The solar water pump is a new concept of energy savings. Solar-powered water pumps are cost-effective and durable. But how many solar panels do I need to run a water pump?
Moreover, solar-powered water pumps can increase the water supply capacity and be suitable for places with no electricity.
This article is about the power needed for your water pump running on solar. Are you looking for a built-in solar water pump/solar water pump kit? Check our list for the best solar-powered water pumps
This writing will find a solution to run your non-solar-powered water pump with additional solar panels. After reading, we can answer three questions:
- Can you run a water pump with solar?
- Are solar-powered water pumps any good?
- How many solar panels do you need for a water pump?
You will also get a table of contents by which you can measure the number of solar panels needed for different wattages of the water pump.
Contents
Can You Run a Water Pump with Solar?
Advanced solar technologies increase the use of solar energy. Because of its cost-effective and durable service, solar systems are now used for different purposes.
Water pumps can be powered by solar energy. The increasing usage of solar water pumps creates several queries related to this field.
You can find the applications of water pumps everywhere. Water pumps are found in a wide range from agriculture to residential buildings.
Similarly, water pumps consume a little bit of extra electricity. It can increase electricity costs. But now, you can run your water pump with solar energy.
However, the energy source of a solar system is the sun. So, you don’t have to pay for the vast electricity bill. It will also provide uninterrupted service and return of the primary investment within a short time.
You can run a solar-powered water pump even at night. During the day, the system collects energy from sunlight and reserves it in the battery. At night you can use this stored energy to run a water pump.
In general, you can use solar energy to run any pump. The technology revealed advanced energy sources and created several opportunities.
The system can run direct current (DC), and alternating current (AC) powered water pumps.
A solar-powered water pump might be a great solution for agriculture, industry, business, and residential purposes. That means you can use a solar water pump in every sector.
In agriculture, irrigation is one of the fundamental requirements. Without irrigation, cultivation is not possible. But this huge water demand also needs more power. More power leads you to more costs.
A solar-powered water pump is the best accomplishment if you think about alternative options. The solar-powered irrigation system will enable you to provide water at the right time without delay.
Altogether, the system is profitable for agriculture and its development. It saves money and time. In the same way, industries and factories are using solar-powered water pumps to get a hassle-free service.
With the increasing solar energy usage, you can enhance the industry’s production capacity.
Factories need uninterrupted power, and the solar system can provide it without any inconvenience.
You can run multiple water pumps with solar energy at a time. So, it is the best alternative to conventional electricity.
Also, if you are the owner of a business that requires lots of water, you can select a solar-powered water pump to reduce energy consumption.
For example, a car washing business needs huge water daily. In this case, the electricity costs might be high and solar energy is the best alternative. It will make the business more productive.
Besides, solar water pumps are used in residential areas or buildings. Daily household chores such as cooking, cleaning, washing, and bathing, depend on water.
Sometimes, several families are in a building, and the water pumps run at least six hours a day. It consumes a high volume of electricity. In this way, solar water pumps can get used a lot.
Are Solar Powered Water Pumps Any Good?
Solar panels are now used in the city’s center and remote places. Similarly, a water pump can be run via solar energy. Solar-powered water pumps have several advantages.
Firstly, solar-powered water pumps have a cost-effective operation. Economic viability is one of the significant advantages of the system.
It requires primary investment at first and no further maintenance costs. It will help you establish an alternative irrigation process or residential water supply.
If you calculate the primary investments and monthly savings, it can be profitable.
Solar-powered water pumps are good for individual or common usage. The life of an initial solar-powered water pump is more than 25 years. The system remains functional without extra costs.
Secondly, easy installation and maintenance make it more accessible. You can install a solar-powered water pump at any place with sunlight available because sunlight is the source of solar energy.
It has fewer accessories and easy-to-install options. Some water pumps come with built-in solar panels and batteries along with a control box.
You can also connect solar-powered water pumps with the existing solar system.
