Blog
Solar Pump Prices: Best Rated Solutions
Aqua Solar Pump prices come at competitive rates for wide range of pumping solutions suited to every demanding water needs. Small holder farmers can meet the water needs for their crops, animals or even home usage and do away with fuel or electric pump expenses.
If you need uninterrupted water supply in your homestead or farm, getting a solar pump is the best solution. Our solar pumps come with a complete system including backup battery inverter to power the motor when sunlight is not available. You can also decide to go solar as backup option when grid power is unavailable.
Call 0790719020
Solar Pump Prices in Kenya
Solar Pump prices range between KES 15,000 to KES KES 200,000 or more as per the size, model, Horsepower, flow rate and Head.
Call 0790719020
Solar Pumping System
Solar Pump system requires integration of solar pumps with other component devices for them to move water from source to point of use. These components include:
- Solar PV Modules – captures the sunlight rays and produce direct electric current.
- Solar pump – submersible or surface pump for water suction and supply.
- Controller – regulate the power flow and tracks the power supply.
- Inverter – converts Direct current to Alternating current. Only needed if you are running an AC solar pump.
- HDPE pipes – suction and delivery of water to storage tanks or point of use.
- Water tanks – for storage of water.
Types of Solar Pumps
Solar water pumps are in two types: surface solar pumps and submersible solar pumps.
There are two main types of solar pumps: surface solar pumps and submersible solar pumps. Surface pumps are placed above the ground surface and draw water via suction from shallow sources.
Submersible pumps are placed in water and are used to push water up from deep underground sources: boreholes or wells.
Are Solar Pumps the Right Solution?
Zero expenses on electricity bills
With grid electricity sometimes facing frequent outages and costly rates, solar pumps provide a better pumping alternative with no bills.
Off-grid and remote area suitability
Because solar pumps don’t rely on grid power, they are perfect for remote areas. Once installed with panels mounted where they receive maximum sunlight, you get continuous water flow.
Environmental and climate-smart farming benefits
Using solar pumps helps reduce reliance on diesel or petrol, lowering carbon emission. This results in climate resilience, reduces pollution, and fosters sustainable agriculture.
Water Needs that Require Solar Pumps
Irrigation farming
Small holder farmers are shifting towards solar pumps for irrigation water supply. With solar pumps which operate on zero costs, return on investment is higher compared to fuel powered pumps.
Water Supply for Livestock
Solar pumps are essential for pumping water for animal consumption in ranches or homesteads. Community borehole projects especially in arid and semi-arid areas need solar submersible pumps to supply water for their livestock.
Individuals also use solar pumps to transfer water near animal troughs.
Home Water needs
Rental apartments, business buildings and private residence need water for range of uses. Solar pumps exist in wide range of sizes that match the varying home needs.
Submersible vs Surface Solar Pumps Which to Choose?
Submersible and a surface solar pump serve different water requirements. A suitable option depends on the depth of your water source, where to move water to and volume of water needed.
When to use a surface pump
- Water source less than 8 m deep. Ponds, shallow wells, rivers, tank
- You need water for garden irrigation, small-scale watering, or transferring water between nearby storage tanks.
- You want a lower-cost, simpler system that’s easy to install and maintain.
Advantages: Easier installation, lower upfront cost, easier maintenance.
Limitations: Not suitable for deep wells; suction limit; exposed parts may suffer from environmental wear; noise in some models.
When to use a submersible pump
- Water source is deep: boreholes or wells up to 300 m or more.
- You need reliable water for irrigation, livestock, household, or community supply.
- You expect higher water demand. Large farms, livestock herds, or many households.
Advantages: Works in deep water, higher water head, runs with low noise level, and more consistent flow.
Limitations: Higher upfront cost, installation more complex, need correct sizing and quality materials to avoid corrosion.
How to Choose the Right Solar Pump for Your Needs
Below are the main considerations that are used to match a solar pump to the desired water needs:
Pump Head | Depth of water Source
The depth of the water source or the total vertical distance to pump water from the source is required when sizing a pump.
A surface pump serves shallow water sources, while deep boreholes demand a submersible pump sized for the required head and flow.
