In India, most farmers depend on the monsoon or a grid-powered tube well, a solar water In India, most farmers depend on the monsoon or a grid-powered tube well; a solar water pumping system can be a game-changer.

A solar water pumping system reduces electricity bills considerably. It is highly reliable and durable. It doesn’t need any kind of fuel or electricity, and it’s easy to operate and maintain.

We’ve researched and found almost all the answers you need to know before buying a solar water pumping system for your farm.

What is Solar Water Pumping system?

A solar water pumping system consists of a submersible or surface pump powered by solar panels. These pumps may work on Alternating Current(AC) and Direct Current(DC) regardless of the type of solar panels, as the pumping system comes with a built-in inverter.

CC: IndiaMart            

Below is a detailed diagram of a solar water pumping system with an inverter and other important devices:

CC: Research Gate

How Does A Solar Water Pumping System Work?

A solar water pumping system utilizes solar energy to power water pumps. It operates through a series of components that work synergistically to pump water using solar power efficiently.

To understand the workings of a Solar Water Pumping System, we must know its components.

Components of a Solar Water Pumping System:

1. Solar Panels:

Solar panels are the heart of the system. The photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity using semiconductor materials like silicon.

2. Controller:

The controller manages the flow of electricity from the solar panels to the pump. It regulates the voltage and current to optimize the pump’s performance and protects it from overloading or underperformance due to variations in sunlight.

3. Pump:

The pump, which can be either a submersible pump or a surface pump, is powered by the electricity generated by the solar panels. It draws water from a source and pushes it through pipelines for use.

4. Pipes

Pipes will help transport water from the source to the storage tank or distribution system. You can use high-quality materials like PVC, polyethylene, or stainless steel to minimize friction losses and guarantee efficient flow.

5. Storage Tank (Optional):

In some setups, a storage tank stores excess water pumped during peak sunlight hours. This stored water can be utilized during periods of low sunlight or high demand

6. Inverters:

Inverters are important in solar water pump systems. They transform DC output into AC, which powers off-grid networks and electrical grids. This makes them essential for various electrical devices.

7. Batteries (Optional):

Batteries are not necessary to operate a solar water pumping system but can be used to store electricity when not fully used. The stored battery can be utilized on days without sunlight.

Working Principle:

When sunlight falls on the solar panels, they generate DC electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The generated electricity is then channeled to the controller, which optimizes the power output and sends it to the pump.

The pump types, which can be either a submersible pump or a surface pump, are powered by the electricity from the solar panels. They draw water from a source and move it through the pipelines to the required destination. The water’s flow rate and pressure depend on the pump’s specifications and available sunlight.

Benefits of Solar Water Pumps

Here’s a list outlining the major benefits of a solar water pumping system:

1. Energy Efficiency:

Solar water pumping systems harness abundant sunlight to generate electricity, eliminating the need for grid power or fossil fuels. In the long run, a huge amount of capital can be saved by exploiting the efficiency of solar-powered systems.

2. Cost Savings:

By utilizing free solar energy, these systems offer substantial long-term cost savings compared to conventional fuel-powered pumps. Once installed, the ongoing operational expenses are minimal.

3. Reliability:

Solar water pumping systems provide a dependable water supply in places where the electricity grid is not trustworthy

4. Low Maintenance:

With fewer moving parts and simple designs, solar water pumps typically require minimal maintenance, reducing operational hassles and costs.

5. Longevity and Durability:

Quality solar water pumping systems are designed for durability, with components built to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring a longer lifespan.

6. Flexibility in Installation:

Solar water pumps can be installed in diverse terrains and locations, providing flexibility in deployment without the need for extensive infrastructure.

7. Environment-friendly:

By utilizing solar power to pump water, solar water pumps better contribute to the environment by using available resources.

8. Government Incentives:

The government offers huge incentives and subsidies for purchasing solar-powered systems, making them more financially appealing for users.

9. Revolutionized Agriculture:

Agriculture sustains millions of livelihoods in India. Solar pumps are essential in ensuring regular water supply for irrigation and thus increase productivity in agriculture. 

10. Sustainable water management:

 Judicious use of water is provided in solar pumps that help to regulate the distribution and scheduling of water usage.

11. Empowers Rural region:

Solar pumps in rural India are revolutionizing the socio-economic landscape by providing a secure water supply for consumption, sanitation, and irrigation, overcoming electricity access challenges.

Cost of Solar Water Pump

The cost of solar water pumps in India varies depending on the technology used, capacity, and features. On average, the price of a surface solar water pump ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹2.5 lakhs, while the cost of a submersible solar water pump ranges from ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹3.5 lakhs.

