Solar Irrigation Pumps run on power from solar panels, pumping water during daylight from a borehole, dam or river. Send one request and independent solar pump installers that may cover your area reply with system options and prices.
Send your water source, daily water need and pumping height to get solar pump quotes.
Get the Best QuoteWhat Solar Irrigation Pumps Include
- Solar panels. A PV array sized for the pump's power and your daily water need, on a fixed or tracking frame.
- Pump controller. A solar pump inverter or VSD that matches pump speed to the sunlight available.
- Pump. A submersible borehole pump or a surface pump for dams and rivers.
- Storage. A reservoir, tank or dam that stores daytime water for use at night or on cloudy days.
- Protection. Dry-run sensors, level switches, lightning protection and security for the panels.
Who It Suits
Farms far from grid power, those facing load-shedding or rising electricity costs, and anyone running diesel pumps. Solar suits drip and other low-pressure systems, and works best where water can be pumped into storage during the day.
System Options
- Borehole vs surface. Borehole pumps must be sized to the borehole yield. Surface pumps need a short suction lift.
- Direct to field. Water goes straight to the system while the sun shines. Flow drops on cloudy days and in early morning.
- Storage tanks or dams. Usually the cheapest way to store energy, as water, for night or gravity-fed irrigation.
- Batteries. Allow pumping after dark but add significant cost and need replacing in time.
- Hybrid. A controller that also accepts grid or generator power keeps water flowing in poor weather.
How the Job Runs
- Site assessment. The installer checks the water source, borehole yield test, total head, daily volume and a sunny, secure spot for panels.
- Sizing. Pump, array size and storage are matched to your water need and sunlight.
- Quote. You get an itemised price covering panels, controller, pump, mounting, cabling and storage.
- Installation. Frames, panels, controller and pump are installed and wired.
- Commissioning. Flow and pressure are checked across the day and protection settings tested.
Solar Irrigation Pumps Prices
Ballpark prices so you can sanity-check a quotation.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Small solar pump kit, 0.5 - 1.5 kW | R15,000 - R60,000 |
| Installed solar farm pump system | R60,000 - R200,000+ |
| Full solar borehole pump installation (example) | ~R157,000 excl VAT (~R181,000 incl VAT) |
| 5 kW solar array with battery backup, added | R80,000 - R120,000 |
| Borehole pump, unit only | R5,000 - R25,000 |
| Borehole drilling, per metre | R500 - R1,500 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Ballpark figures, rounded, excluding VAT unless stated. They are compiled from published South African cost estimates and typical supplier and contractor rates. They are not our prices or quotations, and no contractor is bound by them. Unless a row says otherwise they exclude the water source, power supply and earthworks, so confirm exactly what each quotation includes.
Sources:
- The Post - cost of going off the grid for water
- DripMaster Agri - drip irrigation in Southern Africa
- Pro Irrigation - cost of installing an irrigation system in South Africa
- Typical South African supplier and contractor rates
Get prices for your farm rather than a range. Send one request and compare replies.
Get the Best QuoteWhat Affects the Price
- Daily volume and head. More water lifted higher needs a bigger pump and more panels.
- Borehole depth. Deeper settings need more cable, pipe and a stronger pump.
- Storage. Tanks and reservoirs add cost. Batteries add much more.
- Hybrid features. Grid or generator input adds switching equipment.
- Security. Anti-theft frames, fencing and alarms are often needed on remote sites.
Maintenance
Clean panels of dust and bird droppings, check frames and cable connections, and keep vegetation from shading the array. Monitor flow and controller fault logs, and have the pump pulled and checked if output drops. Inspect lightning and surge protection after storms.
Solar Irrigation Pumps FAQs
Can a solar pump irrigate at night?
Only with batteries or a hybrid connection. Most farms pump into a tank or dam during the day and irrigate from storage.
What happens on cloudy days?
Output drops. Installers allow for this with extra panels, storage or a grid or generator backup.
Can I convert my existing pump to solar?
Some pumps can run from a solar pump controller. An installer will check the motor type, size and voltage.
What do I need before getting quotes?
Know your water source, the borehole yield if there is one, the height and distance to the field or tank, and how much water you need per day.
Related Services
Request solar pump quotes through Agricultural Irrigation South Africa and compare the panel size, pump, storage and backup each installer proposes.
Agricultural Irrigation South Africa is a quote-comparison service. We do not design, supply, install or repair irrigation systems, and we do not employ contractors. Work is quoted and carried out by independent irrigation businesses, and your contract is with the business you choose. Ask each one for a written quotation that names the equipment, design flows and pressures, preparation, timing and any warranty terms before you pay a deposit.
Solar Irrigation Pumps. Describe your irrigation job once and compare replies from independent contractors.
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