What is a Solar-Powered Submersible Pump? Working, Benefits, Uses, and Features Explained 

A solar-powered submersible pump is an electric pump that uses sunlight to generate electricity in order to extract water from underground wells, borewells, and tube wells. They’re used when the underground water level is deeper than 15 meters. In rural areas without an electricity grid, these pumps are incredibly useful for depths of more than 150 meters.

Farmers can use the water extracted by submersible solar water pumps to irrigate their crops. It can also be used for livestock watering and domestic purposes, such as drinking, washing, cooking, and cleaning. These pumps are available in a wide range of capacities, ranging from 0.5 HP to 10 HP.

Unlike surface pumps, submersible solar water pumps don’t rely on suction. Since the motor is submerged, it pushes water upwards efficiently from much greater depths. In fact, many high-quality and high-horsepower submersible solar pumps are known to lift water to a height of 1,000 feet.

In this blog, you’ll learn the working and benefits of submersible solar water pumps, their cost, whether you can get a subsidy for installing them in India, their uses, advantages, and limitations, and which is better for homeowners: off-grid solar-powered water pumps or on-grid solar systems on the roof that can power all household appliances, including water pumps.  

TL;DR Summary Box: Is It Worth Installing a Solar-Powered Submersible Pump?

Installing a submersible solar water pump is economically very beneficial for villages with unreliable or no grid electricity. When farmers use solar-powered submersible pumps to irrigate crops, they are essentially saying yes to zero operating cost as solar energy is free and saying no to expensive diesel and scarcely available grid electricity. 

Here are the key details about solar submersible pumps that you will learn in this blog:

Feature	Quick Takeaways
What is a solar-powered submersible pump?	A water pump that runs on solar electricity and is fully submerged in a borewell or well to lift water for irrigation or domestic use in villages.
What is the cost of solar submersible pumps in India?	~Rs. 1,25,000* for a 1 HP DC submersible solar pump to ~Rs. 5,50,000* for a 10 HP DC submersible solar pump.
Is there any subsidy for installing standalone solar submersible pumps?	Yes. Farmers receive a subsidy under Component B of the PM-KUSUM Yojana.
What are the advantages of solar submersible pumps?	Zero fuel costs, reliable in areas with no electricity grid, low maintenance, environment-friendly, and long operational life.
What are the disadvantages of solar-powered water pumps?	High upfront cost, dependent on sunlight, and limited output on cloudy days.
Which is better for homeowners, on-grid rooftop solar systems or single solar-powered appliances like solar pumps?	On-grid rooftop systems for homes are more versatile as they power multiple appliances and feed excess electricity to the grid.  Solar water pumps are ideal for agriculture-specific use.

*Please note: The solar water pump prices mentioned above are indicative estimates based on publicly available market data as of 2025. Actual solar water pump prices can vary significantly based on the brand or manufacturer, motor type (AC or DC), power rating (HP), system design, and applicable government subsidies under schemes like PM-KUSUM Yojana. These rates are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as an official quotation or offer. SolarSquare does not manufacture, sell, or install solar water pumps. We do not earn commission or revenue from any pump vendors, nor do we endorse any specific brand.

What is a Solar-Powered Submersible Pump?

A solar-powered submersible pump is an incredibly cost-effective, sustainable water pump that uses the photovoltaic effect to generate clean, non-polluting electricity from sunlight. The DC electricity the solar panels produce is used in either of the two ways:

• DC solar electricity from solar panels is used directly: These are DC-powered submersible solar water pumps that use direct current to operate. 
• An inverter converts DC power to AC power: These are AC-powered submersible solar water pumps that require an inverter to first convert DC power to AC power, which is then used by the motor to lift water from deep wells.

Not all solar-powered submersible pumps are equally powerful. The higher their horsepower (HP), the better their water lifting efficiency is, the deeper they can be installed, and the more they will cost you. Most elite solar water pump manufacturers in India make these pumps in capacities ranging from 0.5 HP to 10 HP.

Why Are These Pumps Called Submersible?

These solar-powered water pumps are called submersible due to one simple fact: the pump and its motor are both fully submerged in water. 

Unlike surface solar pumps that remain installed above the ground and pull water upward through suction, solar submersible pumps are present underground and push water to the surface rather than pulling it. Hence, they’re ideal for deep water sources like wells, borewells, or tube wells in villages. 

How Do Submersible Solar Water Pumps Work?

Multiple components in a solar-powered submersible pump work together in perfect rhythm to extract water from deep water sources. The main components include solar panels, an MPPT charge controller, lithium batteries (optional), a DC or AC water pump, and pipes and wires for distributing the water to its end destination.  

Before we can walk you through the step-by-step working of submersible solar water pumps, let’s give you clarity on the role of each component:

• Solar panels are installed on the ground or roofs: These panels are made up of solar PV cells that capture sunlight to generate electricity in the form of direct current (DC). Hence, they are installed in an open area with direct sunlight. 
• MPPT solar charge controller: It regulates the voltage and current from the solar panels and maximizes power output. Its main job is to ensure the pump motor receives stable power, especially under fluctuating sunlight conditions when it gets cloudy.
• The motor is installed underground or underwater: The charge controller directs electricity generated by panels to start the motor that’s placed underground. Once the motor is powered, it starts lifting water from underground wells.
• Optional lithium batteries to store excessive electricity: Batteries (usually lithium-based) store excess solar renewable energy during the day. This allows the pump to operate at night or during periods of low sunlight.
• Pipes: Once the water is extracted, it is transported to its end destination via pipes.

Advanced solar submersible water pumps include safety features like dry-run protection, float sensors, or automatic shutdown mechanisms to prevent damage to the motor when underground water levels are low.

Now, let’s check out how solar-powered submersible pumps work step-by-step.

Step-by-Step Working of Solar-Powered Submersible Pumps

The basic working principle of solar submersible pumps is to use solar electricity to power a motor which is submerged underwater. 

Here’s how water gets extracted:

• Step 1 – Solar panels produce electricity: Unlike diesel-based electric motors that require fuel or grid electricity to function, solar submersible pumps use electricity generated by solar panels to get the pump running.
• Step 2 – The controller optimizes power flow to the motor: In DC pump systems, the MPPT charge controller sends regulated DC power directly to the motor. In AC pump systems, the DC power passes through an inverter, which converts DC to AC.
• Step 3 – The motor lifts the water: The submerged motor has an impeller that uses centrifugal force to push the water upward through pipes.
• Step 4 – Pipes take the extracted water to its final destination: The water is directed through pipes to fields for irrigation, tanks for livestock watering, or homes for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Is There a Subsidy For Installing Solar Submersible Pumps?

The central government of India has specially designed the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) Yojana to help Indian farmers get cheaper and reliable renewable energy alternatives in place of expensive fossil-fuel-based power supply. 

Under component B of the PM-KUSUM Yojana, farmers get a subsidy for installing standalone solar-powered water pumps:

• How much financial support does the government offer? The central government pays 30% of the total cost of the solar water pump (whichever is lower: the standard cost or tender cost).
• Is there any special provision for certain states? If you’re in the North East, hilly areas, Union Territories, or islands, you will get a 50% subsidy instead of 30%.

Please note: The government aims to install 14 lakh off-grid solar water pumps in rural India under the PM-KUSUM scheme.

If you’re any one of the following people or groups, you can avail of a subsidy for installing solar-powered submersible pumps in India:

• Individual farmers
• A group of farmers
• Water User Associations (WUA)
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO)
• Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS)
• Anyone involved in cluster-based irrigation systems

What is the Cost Of Solar-Powered Submersible Pumps in India in 2025? 

Top manufacturers offer solar submersible water pumps at different rates. The rates can range from ~Rs. 1,25,000* for a 1 HP (horsepower) solar submersible pump to ~Rs. 5,50,000* for a 10 HP (horsepower) solar submersible pump.

Here’s a snapshot of the prices of solar submersible pumps in India purely based on standard market estimates:

Power Rating of the Solar-Powered Submersible Pumps in Horsepower (HP)	Solar Submersible Pump Price in India in 2025*
1 HP	~Rs. 1,25,000
2 HP	~Rs. 1,50,000
3 HP	~Rs. 2,50,000
5 HP	~Rs. 3,50,000
7.5 HP	~Rs. 4,50,000
10 HP	~Rs. 5,50,000

*Please note: The solar water pump prices mentioned in the section above are indicative estimates based on publicly available market data as of 2025. Actual solar water pump prices can vary significantly based on the brand or manufacturer, motor type (AC or DC), power rating (HP), system design, and applicable government subsidies under schemes like PM-KUSUM Yojana. These rates are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as an official quotation or offer. SolarSquare does not manufacture, sell, or install solar water pumps. We do not earn commission or revenue from any pump vendors, nor do we endorse any specific brand.

Features Offered by Top Solar-Powered Submersible Pump Manufacturers in India

Some notable submersible solar pump manufacturers in India include Tata Power Limited, Shakti Pumps, CRI Pumps, and Lubi Industries. 

Leading manufacturers typically design their pumps to offer:

• High water discharge (LPD – Liters Per Day).
• A greater shut-off dynamic head so that the water can be lifted from deeper sources.
• Reliable long-term performance of 25+ years under rural or off-grid conditions.

A typical good-quality solar submersible water pump will have the following features:

Features	1 HP DC Submersible Solar Pump	3 HP DC Submersible Solar Pump	5 HP DC Submersible Solar Pump	10 HP DC Submersible Solar Pump
PV array size in Wp (required size of solar panels to run the motor)	1,200	3,000	4,800	9,000
Total dynamic head or the vertical height in meter	30	50	50	50
Shut-off dynamic head in meter	45	75	70	70
Total volume of water that the pump can deliver each day in liters (Water discharge LPD)	45,600 @ 30 meters head	1,14,000 @ 30 meters head	1,10,400 @ 50 meters head	2,07,000 @ 50 meters head

Please note: The specifications listed above are based on standard market estimates and can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. SolarSquare does not manufacture, sell, or install solar water pumps. We do not earn commission or revenue from any pump vendors, nor do we endorse any specific brand.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Submersible Water Pumps?

Solar-powered submersible pumps are cost-effective solutions for farmers in Indian villages where either grid electricity is not available or diesel-based electric pumps turn out to be too expensive in the long run. In both cases, solar water pumps offer the much-needed relief and ensure a reliable water supply to irrigate crops, water livestock, and meet domestic water supply requirements. 

Despite its numerous benefits, solar submersible water pumps are expensive to install. That’s one of their major limitations. Let’s explore all the advantages and disadvantages in detail.

Top Advantages of Solar-Powered Submersible Pumps

Solar-powered submersible pumps do not emit greenhouse gasses. But that’s not all. Let’s explore all their advantages in detail: 

• They’re eco-friendly: Submersible solar water pumps do not emit harmful pollutants, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pumps.
• They have a low operating cost: Submersible solar water pumps are cost-effective as they rely on solar energy, which is free and abundant. This reduces the operational costs and saves money in the long run.
• These are low-maintenance devices: Unlike diesel-based electric pumps with multiple moving parts, solar submersible pumps require minimal maintenance because they have fewer moving parts. This reduces the maintenance costs and the downtime for repairs.

Limitations of Submersible Solar Water Pumps

Despite low operational cost, these pumps require significant installation investment, which can range in lakhs of rupees. To address this limitation and make solar submersible pumps more affordable for rural India, the government provides farmers installing standalone solar pumps with a subsidy under the PM-KUSUM Yojana.

Despite the initial investment cost, installing solar submersible pumps is a win-win situation for farmers because of the following benefits these pumps offer over traditional diesel-based pumps:

Feature	Solar Motor Pumps	Traditional Diesel-Based Electric Motor Pumps
Power source	Uses sunlight generated by solar panels, which is free	Uses expensive diesel or electricity from the grid
Running cost	Almost zero after installation because sunlight is free	High ongoing cost in the form of affording diesel fuel or paying hefty electricity bills
Subsidy support	The government offers farmers a subsidy under the PM-KUSUM Yojana to make solar pumps affordable	No subsidy offered
Availability in remote areas and Indian villages	Ideal for off-grid or remote areas with no electricity	Not suitable in areas with poor grid supply or no fuel access
Maintenance requirement	Low maintenance because of fewer moving parts and no fuel engine	Frequent maintenance required due to engine wear and oil changes
Impact on the environment	Eco-friendly as it does not cause pollution	Pollutes air heavily Releases carbon emissions and noise
Lifespan	Long lifespan of 10-20 years With proper care, they can last for over 30 years	Comparatively shorter lifespan of around 10 years
Noise level	Silent operation Causes zero noise pollution	Noisy due to fuel engine or motor vibration

What Are the Uses of Solar-Powered Submersible Pumps?

Submersible solar water pumps can be used for a variety of applications, such as:

1. Irrigation: They can pump water from deep underground wells and provide a reliable and cost-effective water source for irrigation.
2. Drinking water: Submersible solar pumps can extract water from deep underground wells or boreholes, offering a safe drinking water source for both families and larger communities.
3. Livestock watering: These can be used to provide a reliable water source for livestock.
4. Aquaculture: Solar-powered submersible pumps can be used to pump water in fish ponds and other aquaculture applications. 
5. Flood control: Submersible solar water pumps can also be used for flood control. They can be actively deployed to pump water from flooded areas and redirect it to safer locations.

On-Grid Rooftop Solar Systems or Solar Submersible Pumps, Which is Better for Homeowners in Urban India?

While installing solar-powered submersible pumps makes a lot of sense for farmers and communities in villages where grid electricity is not present, if you live in urban cities with a reliable grid connection and your main aim behind going solar is to reduce your electricity bills, then spending lakhs of rupees to install a single appliance with its solar alternative won’t give the return on investment you may expect.

On the other hand, installing a rooftop solar panel for homes will break even in 3-5 years, resulting in savings of tens of lakhs of rupees over the system’s 25-year lifespan. When sized properly, on-grid rooftop solar systems can power every single appliance in homes, including water pumps. The end result is electricity bills reduced by at least 90%.

Let’s give you an example of estimated solar installation cost in Nagpur vs savings you’ll make by choosing SolarSquare’s on-grid rooftop solar systems:

Solar System Size	Solar Panel Price in Nagpur With Subsidy (Starting Price – Indicative for Base Variant)*	Solar Savings in Nagpur in 25 Years*
2 kWp	~ Rs. 1.15 lakh	~ Rs. 11.05 lakh
3 kWp	~ Rs. 1.32 lakh	~ Rs. 16.58 lakh
4 kWp	~ Rs. 1.77 lakh	~ Rs. 22.11 lakh
5 kWp	~ Rs. 2.27 lakh	~ Rs. 34.43 lakh
10 kWp	~ Rs. 5.02 lakh	~ Rs. 68.86 lakh

*Please note: The above-mentioned solar panel price is indicative as of 5th August 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The final cost of installing an on-grid rooftop solar panel system at home depends on your DISCOM charges, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change. Additionally, while calculating savings, we have considered the annual tariff escalation at 3% and the annual degradation at 1%. The actual final savings from solar panel installation depend on the types of solar panels you’ve installed and their efficiency, intensity of sunlight your rooftop receives, orientation of the panels and tilt angle, the pollution level and weather conditions in your city, the temperature, shadow on the roof, impact of dirt/dust, and how well you maintain your panels after installation.

Not from Nagpur, but curious to see how much money SolarSquare’s solar systems can save for you in 25 years? Use our rooftop solar calculator to get an estimate for free.

So, when to opt for solar-powered submersible pumps? If you’re a farmer in Indian villages with no to very low grid electricity support available.

On the other hand, on-grid solar systems are ideal for installing:

• Rooftop solar panel systems for homes
• Rooftop solar for housing societies
• Commercial rooftop solar systems for offices and industries

Conclusion

Submersible solar water pumps are a game-changer in the agricultural sector of India. They are an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to provide clean and reliable water in rural and remote areas. 

With the PM-KUSUM scheme, the government of India aims to promote the use of renewable energy sources in the agricultural sector and provide farmers with a reliable and cost-effective energy source for irrigation.  

For those of you looking to install rooftop solar panel systems for homes, housing societies, or industries and commercial complexes in urban areas with a reliable grid connection, on-grid rooftop solar is the best choice. Book a free solar consultation with SolarSquare to get all the details. 

FAQs

Q1. Can a submersible pump run on solar power?

Ans. Yes, a submersible pump can absolutely run on solar power. These are known as solar-powered submersible pumps. They use electricity generated by solar panels to operate the motor placed underwater. These pumps are particularly useful in rural or off-grid areas where the electricity supply is inconsistent or unavailable.

Q2. How many solar panels are required for a submersible pump?

Ans. This depends on the horsepower of the pump. Let’s give you an example calculation for a solar-powered DC water pump of 3 HP. It requires a solar array of approximately 3,000 Wp to run these pumps. If 330-watt solar panels are being used, it would require approximately 9 solar panels to power this motor.

Q3. What is the subsidy for a solar submersible pump?

Ans. Farmers receive a subsidy of 30% of the solar pump’s cost (or whichever is lower: the standard cost or tender cost) under the PM-KUSUM Yojana for installing off-grid solar water pumps.

Q4. What are off-grid solar systems?

Ans. Off-grid solar PV systems are known as standalone energy systems as they are not connected to the utility grid. Instead, they store excess solar energy in a battery bank. This stored power can be used at night. However, homeowners and housing societies benefit more from on-grid solar systems as they are significantly cheaper than off-grid solar energy systems, and the government offers a subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana specifically for on-grid rooftop solar, not off-grid solar.