Solar Water Pumping
Solar-powered water pumps are increasingly popular as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for well, irrigation, and livestock water needs.
Solar pumps come in various sizes and types, from small 12V pumps for low gallons per minute requirements to larger systems running off 6-panel solar arrays for commercial agriculture.
Off-grid solar well pumps are particularly useful in remote areas with limited or non-existent access to electric power. These systems can pump water from a well or other water source to a storage tank, providing a reliable water supply for livestock and irrigation.
Benefits of a Solar Water Pump
One of the major benefits of using a solar water pump is the significant cost savings they offer. Solar water pumps are powered by solar energy, which means you can save money by not having to run electricity to run a well pump in remote areas. And like all solar-powered devices, solar water pumps don't have any ongoing operational costs.
This means that once the initial investment is made, the cost of pumping water becomes negligible. Solar water pumps also have a long lifespan, with many models lasting up 15 to 20 years or more.
Top brands you can shop today
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Aquatec SWP Submersible Pumps – compact 24 V and 48 V units ideal for above‑ground and small in‑ground pools.
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Grundfos SQFlex – variable‑speed DC/AC hybrids that pair with PV direct or battery backup for year‑round circulation.
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SunPumps SDS DC Series – pure‑DC helical rotor pumps that move high head with minimal amps—perfect when your panels are limited.
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Dankoff Solar & Battery Pumps – slow‑RPM diaphragm and piston pumps built for 20+ years of daily duty.
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SunRotor Submersible Pumps – oil‑free motors deliver clean, safe water for salt or chlorine pools.
Looking for a budget-friendly option? Check Shurflo 9300 for small splash pools and stock tanks.
Pump types and best‑use guide
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Pump type |
Best for |
Popular lines |
|
|
Submersible DC |
In-ground pools, saltwater systems, deep installs (10-150 ft) |
Grundfos SQFlex • SunRotor • Aquatec SWP |
|
|
Surface DC |
Above-ground pools within 10 ft of water level |
||
|
Hybrid DC/AC |
Year-round circulation with battery or grid fallback |
Questions or Custom Quote
If you have any questions, please reach out via email: info@thesolarstore.com. If you want a free custom quote, please request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the sun to power a water pump?
Any renewable energy source, including pumps, can produce the electricity needed to power appliances. Solar electric cells convert the sun's light into DC electricity that can be routed directly to DC appliances, stored in batteries for use when the sun is not shining, or inverted into AC electricity to power AC appliances.
Solar well pumping generally uses solar panels to power well pumps while the sun shines.
Is solar water pumping economically feasible?
Solar is a favorable economic choice if your water source is more than 1/3 mile from utility power.
A number of rural electric cooperatives across the U.S. substantiate this fact. These co-ops actively promote the use of a solar water pump because of the cost of running electric power out to these remote sites.
Where do solar water pump systems work?
Solar panels should be located in a sunny spot where no shading occurs. Altitude is not a factor, but height off the ground will affect whether or not you can keep them clear of snow, which is why we recommend pole mounts for the solar panels in our systems.
The solar panels should be tilted horizontally to get a better angle at the sun and to help shed rain and snow.
If you can adjust the solar panel seasonally, a good rule of thumb is:
- Latitude minus 15 degrees in the summer
- Latitude in the spring/fall
- Latitude plus 15 degrees in the winter