Solar Water Pump Calculator

Size a solar array for water pumping applications.

Static lift + pipe friction losses
Depth to water
Level drop when pumping

Pump Sizing Formula

Hydraulic Power (W) = Q x H x 9.81 / 3600
Q = Flow (L/hr), H = Head (m)

Pump Power = Hydraulic Power / Efficiency
Array Size = Daily Wh / Sun Hours / 0.8

Typical Pump Efficiencies

Pump Type Efficiency Best For
Submersible50-65%Deep wells (50-600ft)
Helical Rotor40-60%High head, low flow
Surface Pump55-70%Shallow wells (<25ft)
Centrifugal60-75%High flow, low head

Water Requirements Guide

Application Daily Usage
Household (per person)50-100 gal
Cattle (per head)15-30 gal
Horses (per head)10-15 gal
Sheep/Goats (per head)2-4 gal
Drip Irrigation (per acre)500-1500 gal