Before installation, get the idea of the watt and running time of the pump. Considering these factors, we can say solar water pumps are easy to install and use.
Thirdly, you will get a good return after the initial investment. The solar water pump will reduce electricity costs at a reasonable rate.
For the low maintenance and high efficiency, it is suitable for several purposes. It doesn’t require fossil fuel or gas. In this sense, it will provide free service after a few years.
On the other hand, solar water pumps are more profitable in the agricultural sector. If you irrigate many lands, it will deduct the average cultivation costs.
A single pump or installation can provide irrigation to a large area. It is beneficial for agricultural development.
Fourthly, a solar water pump is eco-friendly and uses renewable energy. Eco-Friendly products can help save our environment.
A conventional diesel pump pollutes the air by consuming fossil fuel or gas.
But a solar water pump is completely eco-friendly and doesn’t have any fueling option. It collects power from the sun through solar panels.
By using a solar-powered water pump, we save nature and make the world a better living place. You can consider the primary investment for the betterment of the next generation.
So, solar water pumps are good for the environment and the betterment of the world.
Finally, solar water pumps have remote operation capability. You can run the water pump even in a jungle. You don’t need the connectivity of the main grid electricity.
It has its energy production system under the sun and batteries to run the pump during the night.
You can use it on remote land or the river bank to pump water. It suits to supply water in a swimming pool without electricity. You can also use it to wash the car in a large place.
So, working in a remote place without the power of the main grid makes it outstanding and handy. Portable solar water pumps are examples of this type.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need to Run a 100 Watt Water Pump?
It depends on the wattage of the water pump. But in general, you need 5 solar panels for a 100-watt water pump. If a panel produces 20 watts and you have a water pump of 300 watts, you need 15 solar panels to run the pump.
Are you looking for a built-in solar water pump/solar water pump kit? Check our list for the best solar-powered water pumps.
The measurement should be perfect and accurate to get sufficient energy from the panels. An underestimation might affect you when you need more energy and water.
- Easy Setup & Kickstand Included: The SolarSaga 100 features 2 kickstands, that can be placed firmly on any surface ground. Taking a few seconds to set up only - instantly and conveniently absorb powerful solar energy, from your Jackery Power Station. Additionally, the TPE rubber handle allows for easy carrying - when out on all your off-grid adventures.
- Higher Energy Conversion Rate: Covered by monocrystalline silicon solar cells, the solar panel adopts multi-layered cell technology, generating solar energy, significantly improving performance, featuring higher conversion efficiency at 23% - compared to other, conventional panels.
- Durable & Splash Proof: A fully durable, ETFE-laminated case extends the overall lifespan of the Solar Panel - the IP65 water-resistant rating completely protects against water splashes (Note: do not place under the rain, or soak in water). Moreover, useful zippers on the pocket can hold the power cords, and also cover the power port.
If you have an existing solar system, please include the watts of the water pump in the system. It will help you to establish an efficient solar-powered water pump.
Table of the Number of Solar Panels You Need for Different Wattage of Water Pump
It depends on the wattage of the water pumps.
Usually, a single solar panel comes with 20 to 100 watts, and the below-listed information is presented based on a 20-watt solar panel.
The measurement will be different if you use a 100-watt solar panel.
| Water Pump | Number of solar panels needed |
| 9-watt water pump | A single solar panel |
| 12-watt water pump | A single solar panel |
| 40-watt water pump | 2 solar panels |
| 50-watt water pump | 3 solar panels |
| 60-watt water pump | 3 solar panels |
| 100-watt water pump | 5 solar panels |
| 200-watt water pump | 10 solar panels |
| 300-watt water pump | 15 solar panels |
| 500-watt water pump | 25 solar panels |
Please ensure the sufficient wattage of the solar panels and the battery power before installing or buying a solar-powered water pump.
It is a long-term investment, and every part plays an important role.
You can reduce the number of solar panels by selecting high affection power solar panels.
