How to Choose the Perfect Solar Pump for You?

A solar pump is a water-pumping system powered by solar panels instead of electricity or diesel. A solar pump system helps you lift water for irrigation, livestock, or household use without worrying about rising power bills. Choosing the right solar pump is not about buying the biggest one-it’s about selecting a system that matches your water needs, location, and budget.

If you make the right choice today, your solar pump system can serve you efficiently for the next 15–25 years.

Why More People Are Switching to Solar Pumps

In the last few years, farmers, small landowners, and even homeowners have started shifting toward solar-powered water solutions. The reasons are simple and practical:

• No monthly electricity bill for pumping water

• No diesel expense

• Low maintenance

• Works in remote areas without grid power

• Long life of solar panels (20–25 years)

According to India’s renewable energy targets under the PM-KUSUM scheme, lakhs of solar pump systems are being installed to reduce diesel usage and support farmers. This shift is not just about saving money-it’s about energy independence.

Step 1: Understand Your Water Requirement

Before choosing any solar water pump, first understand how much water you actually need.

Many people make the mistake of buying a pump based only on horsepower (HP). But HP alone does not tell the full story.

Here’s what you should calculate:

1. Daily Water Requirement

Ask yourself:

• How many acres do you irrigate?

• Do you need water for crops, livestock, or home use?

• How many litres per day are required?

For example:

• Small kitchen garden: 5,000–10,000 litres/day

• 1–2 acres drip irrigation: 20,000–40,000 litres/day

• Livestock farm: depends on number of animals

Write your requirement clearly in litres per day.

2. Flow Rate (LPM)

Flow rate means how fast you want the water.

It is measured in:

• Litres per minute (LPM)

If you need to fill a 5,000-litre tank in 1 hour:

5,000 ÷ 60 = about 83 LPM

That means your solar pump system must support that flow rate.

3. Total Head

Total head means the total height the water needs to travel.

It includes:

• Static Head – Vertical distance from water level to tank

• Friction Loss – Resistance caused by pipe bends and length

Formula:

Total Head = Static Head + Friction Loss

Example:

• Borewell depth: 120 feet

• Tank height: 20 feet

• Friction loss: 10 feet

Total Head = 150 feet

This number is very important while selecting your solar pump.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Solar Pump

Not all solar pumps are the same. There are mainly four types:

1. Submersible Solar Pump

• Installed inside borewells

• Suitable for deep water sources

• Works well if water table is below 20 feet

• Used for irrigation, drinking water, livestock

Best for: Deep borewells (up to 50 metres or more depending on model)

2. Surface Solar Pump

• Installed outside water source

• Suitable for ponds, tanks, rivers

• Works for shallow water (less than 20 feet)

• Good for small farms and gardens

Best for: Open wells and surface water bodies

3. DC Solar Pump

• Runs directly on DC power from solar panels

• No inverter required

• Higher efficiency

• Lower energy loss

Best for: Small to medium use, off-grid locations

4. AC Solar Pump

• Requires inverter

• Slightly lower efficiency

• Good for higher capacity

• Easier servicing in rural markets

Best for: Large farms and deep borewells

DC vs AC Solar Pump (Simple Comparison)

Choose based on:

• Budget

• Service availability

• Power requirement

• Water depth

Step 3: Correct Sizing of Solar Panels

Your solar pump system is only as strong as its solar panels.

If panels are undersized:

• Pump won’t run properly

• Low water output

• Motor stress

Basic Formula:

Pump Power (W) ÷ Sun Hours = Required Panel Capacity

In India, average sun hours = 5–6 hours/day.

Example:

1 HP pump = 750 watts

750 ÷ 6 = approx. 125W per hour
Total required panel capacity = around 900–1000W

Usually installed as:

• 3 panels of 330W
  or

• 4 panels of 250W

Proper panel sizing ensures smooth performance.

Step 4: Choose a Good Controller (Very Important)

The controller is the brain of the solar pump system.

Always choose MPPT controller.

