Solar Pumping: Solar Pumping Irrigation System

Solar Irrigation The sun’s energy at the service of your harvest.

The Solar Pump is a solar-powered irrigation system consisting of photovoltaic panels and a pump operating on direct current (DC), usually without an inverter. The capacity of the system varies depending on the area being irrigated, the water requirements of the crops, the topography, the characteristics of the soil, and the efficiency of the associated irrigation system (drip, sprinkler, or simple pipe). For a typical farm of approximately 1 acre (0.4 ha), located on gently sloping land and with a nearby water source (approximately 5 m), a system of approximately 1.5 hp, with a flow rate of 5 to 8 m³/hour and a total dynamic head of 25 to 40 m, can be powered by three 400 W solar panels. Depending on the water source (shallow groundwater or surface water), the pump can be submersible or surface-mounted. This configuration allows for the irrigation of approximately 0.1 ha at a time, with the possibility of covering several blocks during the day, thus offering an effective technical solution adapted to the needs of small producers.

This technology is pre-validated.

9•9

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 9/9; level of use 9/9

Cost vs. revenue

Data reliability of this estimate: 40 %

Return on investment 64 %

Every USD invested returns USD 0.64 net income.

Detailed financial information ›

IP

Open source / open access

Problem

Energy constraints for irrigation: Smallholder farmers face increasing difficulties in accessing reliable and affordable energy for irrigation, which limits agricultural productivity, particularly during the dry season.
Dependence on fuel pumps and climate impacts: The use of fossil fuel-powered pumps increases greenhouse gas emissions and exposes producers to fuel price volatility and rising costs.
Low adoption of solar solutions despite high potential: Although sub-Saharan Africa has high solar potential, it remains under-exploited, mainly due to financial constraints that hinder the adoption of solar irrigation technologies by small-scale producers.

Solution

Efficient and productive irrigation: The Solar Pump provides a reliable energy supply for pumping water, improving irrigation efficiency and crop productivity.
Energy independence: Powered by solar energy, the system is independent of fuel and the electrical grid, reducing operating costs.
Reduced costs and emissions: By replacing fuel-powered pumps, the Solar Pump reduces fuel expenses and greenhouse gas emissions.
Suitable for small farms: The system's modular capabilities allow small plots to be irrigated in several blocks throughout the day.
Harnessing local solar potential: The Solar Pump exploits the high solar potential of sub-Saharan Africa for sustainable and resilient irrigation.

Key points to design your business plan

The Solar Pump enables smallholder farmers to efficiently irrigate their crops, increase productivity, and reduce pumping costs significantly, while harnessing local solar potential. By improving access to water and the regularity of irrigation, producers can grow more, improve crop quality, and earn higher incomes. To use the Solar Pump on a farm, a farmer must consider the following aspects:

Investment
The investment varies, depending on the size of the plot, the type of pump (surface or submersible), and the irrigation system used. Operating costs remain low thanks to solar energy, with no fuel or grid required.
Materials
The system consists of solar panels and a durable pump suitable for small plots. The direct DC configuration simplifies installation and maintenance, and the system can operate off-grid.
Irrigation Operations
The solar pump delivers water to the crop blocks via drip, sprinkler, or simple hose. Flow rate and coverage can be planned for multiple blocks to be irrigated per day and optimizing crop growth.
Training
Farmers receive training on pump installation, use, and maintenance, as well as best irrigation practices to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
Expansion
Small-scale producers or farmer groups can deploy multiple units according to their needs and cultivated area, increasing irrigation capacity while keeping operating costs low. Farmers can access solar pump through pay-as-you-go or other financial models promoted by equipment suppliers that enables payment over a period of time.
Benefits
The Solar Pump ensures regular, sustainable, energy-efficient irrigation, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, harnesses the region's solar potential, and enables farmers to increase the productivity and income of their farms.

Adults 18 and over: Positive high

Sustainable irrigated crop production, reduction in irrigation energy cost, and increase in profitability.