Pump Motor Capacity
The power motor capacity determines the number and size of solar panels needed.
Flow rate
Flow rate of the pump is another important point of consideration.
The amount of water you need per day will be used to calculate the flow rate of the pump you need.
Budget
Always match your budget to the solar pump options available. The amount you are willing to spend will decide which pump you get.
Benefits of Solar Pumps
Switching to solar pumps offers multiple benefits beyond just reliable water access:
- Zero operation costs: After installation, no monthly electricity bills or fuel needs. Pumps have fewer moving parts, reducing breakdowns and maintenance needs.
- Reliable water supply, even in dry seasons: you can irrigate crops when rain fails boosting yield, thus multiple long production season, and food security.
- Environmental benefits & climate resilience: Solar pumping reduces carbon levels, eliminates fuel pollution, and supports sustainable water.
- Socio-economic impact: farmers save money, become more efficient, and reliable water access improves livelihoods.
- Versatility & independence: Solar pumps work in remote and off-grid areas enabling water supply where grid electricity or fuel is unreliable or expensive.
Limitations of Solar Pumps
- High upfront cost: the cost of buying complete solar pumping kits and installation can be high.
- Low Output on Cloudy Days: On cloudy days or during prolonged rainy seasons, solar output is low which can reduce water output. Without backup battery or storage tanks, water supply may be inconsistent.
- Water source constraints: Not all water sources are suitable for deep boreholes, correct pump sizing is critical; for shallow wells or variable water levels, suction pumps may fail.
How to Install a Solar Pumps in Kenya
If you decide to install a solar water pump, here’s a typical step-by-step process (and what you should plan for):
- Site assessment: Determine water source type, depth, water yield, and estimate water demand.
- Select components: Pump, solar panels, controller / inverter, pipes, batteries, and delivery pipes.
- Installation: Mount solar panels, install pump, connect wiring, install controller/inverter, connect pipes to storage tank or directly to irrigation
- Testing and commissioning: Run system, check water flow, ensure stable operation, check for leaks, confirm sufficient water output, and monitor solar pump performance.
- Maintenance: Clean solar panels, monitor pump performance, ensure proper water quality, inspect controllers/inverters, and maintain storage tanks. Overall, maintenance requirements are low compared to diesel pumps.
Tips for Efficient Use of Solar Pumps
- Invest in quality components: Choose corrosion-resistant materials (e.g. stainless steel), reliable panels, and quality controllers/inverters especially for submersible pumps in boreholes.
- Size the system properly: Match pump capacity (head and flow rate) to water demand over-sizing wastes money, under-sizing leads to insufficient water.
- Use water storage and efficient irrigation methods: Pairing solar pump water supply with storage tanks, drip irrigation or sprinkler systems helps maximize water use efficiency particularly important for farming during dry seasons.
- Maintain regularly: Clean solar panels for maximum efficiency, inspect pipes and pumps, ensure water quality, and maintain any electronic components.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a solar water pump cost in Kenya?
Surface Pumps cost KES 15,000 80,000 Submersible borehole pumps range from KES 85,000 – 300,000
Can solar pumps work on cloudy days?
Yes but the output will drop on cloudy days. To ensure efficient pumping on low sunlight periods use a backup battery.
Can a solar pump work without a battery?
Solar pumps can operate directly on solar power.
How deep can a solar pump go?
solar pumps can lift water from depths exceeding 300 meters.
Are solar water pumps suitable for small-scale farmers?
Solar irrigation pumps are well-suited for smallholder farms
Can a solar pump power sprinklers?
Yes, but you need a pump with high pressure.
Do solar pumps really save money compared to diesel or electric pumps?
Yes. Once installed, solar pumps have zero fuel costs, minimal maintenance, and no electricity bills.
Which solar pump is best, AC or DC?
A DC solar pump is much better as it offers higher flow rates using fewer solar panels than AC pumps.
What maintenance is required for solar water pumps?
Occasional inspection of pump and controller and ensuring water quality
How do I choose the right solar pump?
Consider the size, motor power, pump type, Head, flow rate and system losses.