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

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

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 project

The Solar Pump offers a sustainable and efficient irrigation solution for smallholder farmers, improving crop productivity while reducing energy costs and emissions associated with fuel pumps. By harnessing solar energy, it contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to food security, economic growth, and climate action.

To effectively integrate Solar Pump technology into your project, consider the following key points:

Cost analysis:
The investment cost for solar irrigation varies, depending on the size of the field, the water source, and the type of crop. Estimate the number of systems needed based on the area to be irrigated and gross water requirement.
Supply and logistics:
Identify reliable suppliers for pumps and solar panels. Take into account transportation costs to farms and any import fees if the technology is purchased internationally.
Training and support:
Plan training sessions for producers and field agents on the installation, use, and maintenance of solar pumps. Training should cover best practices in irrigation and maintenance to ensure optimal operation.
Communication and awareness:
Develop appropriate information materials (brochures, videos, local radio) to raise awareness among producers about the benefits of solar irrigation and facilitate its adoption.
Technical requirements for irrigation:
Ensure that the plots and water sources are suitable for pump installation. The configuration (submersible or surface) and power must match irrigation needs to ensure efficient distribution across crop blocks.

By following these points, your project will be able to effectively implement the Solar Pump, increasing agricultural productivity, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and promoting sustainable and resilient irrigation.

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

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.