Others: Positive high

The poor: Positive high

It is available at different scales. Resource-challenged actors can use the technology at an affordable level.

Under 18: Positive high

Increase a safe and healthy environment for all

Women: Positive high

The technology is gender friendly and easy to deploy by all categories of users

Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable

Solar irrigation solutions are highly adaptable to climates across the SSA.

Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement

This technology enhances farmers' capacity for climate change adaptation.

Biodiversity: Positive impact on biodiversity

Carbon footprint: Much less carbon released

Solar irrigation is based on a renewable energy source. It eliminates the use of fossil fuels in irrigation.

Environmental health: Greatly improves environmental health

Reduce GHG emissions and enhance the drive towards decarbonizing irrigation.

Water use: Much less water used

Scaling Readiness describes how complete a technology’s development is and its ability to be scaled. It produces a score that measures a technology’s readiness along two axes: the level of maturity of the idea itself, and the level to which the technology has been used so far.

Each axis goes from 0 to 9 where 9 is the “ready-to-scale” status. For each technology profile in the e-catalogs we have documented the scaling readiness status from evidence given by the technology providers. The e-catalogs only showcase technologies for which the scaling readiness score is at least 8 for maturity of the idea and 7 for the level of use.

The graph below represents visually the scaling readiness status for this technology, you can see the label of each level by hovering your mouse cursor on the number.

Scaling readiness score of this technology

Maturity of the idea 9 out of 9

Uncontrolled environment: validated

Level of use 9 out of 9

Common use by intended users, in the real world

Maturity of the idea										Level of use
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9

Cost of the investment Sum of all fixed and operational expenses.	USD 7,500 per hectare
Gross revenue Sum of all income before subtracting costs.	USD 12,300 per hectare
Net income Gross revenue minus total cost.	USD 4,800 per hectare
Return on investment Percentage of income earned for each dollar invested, calculated as: (income ÷ cost of investment) × 100	64 % Per Year

References:

Template for Cost, Revenue and ROI calculation for TAAT technologies_SOLAR.xlsx (XLSX, 28.8 KB)

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested
Countries with a blue colour: Testing ongoing

Countries where the technology is being tested or has been tested and adopted
Country	Testing ongoing	Tested	Adopted
Egypt	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Ethiopia	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Ghana	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Kenya	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Mali	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Nigeria	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Rwanda	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
South Africa	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Zambia	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid	–
Semiarid	–
Subhumid	–			–
Humid	–	–	–	–

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 1: no poverty

Solar irrigation supports sustainable food production. It reduces energy cost in irrigation crop production.

Goal 7: affordable and clean energy

Solar irrigation technologies significantly reduce GHG emissions. It is an environmentally friendly technology.

1. Install the Pump Near the Water Source
Place the pump close to the water source (well, river, pond) and ensure the panels are securely mounted on a solid frame or mobile cart. The site should be flat and clear of obstacles to maximize sunlight exposure and system stability.

2. Connect the Solar Panels
Wire the solar panels in series or parallel according to the manufacturer’s instructions to meet the pump’s power requirements. Ensure correct polarity and secure connections to prevent damage.

3. Connect the Controller and Pump
Attach the pump to the controller, which regulates power from the panels. For small DC pumps, the connection is often integrated with the panels. Check all wiring for secure and proper installation.

4. Set Up the Pump

For surface pumps, connect the suction hose/pipe and place it into the water source.
For submersible pumps, lower the pump into the water, securing the cables through conduits to prevent movement or damage.

5. Start Pumping Water
Once all connections are complete, test the system under sunlight. The pump will lift water to the irrigation system (drip, sprinkler, or hose). Adjust flow as needed to cover the intended irrigation blocks.

6. Monitor Operation
Occasional supervision is recommended to ensure continuous water flow and proper coverage. Check hoses, valves, and connections for leaks or blockages.

7. Maintain the System
After irrigation, inspect the pump, clean filters if needed, and ensure panels are free of dust or debris. Proper maintenance ensures long-term efficiency and optimal water delivery.