Must-Have Features:

• Dry Run Protection (stops pump if water is low)

• Low Voltage Cutoff

• Overload Protection

• Surge Protection

• Short Circuit Protection

This protects your investment and increases lifespan.

Step 5: Estimate the Cost of Solar Pump

The cost depends on:

• Pump capacity (1 HP, 3 HP, 5 HP)

• Pump type (surface/submersible)

• Panel size

• Brand quality

• Installation charges

Average Basic Price in India (Before Subsidy)

These are basic standard prices. Final cost depends on brand, state, and installation conditions.

Government Subsidy on Solar Pump

Under PM-KUSUM scheme:

• Subsidy can go up to 60%–90% (varies by state)

• Farmers benefit the most

• Payback period reduces drastically

Example:

A 1 HP solar pump costing ₹1.2 lakh may cost around ₹20,000–₹40,000 after subsidy in some states.

Always check your state renewable energy department website for accurate details.

Installation & Maintenance

Installation Cost:

₹5,000 – ₹20,000 depending on:

• Wiring distance

• Structure mounting

• Borewell condition

• Labour cost

Maintenance:

Very minimal.

• Clean solar panels every 15–30 days

• Annual inspection

• Check wiring occasionally

Solar panels last 20–25 years. Pump motor can last 8–15 years with proper care.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

Many buyers regret their decision because of these mistakes:

• Choosing wrong HP without checking total head

• Ignoring controller quality

• Buying cheap local panels

• Not checking water discharge rate

• Ignoring after-sales service

Always ask supplier for:

• Pump curve chart

• Warranty details

• Panel brand specification

• Installation support

When Is a Solar Pump Not Suitable?

Be honest with your requirement.

Solar pump system may not be ideal if:

• You need 24/7 water without storage tank

• Very low sunlight area

• Very high water demand beyond solar capacity

In such cases, hybrid systems may be better.

Real Practical Tips Before Buying

From real installation experience, here are practical tips:

• Always install a water storage tank

• Use proper pipe diameter to reduce friction loss

• Install panels facing south (in India) at proper tilt angle

• Avoid shadow on panels

• Keep controller in shaded, ventilated area

These small steps improve performance significantly.

Is Solar Pump a Good Investment?

Let’s compare with diesel pump:

Diesel Pump:

• Fuel cost every day

• Maintenance cost high

• Noise & pollution

• Fuel price fluctuation

Solar Pump:

• One-time investment

• Zero fuel cost

• Silent operation

• Environment-friendly

Payback period: 2–5 years (depending on usage)

After that, water is almost free.

How Long Does a Solar Pump Last?

• Solar panels: 20–25 years

• Pump motor: 8–15 years

• Controller: 5–10 years

With proper maintenance, your solar pump system can serve long term.

Read More – Solar pump future of agriculture

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the price range of solar pump in India?

Ans- Basic standard price starts from ₹90,000 and can go up to ₹4,50,000 depending on capacity. Subsidy reduces cost significantly.

2. Do solar pumps need batteries?

Ans-  Most systems do not require batteries. Water is stored in tanks instead of storing electricity.

3. Are solar pumps noisy?

Ans- No. They are much quieter compared to diesel pumps.

4. How long does installation take?

Ans- Usually 1–3 days depending on site conditions.

5. Are spare parts easily available?

Ans- Yes, especially for AC solar pump systems. DC systems may require specialized service.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect solar pump is not about buying the most expensive one—it’s about selecting the right solar pump system according to your water demand, depth, and budget.

If you properly calculate:

• Daily water need

• Total head

• Pump type

• Panel capacity

• Controller quality

You will make a smart and long-term investment.

A solar pump is a water-pumping system powered by solar panels that offers freedom from electricity bills, protection from diesel price hikes, and long-term sustainability.

Disclaimer

Basic standard price is not a specific price; anything can happen depending on brand, location, policy changes, and installation conditions. Always confirm the final quotation from an authorized supplier before purchase.

If you are planning to install a solar pump system, take expert consultation before making the final decision. The right planning today ensures smooth water supply for years.