A solar borehole pump runs straight from solar panels, with no Eskom connection, no diesel and no batteries. Choosing the right one comes down to two numbers: how high it must lift the water (head) and how much water you need each day (flow).

Step 1: Work out your total head

Head is the total height the pump must push water, in metres:

• the depth from the ground to the water level in the borehole (not the pump depth), plus
• the height of your tank stand or the highest outlet, plus
• about 10% extra for friction in the pipes, more for long pipe runs.

Example: water level at 50m, a 6m tank stand and a 10% friction allowance give a total head of about 62m.

Step 2: Work out the water you need

As a rough guide, a household uses 150–250 litres per person per day. Livestock and irrigation need far more. A solar pump only runs in daylight, so divide your daily need by about 6 sunny hours to get the flow rate in litres per hour.

Step 3: Pick a pump with headroom

A pump's flow drops sharply as it gets close to its maximum head. Choose a pump whose maximum head is comfortably above your total head, and check its pump curve at your head. Most of our pump pages include the curve as a PDF.

Screw pump or centrifugal pump?

• Screw-type (positive displacement): low power, good lift, steady low flow. Ideal for households and small livestock. Our range covers 56m (PUSC56), 77m (PUSC77) and 110m (PUSC10).
• Centrifugal: higher flow for gardens, irrigation and larger herds. Options include 47m (PUBO47, up to 3,000 L/h), 70m (PUBO70, up to 150 L/min), 95m (PUBO95), 123m (PUBO123), 140m (PUBO140, up to 6,000 L/h) and 203m (PUBO203) for very deep boreholes.
• Solar or AC (PUIN): runs on solar during the day and on AC power when you need water at night or in bad weather.

Panels and installation tips

Each pump comes with its own controller. Ask us for the right number of panels for your pump and head. Fit a float switch in the tank so the pump stops when it's full, and a dry-run sensor protects the pump if the borehole level drops.

See all options in our borehole pump range or read the borehole pump technical guide. Send us your water level, tank height and daily water need, and we will recommend the right pump.

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