete guide responds to this question in detail and walks you through the types of solar water pumps on the market, solar water pump prices, and their common applications.

Types of solar water pumps

A solar water pump is essentially a pump system that draws electrical energy from one or multiple photovoltaic (PV) panels. The dedicated panels convert sunlight into electricity, which in turn pumps water from sources like wells, rivers, or ponds.

A solar borehole pump system is ideal for use in remote locations where other sources of electrical power, such as the main grid, are absent or unreliable.

Farmers are turning to solar water pumps regardless of access and availability of other power sources to save money and help the environment.

Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s look at the types of solar water pumps available on the market.

Two main categories of solar water pumps exist. These include the following:

Surface water pumps. This category is used to pump surface water or from shallow water sources with depths of approximately 3 to 6 meters. Solar well pumps, therefore, belong to this group.
Submersible water pumps. These are primarily used to pump water from deeper sources, with depths of up to 260 meters. This property makes them ideal solar borehole pumps.

Here is a detailed look at each category to get a better understanding of what might be better suited to your needs:

Surface water pumps

Solar-powered surface water pumps are placed on the surface of the ground near the target water source.

These pumps have impellers that create a vacuum when in action. The motor generates a suction force that draws water from the source into the pump before discharging it under pressure to another location where it is needed.

Water enters the pipe through an inlet pipe (suction lift) and is pushed out through an outlet (discharge lift) in a continuous action.

Surface water pumps are ideal for use on lakes, rivers, ponds, and pools. Their suction and discharge mechanism also makes them ideal for pumping water from one tank to another.

Some unique types of surface water pumps include:

Portable solar water pumps. They are typically low-weight units that can be moved around with ease, making them suitable solar water pumps for irrigation.
Solar pool pumps: These are specifically designed to be used for filtering swimming pool water. They help reduce energy costs in sunny areas or places with no access to a grid connection.

Submersible water pumps

Solar-powered submersible water pumps are fully submerged to pump water. Since they must be under water to work, they are suitable for use in boreholes and deep wells where they push water up to where it is needed.

This type of solar water pump does not have a suction mechanism in its working since it operates from inside the water. It only pushes water out of the source, even though the components that power it sit on the ground surface.

Each of these categories has several different pumping technologies that may be suited to different applications. Let’s dive into some of the main technologies that you should know about when deciding which way to go.

DC vs AC solar pump systems

The main difference between the two solar water pump systems is that DC power is routed directly from the solar panels, making it more straightforward. In contrast, an AC solar pump requires an inverter to convert DC power from the solar panels into AC power. This process typically leads to some efficiency loss.

Therefore, DC solar pumps are ideal for smaller applications that prioritize efficiency and lower power consumption. However, they require specialized service centers, making them challenging to maintain in remote areas. DC solar pumps also typically cost more than their AC counterparts.

On the other hand, AC solar pumps are more suitable for bigger applications. They are generally more robust and designed to handle larger water volumes of water. You will also typically pay less money to acquire them compared to DC pumps.

Typical prices for solar water pumps

Solar water pump prices depend on many factors, including the size of the unit, performance specifications, quality of its components, brand reputation, and overall installation and support services.

Note that the cost of solar submersible pumps may vary due to borehole depth, currency fluctuations, or installation fees.

Here is a table illustrating the approximate solar borehole pump prices in Kenya.

Pump Category	Power (in HP)	Max Head (in Meters)	Estimated Price Range (in KES)
Small solar submersible water pump for shallow wells, gardens, or small homes	0.5 (370W)	30	40,000 – 60,000
Medium submersible solar pump for livestock or for watering small farms.	1 (750W)	50	80,000 – 120,000
Large submersible solar pump for medium farms or deeper boreholes	2 (1500W)	80	150,000 – 200,000
Heavy-duty solar pump for commercial use or large-scale irrigation	3 (2200W)	100	250,000 – 350,000
Premium deep well solar pump for industrial use or extremely deep boreholes	5 (3700W)	150	500,000 – 700,000

Original Reliable Solar Water Pumps in Nairobi, Kenya at Irrihub Ke, +254 112 148 880

If you are looking to buy a reliable solar water pump in Kenya, Irrihub has nice offers you may
consider. We sell solar pumps as independent units or as complete solutions (kits). The complete
solutions include:
 Submersible brushless pump
 600W solar panels
 Delivery pipe 25MM
 70M head
 Flow rate of 2300 L/hr.
 Solar panels
 Pipes and cables
 MPPT controller
 Full installation

Common uses and applications of solar water pumps

Common uses of solar water pumps, especially in Kenya, include the following:

Agricultural irrigation. Solar water pumps are widely used for agricultural irrigation in remote areas where grid power is either inaccessible or unavailable. It serves as a sustainable and cost-effective way to ensure a consistent water supply for crops.
Domestic water supply. Some communities rely on solar-powered water pumps to obtain water for domestic uses such as drinking and cooking.
Livestock watering. Solar-powered watering systems ensure access to drinking water for livestock or farm animals in areas without reliable alternative water sources for livestock use.
Emergency or remote area water access. In remote areas or emergency situations, such as events of disaster relief, solar water pumps provide a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable solution to water problems, ensuring access independently of the electrical grid or fuel supply chains.

Wrap up

Solar water pumps provide a reliable, low-cost, and eco-friendly solution for water pumping needs in regions such as Kenya. These units boast a long lifespan, ease of installation, and low maintenance, making them a handy solution for domestic and industrial water pumping needs.

Despite their many strengths, matching the water pumping need with the right unit is crucial. Therefore, always do a site survey before installing a solar water pump.

If you need help deciding where to begin or choosing a suitable unit, consider contacting experts such as Irrihub to help you get off on the right foot.