How to Stop Powering Borehole Pumps with KPLC: Solar Pumping Sizing Guide
Whether you manage an agricultural farm in Kiambu County, a commercial residential development in Ruiru, or an off-grid country estate, powering a submersible borehole pump with grid electricity or diesel generators is becoming unsustainable.
By converting your borehole system to dedicated solar power, you eliminate recurring power bills while ensuring reliable daily water yield.
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How Solar Water Pumping Works Without Batteries
Unlike home energy systems that rely on expensive chemical batteries, a direct solar pumping system uses a specialized Solar Pump Inverter (VFD)—such as a Veichi driver—to power the AC or DC pump motor directly from solar panels.
┌─────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────┐ │ Solar PV Array │ ────► │ Solar Pump Inverter │ ────► │ Submersible Pump │ ────► Water Storage │ (Direct Sunlight)│ │ (Veichi VFD Driver) │ │ (Borehole / Sump)│ Tank (Gravity) └─────────────────┘ └──────────────────────┘ └──────────────────┘
Instead of storing electricity in batteries, you store water in overhead tanks. This drastically lowers capital expenditure while extending equipment lifespan.
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Standard Solar Pumping Configurations
1. Small Farm / Domestic Borehole (1HP to 3HP Pump) * **Daily Output:** 10,000 – 25,000 Liters * **Pumping Head:** Up to 80 Meters * **Solar Requirements:** 1.5kW to 4kW Panel Array + 2.2kW Solar Pump Inverter
2. Commercial Irrigation / Estate Water Supply (5.5HP to 10HP Pump) * **Daily Output:** 40,000 – 100,000+ Liters * **Pumping Head:** 100 – 200+ Meters * **Solar Requirements:** 7.5kW to 12kW Panel Array + 7.5kW/11kW 3-Phase Pump Controller
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3 Essential Rules for Sizing a Solar Pump
- Calculate the Total Dynamic Head (TDH): This includes the vertical distance from the water table to the top of your tank, plus friction loss in the pipework.
- Account for Inrush Current: Electric motors require up to 3x their rated running power when starting up. Your solar pump inverter must handle this surge gracefully.
- Use Solar Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): VFD controllers adjust motor speed based on solar intensity, allowing your pump to start early in the morning and shut down safely at dusk without motor damage.
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Convert Your Existing Pump to Solar
You don't need to replace your existing AC submersible pump to switch to solar. A retrofit solar pump drive can interface directly with your installed equipment.
> Need an exact sizing calculation for your depth and volume requirements? > **Visit our site office for a tailored system sizing analysis.