Irrigation

Solar Pumps in Kenya : Home & Irrigation Needs

Solar Pumps in Kenya

Access to clean water for home, animal or farm use is a major challenge especially for people living in remote areas in Kenya. Solar Pumps in Kenya are sustainable for water supply in homes, farms or industries. They are often used in rural areas where electricity is not available but also convenient in urban areas due to its low cost of operation.

Best Solar Pumps are stocked at Aqua Hub LTD at affordable prices. We supply top rated and reliable solar pumps in Kenya from popular brands such as Davis & Shirtliff and Pedrollo.

Understanding Solar Pumps

Solar Pumps are powered by the solar energy and are used to supply water from wells, boreholes, rivers and dams. The common applications of solar water pumps include domestic water use, irrigation, livestock or construction buildings.

What are the Essentials for a Solar Pump to Operate?

Solar Panels (PV Modules)

Mounted on an open area that receives full sunlight exposure. Solar panels have photovoltaic cells that capture solar energy and convert it to electric current. The harvested solar power is used to power on the solar pump.

Controller

Used to regulate the solar power in pumps that work on Direct Current (DC) to enhance optimal performance of the pump.

Inverters

Used to convert DC to AC power in solar pump systems that use AC solar pumps. AC pumps cannot work on direct current therefore requires the use of inverters.

Electric Cables

For power supply from the solar panels to the inverter or pump. For submersible pumps, you need a submersible cable that will power the pump.

Control Switch

For powering on the system.

Types of Solar Pumps in Kenya

Surface (Shallow) Pumps

Solar pumps with a portable body design designed for water supply from shallow wells, rivers and dams.  It is mounted on the surface near the water body and a suction pipe used to draw water from the source.

Submersible Pumps

Where the water source is deep below the ground, submersible pumps will work perfectly. Because of the narrow body design, high pump head and flow rate submersible solar pumps work even in deep boreholes. Handles water suction from depth of 70 m or even over 300 m with powerful models.

Direct Current (DC) Pumps

Solar water pumps designed to work directly on SunPower. The solar power transferred from the PV modules does not damage the motor.

AC Pumps (with Inverters)

For such pumps to work, you must have an inverter to convert the Direct Current generated by Solar panels to Alternating Current (AC). Without an inverter the AC solar pump will get damaged due to power exceeding the set limit.

Why Buy Solar Water Pumps?

Saves on Cost

Investing on solar water pumps is a step to continuous access to water without cost. After purchase and installation, you run them freely on solar power meaning no cost on fuel or electricity.

Long Lasting Use

Solar pumps, panels and entire system components are durable. They are designed using long lasting materials that can operate on the outside environment. Often operates for 10 – 25 years thus a reliable long-term investment.

Dependable for Remote Areas

Access to electricity is still a challenge to major remote areas in Kenya and people have often relied on fuel pumps to supply water. Not only are fuel engine pumps costly to operate but also pollutes the environment. Solar pumps therefore are best alternatives for rural areas.

Environmentally Friendly

Because solar pumps do not use fuel, they do not emit harmful waste thus safe for environment use.

Low Maintenance Cost

Fewer moving parts and no need for fuel make solar pumps more durable and cheaper to maintain.

Versatile and Scalable

Adaptable for home, livestock, small farm, or community needs. Systems can grow alongside usage.

Improves Income generation

Farmers can increase irrigation capacity, leading to higher yields and diversified crops, boosting income significantly.

Cost of Solar Pumps in Kenya

Solar Pump Type

Estimated Cost (KES)

Small Domestic Pump (0.5 HP)

80,000–130,000

Household (1 HP)

130,000–180,000

Medium Irrigation (1.5–2 HP)

200,000–350,000

Large Solar Pump (3 HP+)

400,000–800,000+

The cost of our solar pumps systems caters for solar panels, pump, controller, mounting, and wiring. Prices vary with the specifications such as depth, capacity, flow rates and design.

Smaller surface Pumps (0–20 m head, ~5,000 L/day) cost around 25,000–60,000 KES, while submersibles (deeper, 10,000 L) go for 60,000–120,000 KES. Larger 3‑phase Pump systems (high depth & output) can cost 150,000–400,000 KES.

Things to Consider when Choosing Solar Pumps in Kenya

  • Water Source Depth: Choose pump type that is suited to the depth of the water source. For deep boreholes submersible pumps are the perfect fit.
  • Water Requirements: When considering the size of pump to buy, always consider the sizing report as per your water needs.
  • Application: the intended purpose whether irrigation, home water supply or drainage water suction determines which pump to use.
  • Water Quality: Sediment or debris may need filtration to protect the pump.
  • Cost of the Pump: Upfront costs can be high. Go for a sustainable pump withing your budget.

Impact of Solar Pumps towards Resilient and Sustainable Future

Kenya’s irrigation farming potential, combined with sustainable water use, offers an opportunity to utilize solar energy for agricultural and rural livelihood transformation. But central to that vision is balance:

  • Promote small and medium-scale systems that match environmental capacity.
  • Support tailored financing and technical awareness.
  • Encourage responsible groundwater management to preserve our precious aquifers

Solar Water Pump Supplier in East Africa

Are you looking for a water pump for irrigation or domestic water supply? Aqua Hub Kenya is the East African reliable and popular dealer of water pumps for variety of water needs. We deliver and even go ahead to size, solarize and install water pumps on your boreholes.

Don’t hesitate, you are just a call away from getting a reliable pump for your needs at friendly prices.

Call 0790719020