- Easy Setup & Kickstand Included: The SolarSaga 100 features 2 kickstands, that can be placed firmly on any surface ground. Taking a few seconds to set up only - instantly and conveniently absorb powerful solar energy, from your Jackery Power Station. Additionally, the TPE rubber handle allows for easy carrying - when out on all your off-grid adventures.
- Higher Energy Conversion Rate: Covered by monocrystalline silicon solar cells, the solar panel adopts multi-layered cell technology, generating solar energy, significantly improving performance, featuring higher conversion efficiency at 23% - compared to other, conventional panels.
- Durable & Splash Proof: A fully durable, ETFE-laminated case extends the overall lifespan of the Solar Panel - the IP65 water-resistant rating completely protects against water splashes (Note: do not place under the rain, or soak in water). Moreover, useful zippers on the pocket can hold the power cords, and also cover the power port.
Wrapping Up
That’s it! Those are the answers to your question: “How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Run a Water Pump?”.
Altogether, solar-powered water pumps are cost-effective and have eco-friendly operation and durability.
However, you can run a solar water pump for various aspects. It has low maintenance costs and high efficiency.
On the other hand, a single installation can provide irrigation to multiple areas. The initial investment will pay for itself over time.
Try to use this eco-friendly water production system.
Do you have information on solar power panel and pump requirement for crop watering ie not in wattage terms but in volume of water needed to pump and number of outlets
Hi Chugge, regarding the volume of water. That is more about the horsepower of a water pump.
Then the job now easier, you need to know how many horsepowers you need for the total water volume and total outlets. Then you can shop based on that requirements.
Finally, you can look at the wattage of the pump you are going to buy, using the table above to calculate the number of solar panels needed.
For better usage, you should have a battery if you want to run your pump during the night time.
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Can I know how many outlets you have and how much water you need for a day? I do have a small watering system and it only requires a single 200 watt solar panel.
I have a farm that requires flood irrigation through 3 inch water pipes. I currently have a diesel operated motor that runs 8 hours a day. Everyday !
What horsepower pump and wattage pump would I need run the same amount of water as my desiel motor through 3 inch pipes.
Good day!
We have a 15m deep water well with 2mx2m hole and just beside a creek. The wall of the well is a hard rock and is full with water.
What will be the right specs of the submersible pump, inverter and solar power for this? Water will be used for wateing vegetable garden of 1000 sqm. area
Good day Ed,
Can I know where do you stay? It will affect how much water you should have.
But in general, you might need a 500W-1000W water pump system. Among with solar panels for about 2 times pumping a day.
Regarding the inverter, you can use POTEK 500W. It would be enough for you, but I would suggest you go with a Fronius 1500W. It would benefit you in the future if you need to run more appliances.
I need a sollar water pump to be connected with solar panesl to produce 3 inches diameter of water flow, the water will collected in a reservoir and then can be used for irrigation
Some of the information on this site is false. Solar panels are not entirely eco friendly. The waste products from solar panels and the batteries necessary to store the energy they produce are just a different type waste than fossil fuels. The heavy metals like cadmium and lead that are found in solar cells, can harm the natural environment if they are not recycled or disposed of properly. They are not currently recyclable and must be considered hazardous. The batteries are recyclable but they contain highly toxic materials and are also considered hazardous. You should try some honesty instead of just bad mouthing other energy resources.
I agree that there are some waste products from solar panels that are not eco friendly. But if you compare it with other energy sources and their waste products, I think you know what to go.
I’m new to solar systems and water pumps. I have a 1/2 acre pond average depth of 7 feet. I just ordered a 9500 GPH commercial submersible water pump (not positive but believe it is 620W) that I’m building a fountain for. Per your chart does this mean I need 6-100watt solar panels? I’m trying to determine everything needed prior to purchasing anything else. I have looked at 1500w Sine inverter and VMAX SLR 125 AGM 12V 125ah Deep cycle battery for solar panels. The fountain will be the only item being powered unless I add lights to fountain.
I believe, that you are currently incorrectly recognized.
Let’s go over it.