How many solar panels for a 1 HP water pump?
A 1 HP (746 W) pump needs roughly 1,000 W of solar (1.3× motor wattage for starting surge and continuous operation). That's 2 × 540W panels = 1080W. Our calculator adjusts for pump type, phase, and lift head.
What is PM-KUSUM subsidy?
PM-KUSUM Component B provides 60% subsidy for standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps (30% central + 30% state). Farmers pay 40% (30% bank loan + 10% margin). Eligible HP: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7.5, 10. Application goes through state agricultural department or UPNEDA (in UP).
How much water can a solar pump deliver per day?
Depends on pump HP and lift head. A 2 HP pump at 30m head delivers ~30,000-40,000 L/day over 6 hrs of sun. A 5 HP pump at 50m head delivers ~80,000-1,00,000 L/day. Our calculator estimates daily output using pump hydraulic power formulas.
Submersible vs surface solar pump — which do I need?
Submersible for borewells deeper than 30 ft — pump sits inside the water column. Surface / mono-block for open wells, rivers, or tanks with water within 20 ft of ground level. Surface pumps are 20-30% cheaper but can't prime from deep.
Can a solar pump run without batteries?
Yes, and that's the standard design. DC-to-AC variable frequency drive (VFD) varies pump speed based on available sun. No batteries needed. This is why PM-KUSUM pumps are relatively cheap compared to off-grid home solar.
How long does a solar pump last?
Panels: 25-year warranty, 30+ year real life. VFD/controller: 10-15 years. Pump motor: 7-15 years depending on water quality. Hard/silty water wears pump impellers faster. Annual maintenance (₹2,000-5,000) keeps the system running reliably.
What HP solar pump for 1 acre farming?
1 acre paddy = ~60,000 L/day water needs. A 3 HP pump with 30m borewell head handles this easily. For 2-5 acre farms, go 5 HP; 5-10 acres, 7.5 HP. Our calculator outputs daily flow so you can match to your crop water requirement.
Can I run a solar pump at night?
Only if you add a battery + inverter — expensive and rarely needed for irrigation. Most farmers use overhead storage tanks: pump fills the tank during the day, water flows by gravity at night. 10,000 L tank costs ~₹40,000 vs ₹1.5-2 lakh for battery bank.