The cost of a floating solar water pump ranges from ₹ 3 lakhs to ₹ 10 lakhs. Although the initial cost of solar water pumps is higher than traditional diesel pumps, their operating costs are much lower, reducing farmers’ risk of price fluctuations. 

The government of India provides subsidies to promote the use of solar water pumps, ranging from 30% to 60% of the project’s total cost, depending on the location and type of pump.

Here is a list of various reputed suppliers of solar water pumping systems, along with a cost estimate:

Company	Type	Capacity	Cost Range (Approx.)
Tata Power Solar	Submersible	1 HP to 10 HP	INR 75,000 – INR 6,30,000
Kirloskar Solar	Surface/Submersible	3 HP	INR 1,60,000
Shakti Pumps	Submersible	0.5 HP to 100 HP	INR 35,000 onwards
Jain Irrigation Systems	Surface/Submersible	0.5 HP to 50 HP	INR 95,000 onwards
Crompton	Submersible	1 HP to 10 HP	INR 79,475 onwards

Along with that, you can also check the costing of Solar water pump on the government website: https://pmkusum.mnre.gov.in/State_PumpCost.html

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar water pumps ?

Advantages:

1. Low maintenance cost:

Solar water pumping systems require less maintenance than traditional motor pumps, saving costs and labor. They run on solar energy, requiring fewer moving parts and reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

2. Reduction in carbon emissions:

Solar water pumps, powered by clean solar energy, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, promoting environmental conservation and improved air quality.

3. Long term investment:

 While the upfront cost may be a barrier, solar water pumps are a cheaper long-term option due to no ongoing fuel costs and low maintenance, making them a sound investment.

4. Reliable:

 Solar water pumps provide reliable water supply solutions, even in remote or challenging environments. With proper design and installation, they ensure continuous access despite power outages and grid failures

Disadvantages:

1. High cost:

Solar pumping systems are costlier than diesel solutions, but when considering fuel and maintenance charges, they are much cheaper than other pumping systems.

2. Risk of theft:

Solar panels, especially in remote or unsecured locations, have a risk of theft. It is important to implement robust security measures to safeguard this investment

3.  Lower output in cloudy weather:

Solar water pumps rely on sunlight, which can be affected by weather fluctuations. Adequate sunlight is necessary for optimal performance, especially during cloudy weather. Low output can result from insufficient sun exposure.

Use of Solar Water Pumps

1. Agriculture Irrigation:

Solar water pumps are extensively used for irrigation in agriculture, providing a reliable and sustainable water supply for crops.

2. Rural water supply:

Solar water pumps provide clean water for drinking and domestic use in rural areas, where access to grid electricity may be limited.

3. Livestock watering:

They supply water for livestock, ensuring a constant and reliable water source for animals in remote locations.

4. Off grid water solutions:

Solar water pumps provide sustainable solutions for homes, cabins, farms, and industrial sites, eliminating the need for grid electricity or diesel generators.

PM-Kusum Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in February 2019. It aims to reduce pollution and improve farmers’ incomes. It also provides energy and water security for farmers.

The scheme aims to install 30,800 MW of solar capacity with a total central financial support of Rs. 34,422 Crore.

Objectives and Salient Features

The PM-KUSUM scheme has three main objectives:

• Reduce environmental pollution
• Double farmers’ incomes
• Ensure energy and water security for farmers

Some salient features of the scheme include:

• Individual farmers can install solar power plants on their barren land.
• Electricity Distribution Companies are expected to buy this power and generate income for farmers who have put up these plants.
• This involves installing mini solar generators and on-grid solar pumps under this scheme.
• PM-KUSUM has a provision to support USPC controllers, which allows electrical appliances other than pumps to run on the solar setup as a secondary use.

Challenges and Underutilization

Despite its potential, the PM-KUSUM scheme has faced challenges and underutilization. The COVID-19 pandemic derailed its execution, pushing it to March 2026.

Additionally, the underutilization of off-grid and standalone solar pumps remains a challenge.

Impact and Results Framework

Multiple organizations and agencies track the PM-KUSUM Scheme’s overall progress. Nevertheless, they neglect these policies’ effect on the beneficiaries, crop types, the amount borrowed, and even water use.

Implementing agencies can use a results framework. This framework displays the direct and indirect transformation of each of his countries or places. It adopts a comprehensive process that enables easy understanding of PM- KUSUM elements. The model features dimensions of feasibility, implementation, and evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions