What is a Solar Pump? Working Principle, Price, and Types Explained

A solar water pump uses solar panels to generate electricity that is used to power an electric pump to draw water from nearby sources such as wells, borewells, rivers, or canals. This water can be used for irrigation, livestock watering, and the domestic supply of clean water at homes in remote or rural Indian villages. The Indian government offers farmers a subsidy under component B of the PM-KUSUM Yojana for installing standalone solar water pumps.

Solar-powered pumps function just like diesel-powered pumps, but there’s one major difference: instead of using costly diesel fuel or grid electricity, solar pumps use free solar renewable energy to operate. Hence, they’re very valuable for farmers who cannot afford expensive diesel or have limited access to grid electricity.

Also known as solar-powered irrigation systems, solar water pumps are of two main types: 

• Surface solar water pumps: They are used to draw water from shallow sources like tanks.
• Solar submersible pumps: They are used to extract underground water from deep wells. 

In this blog, we’ve explained how solar pumps work, their components and types, the available government subsidies for farmers installing standalone pumps, and solar water pump prices in India. We’ve also compared on-grid and off-grid solar systems to help homeowners in urban areas decide whether they should install off-grid solar energy systems or rooftop on-grid solar systems.

TL;DR Summary Box: Is It Worth Installing a Solar Water Pump?

Installing a solar water pump is highly beneficial for farmers living in remote Indian villages with unreliable or no grid power. It’s necessary to an extent that the central government of India offers farmers installing standalone solar pumps a subsidy under component B of the PM-KUSUM Yojana. 

The water extracted by these solar-powered irrigation systems can also be used as drinking water at homes and for livestock maintenance.

Here are the key pointers that have been covered in great detail in this blog post:

Point	Quick Takeaway
What is a solar water pump?	It’s a device that uses solar energy to extract water from rivers, wells, borewells, and tanks.
What are the types of solar water pumps?	The two primary types include surface solar water pumps and solar submersible pumps.
What are the uses of solar motor pumps?	Farmers use the water to irrigate their crops. Villages use the water for drinking and livestock watering.
What is the solar water pump price in India in 2025?	The solar pump price in India in 2025 can range from ~Rs. 70,000* for a 1 HP pump to ~Rs. 7,30,000* for a 10 HP pump.
Which is better for homeowners in urban India, standalone solar devices or on-grid solar systems that can power all home appliances?	On-grid rooftop solar systems have the best return on investment for homeowners in urban areas with a reliable grid. They can reduce electricity bills by 90% or more.

*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), installation location (surface or submersible), system design, and applicable government subsidies under schemes like PM-KUSUM. 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 Pump and How Does it Work?

Solar water pumps are devices powered by solar panels that convert sunlight into DC electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This electricity is then used to power an electric motor whose main job is to supply water to farmers for irrigation. Solar water pumps are also used to extract water for livestock watering and community water supply in remote areas with limited grid access.

The two primary types of solar-powered water pumps offered by leading solar water pump manufacturers in India are:

• Surface pumps: These are used when the water source is less than 10 meters deep.
• Solar submersible pumps: These are ideal for deeper wells or boreholes, typically up to 50-150 meters deep or more.

In order to fully understand how they work, you must also develop an understanding of what the main components of a solar pump are and what their role is.   

Components of a Solar Motor Pump

Regardless of the type of solar water pump, a typical solar-powered irrigation system consists of solar panels, an electric motor (this could be AC or DC), an optional battery storage (usually composed of lithium batteries) that can make the pump operational at night or under a cloud cover when sunlight is scarce, and piping and wiring. 

Let’s understand the role of each component properly: 

• Solar panels: They are responsible for capturing sunlight and converting it to DC power.
• Solar inverter (required only if the solar pump is AC): This converts DC power to AC power.
• Electric motor: This motor uses solar electricity to operate and draw water from surrounding water bodies. 
• Battery storage (this is entirely an optional component): Its main purpose is to store the electricity produced by solar panels for use later at night or whenever needed.
• Solar panel charge controller (required only if battery storage is included): The MPPT solar charge controller’s main duty is to regulate the electricity coming from solar panels and use it to charge the lithium batteries safely.  
• Piping and wiring: These are used to connect multiple components so they can work together seamlessly and transport water to the end destination.

Step-by-Step Working of a Solar Water Pump

A solar pump operates by converting sunlight into electrical energy through photovoltaic panels. This electricity is then used to power an electric motor connected to a water pump. 

Let’s understand the step-by-step working of a solar-powered pump:

• Step 1 – Sunlight falls on solar PV panels: Photons present in the sunlight displace electrons present in the solar cells that solar panels are made of. This flow of electrons produces an electric current in the form of DC power.
• Step 2 – Solar electricity makes the water pump operational: The DC electricity is sent to a controller (and an inverter if needed), which powers the motor. For DC motors, the power flows directly. For AC motors, a solar inverter converts the DC to AC.
• Step 3 – The solar pump starts drawing water: The motor drives a pump (surface or submersible) that extracts water from a source such as a well, river, or tank reservoir. 
• Step 4 – Extracted water is delivered to the end destination: The water drawn by the solar pump is transported through pipes to its end destination, which could be irrigating vast crop fields, supplying drinking water to homes, and delivering water for livestock watering.  

How Much Subsidy Do Farmers Get For Installing Solar Pumps?

The Component B of the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) Yojana offers farmers a subsidy for installing off-grid solar water pumps in India. 

• Financial support offered by the central government: The government will pay 30% of the total solar water pump price (whichever is lower: the standard cost or tender cost).
• Higher subsidy for certain areas: If you’re in the North East, hilly areas, Union Territories, or islands, you will get a 50% subsidy instead of 30%.

Component B of the PM-KUSUM Yojana has been designed to help farmers get affordable solar water pumps with government support so they don’t have to depend on diesel or grid electricity. Through this scheme, the government aims to install 14 lakh standalone solar pumps.

You can benefit from this subsidy scheme if you’re one of the following people or groups:

• 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 Are the Types of Solar Pumps?

Solar motor pumps are designed differently to accommodate the depth of the water source. This primary classification categorizes solar pumps into two types, surface solar pumps and solar submersible pumps. They differ in terms of the pump placement relative to the water source.

Here’s a tabulated snapshot of the key differences between these two types of solar motor pumps, which should be kept in mind when installing them:

Feature	Surface Solar Water Pumps	Solar Submersible Pumps
Water source depth	Used when water is close to the surface (under 10 meters)	Used when extracting deep underground water (50-150+ meters)
Installation location	Installed on the ground or above the water source	Installed inside the borewell or well Completely submerged in water
Ideal for what types of water sources?	Ideal for ponds, canals, tanks, or rivers	Ideal for deep wells, borewells, or tube wells
Pump type	Usually centrifugal pumps	Usually submersible motor-pump units
Suction vs pushing	Pulls (sucks) water up from the surface	Pushes water up from underground
Ease of maintenance	Easier to check, repair, or clean, as it’s above ground	Harder to access Needs removal from the well for maintenance
Initial cost	Generally less expensive	Usually more expensive due to deeper setup
Power consumption	Lower power needed due to shallower depth	Higher power needed to lift water from deep sources
Solar panel requirement	Fewer panels may be sufficient	May need more solar panels for higher power
Battery compatibility	Can be used with or without lithium batteries	Also works with or without lithium batteries, depending on need

Now, let’s learn about both types of solar water pumps in detail.

Surface Solar Water Pumps

Surface solar water pumps are installed above ground level. They’re typically very near the water source, usually at a depth of less than 10 meters. However, the maximum practical lift these pumps can offer is 7-8 meters due to atmospheric pressure limits. 

Let’s check out all the key features that make surface solar water pumps ideal for stream and river water pumping in India:

• They are easier to maintain: All components of surface water pumps are present on the surface of water; hence, they are always accessible for inspection. It makes them easier to maintain. 
• They have a lower installation cost: This basically happens because no special equipment is required to install these solar pumps.
• They offer multiple intake options: Surface solar pumps can draw water simultaneously from various water sources if the piping is of appropriate length and size.

These solar-powered pumps are ideal for drawing water from flowing surface sources like rivers and streams, moving water between storage containers, and shallow wells less than 6 meters deep.

Solar Submersible Pumps

Solar submersible pumps are installed completely underwater. They’re ideal for wells, boreholes, or deep water sources that are 50-150+ meters deep. They are designed to withstand extreme underground or underwater environmental conditions and are usually more expensive to install and maintain than surface solar pumps. 

Only solar panels and control boxes are visible at surface level; all other components of solar submersible pumps are underground. They are extremely efficient because, unlike surface solar pumps, there’s no suction lift limitation in submersible pumps. 

Their most common applications include:

• Extracting water for agricultural irrigation: Pulling water from deep underground wells to irrigate crops on farms.
• Livestock watering: Making sure animals like cows, goats, and sheep always have enough clean water to drink.
• Extracting water from domestic wells: Obtaining water from home wells for daily chores such as cooking, drinking, bathing, and cleaning.
• Water for commercial use: Supplying water for businesses or factories where it’s needed for cleaning, cooling, or making products.

Solar Pumps vs Traditional Diesel-Based Pumps

Diesel-based electric motors operate in the same manner as solar motor pumps. The only difference is the energy source they use. Diesel-based motors use polluting fossil fuels to run, or they rely on expensive grid electricity that is also polluting in nature. On the other hand, solar motor pumps use sunlight to generate electricity, which is used to operate the motor. 

Since solar energy is free, farmers find it easier to afford solar water pumps. Plus, as already listed, the government offers financial assistance to farmers installing standalone solar water pumps.

Here’s a tabulated snapshot of the main differences between diesel-based motor pumps and solar-powered pumps:

Feature	Solar Motor Pumps	Traditional Diesel-Based Electric Motor Pumps
Power source	Uses sunlight generated by solar panels	Uses 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
Initial installation cost	Higher upfront cost	Lower initial cost, but high long-term running costs
Subsidy support	Yes. 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 or greenhouse gases	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
Suitability for irrigation	Great for daily irrigation with low running cost	Good for instant or urgent irrigation, but very costly over time

What is The Solar Pump Price in India in 2025?

Solar pump prices in India vary significantly based on the manufacturer, the motor capacity, and the type of pump in question. The price can range from ~Rs. 70,000* for a 1 HP pump to ~Rs. 7,30,000* for a 10 HP pump. 

Here’s a rate list based on standard market estimates:

Power Rating of the Solar Motor Pump in Horsepower (HP)	Solar Water Pump Price in India in 2025*
1 HP	~Rs. 70,000 to ~Rs. 89,000
2 HP	~Rs. 1,60,000 to ~Rs. 1,75,000
3 HP	~Rs. 1,30,000 to ~Rs 2,40,000
5 HP	~Rs. 2,00,000 to ~Rs 3,50,000
10 HP	~Rs. 4,50,000 to ~Rs 7,30,000

*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), installation location (surface or submersible), 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 Are the Primary Uses of Solar-Powered Pumps in India?

A solar-powered irrigation system is a blessing in India’s rural and agricultural regions, especially in areas that face prolonged droughts. With access to solar water pumps, farmers can irrigate their crops consistently in remote areas with little or no grid electricity. This protects their crops during dry spells and strengthens their livelihood by reducing dependence on expensive diesel or a patchy electricity supply.

The most important uses of solar water pumps in rural areas include:

• Irrigating crops: Farmers can use solar-powered pumps to draw water from wells, ponds, or canals to irrigate their fields through drip, sprinkler, or flood irrigation methods.
• Domestic water supply at homes: In villages where piped water supply is limited or absent, solar pumps can be used to draw water from private or community wells for drinking, cooking, washing, and bathing.
• Livestock watering: Rural households that raise cattle, goats, sheep, or poultry can use solar pumps to provide a reliable and clean water source for their animals.

On-Grid vs Off-Grid Solar Systems, Which is Better For Urban Homeowners?

Installing individual solar alternatives, such as a solar-powered pump or a solar water geyser, makes sense in rural areas where the electricity grid is not available. However, when it comes to installing a rooftop solar panel for homes, housing societies, and commercial buildings in urban areas with a reliable grid connection, on-grid rooftop solar gives the best return on investment.  

Let’s give a simple estimate to prove this theory. Below, we have listed down the initial cost of installing solar at homes in Nagpur, the electricity generated annually, and the savings on-grid solar will offer over 25 years of its life:

Solar System Size and Electricity Units it Generates Annually	Solar Panel Price in Nagpur With Subsidy (Starting Price – Indicative for Base Variant)*	Solar Savings in Nagpur in 25 Years*
2 kWp – 2,800 to 2,900 units	~ Rs. 1.15 lakh	~ Rs. 11.05 lakh
3 kWp – 4,200 to 4,350 units	~ Rs. 1.32 lakh	~ Rs. 16.58 lakh
4 kWp – 5,600 to 5,800 units	~ Rs. 1.77 lakh	~ Rs. 22.11 lakh
5 kWp – 7,000 to 7,250 units	~ Rs. 2.27 lakh	~ Rs. 34.43 lakh
10 kWp – 14,000 to 14,500 units	~ 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 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.

Now, would you rather pay ~ Rs. 2.27 lakh to install a 5 kW on-grid solar system, save ~ Rs. 34.43 lakh in 25 years, and power all your home appliances, including water pumps, or invest up to ~ Rs. 3,50,000 to install just one appliance, a 5 HP off-grid solar water pump? While the latter makes sense in Indian villages, installing on-grid solar systems is the best investment in urban areas with a reliable grid connection. 

Our verdict? Opt for solar water pumps if you’re a farmer living in villages. Opt for on-grid solar in urban areas for installing:

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

Want to get an estimate of savings from solar in your city? Use SolarSquare’s Rooftop Solar Calculator to get an estimate for free. 

Conclusion

Solar-powered pumps are cost-effective solutions for farmers seeking affordable irrigation methods, especially during droughts, and for villagers requiring a reliable and consistent water supply for drinking, cleaning, bathing, and livestock watering. These solar-powered irrigation systems are financially much more viable than traditional diesel-based electric pumps. Moreover, the Indian government also offers farmers a subsidy under the PM-KUSUM Yojana.

However, if you live in urban areas with a reliable grid connection, you should opt for on-grid solar systems that can power all your appliances instead of replacing individual appliances with their solar alternatives. On-grid solar PV systems can reduce your electricity bills by at least 90% or make them zero altogether. Book a free solar consultation call with SolarSquare for further details. 

FAQs

Q1. Which solar pump is better, AC or DC?

Ans. DC solar pumps are more efficient for small-scale irrigation. They directly use solar panel power; hence, there's less energy loss, and they work well even in low-sunlight conditions. AC solar pumps are more suitable for large-scale operations and higher horsepower requirements. They are more durable, easier to repair, and often cheaper to replace compared to DC systems. Choose DC solar pumps for small farms, lower water heads, and off-grid setups. Choose AC solar water pumps for larger farms and deeper water sources.

Q2. Can a DC pump run on AC?

Ans. No, a DC pump cannot run on AC power directly. Running a DC solar-powered pump directly on AC power without proper conversion will damage the motor permanently. DC (Direct Current) pumps are designed to operate using DC electricity from solar panels or batteries.

Q3. What are the disadvantages of a solar water pumping system?

Ans. While solar pumps are eco-friendly and cost-saving, they do have a couple of limitations: High upfront cost: Solar pumps (especially high HP ones) require more investment initially. However, the government provides farmers with subsidies under the PM-KUSUM Yojana to make these pumps affordable. Sunlight dependent: Pumping efficiency drops during cloudy weather or at night. Hence, lithium batteries are often needed to store power for use at a later time.

Q4. How high can a solar pump push water?

Ans. The pumping height of a solar water pump depends on its horsepower (HP), pump type, and system design. However, research has found that certain high-power water pumps can push water to staggering heights of 1,000 feet.