A steady and reliable water supply has become one of Zimbabwe’s biggest challenges as rainfall patterns grow less predictable each year. If you have already drilled a borehole or are planning to, you’re likely considering different water-pumping options and wondering whether investing in a solar-powered system is really worthwhile.
This article explains how solar water pumps function, compares their efficiency to electric or diesel models, outlines their expected lifespan, and helps you decide whether they fit your needs.
How Do Solar Pumps Work?
A solar water pumping system converts sunlight directly into the energy needed to move water from a source to a point of use. The main parts typically include:
- Solar panels: capture sunlight and convert it to DC electricity.
- Pump and motor: draw water from a borehole, well, or other source and send it through the system.
- Controller or inverter: manages voltage and frequency, ensuring the motor runs efficiently.
- Storage tank or elevated reservoir: stores water pumped during the day for later use.
- Support structures and wiring: keep the system secure and connected.
In Zimbabwe, most systems are direct-drive setups without batteries, where the pump works when the sun is shining. During the day, water is pumped into a tank, which then supplies water by gravity at night or during cloudy periods.
How Effective Are Solar Water Pumps?
Zimbabwe enjoys high solar irradiation and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. These conditions make solar powered pumps a practical and cost-effective alternative to diesel or grid-powered systems — especially in rural or off-grid communities.
Solar pumps work particularly well when:
- Water sources are within manageable depths or accessible from the surface.
- Water demand occurs mostly during daylight hours, such as for irrigation or livestock.
- Grid power is unreliable or unavailable.
In such cases, solar pumps can outperform traditional options, offering consistent performance and freedom from electricity cuts or fuel shortages.
Example A – Large Scale Irrigation Project
On a large commercial farm just outside Harare, the owner installs a 3HP solar powered pump system with a 2 kW solar array and 10,000 L tank to irrigate 4 ha of market gardening produce (tomatoes, peppers, cabbages) in a region prone to erratic rainfall.
The design allows the farmer to irrigate year-round rather than only in the rainy season. Within one year, crop yield increases and fuel/diesel costs (for an earlier generator-powered system) drops to near zero. The reliability of water access allows the farmer to contract supply to a local supermarket. The payoff period was estimated at 3-4 years.
Example B – Medium Scale Broiler Chicken Project
A broiler poultry farmer in Gweru installs a 1.5 HP solar pump with a 1 kW panel array and 5,000 L storage tank. The pump supplies clean borehole water for 1,000 birds, cleaning systems, and drinking troughs. Previously the farm relied on a generator during outages.
With solar, the farmer reports significantly reduced water supply interruptions, lower operational cost, and easier daily routines. With reliable water flow, the farm improves bird health and reduces mortality rates. The lead-time to recoup the investment is estimated at 4 years.
Example C – Residential Home Use
In a Bulawayo suburb affected by extended water shedding (often over 120 hours/week of no municipal supply), a household installed a borehole with a small solar powered pump system connected to a JoJo tank. The system has a 0.75 HP pump and a 600 W solar array.
During dry weeks when municipal supply fails, the household still has water for drinking, washing and gardening. The homeowners peace of mind has improved dramatically; they no longer rely on tanker deliveries or expensive generator water pumps. The system cost was higher initially than a simple electric pump, but the independence from water-supply uncertainty and reduced hassle made it “worth it” for them.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Solar Water Pump
Advantages
- Long-term savings: Solar pumps eliminate recurring fuel or grid-electricity costs.
- Reliable in off-grid settings: Ideal for remote farms and homesteads.
- Low maintenance: Few moving parts mean reduced servicing needs.
- Improved productivity: Reliable water access boosts crop and livestock performance.
Disadvantages
- High upfront cost: Initial investment is greater than with a diesel or grid-powered system.
- Weather dependence: Performance may drop on cloudy or rainy days without sufficient storage.
- Design sensitivity: Incorrect sizing or poor installation reduces efficiency.
- Security risks: Solar panels and components may be targeted for theft if not secured properly.
Solar Water Pump vs Electricity (Grid)
If you compare a solar powered pump with a standard electrically powered pump (grid or diesel) in Zimbabwe, consider:
- Electric grid pump: Lower initial cost if grid power is available, but subject to load-shedding, high electricity tariffs, outages, surges and brownouts. Will likely require diesel backup and become expensive.
- Solar pump: Higher initial cost, but independent of load-shedding or outages, no recurring fuel cost, very low operating cost.
Feature | Solar Pump | Grid / Diesel Pump |
Initial Cost | Higher | Lower |
Running Cost | Minimal (no fuel or electricity bills) | High (fuel, tariffs, maintenance) |
Reliability | Works independently of the grid | Affected by outages and load-shedding |
Maintenance | Low | Moderate to high |
Best Use Case | Off-grid, remote, or unreliable supply areas | Urban areas with stable power |
For urban users in cities like Harare or Bulawayo, dealing with frequent water supply cuts and unreliable municipal systems, a solar pump plus tank can give you water independence. For rural users not connected to the grid, solar often is the only viable option.
In many Zimbabwean farms, the total cost of ownership of a solar pump over 5-10 years begins to beat a diesel or grid-electric system especially when you factor outages, fuel, maintenance and downtime.
How Long Do Solar Pumps Last?
A properly designed solar pumping system can last 10 to 25 years. Solar panels often carry warranties exceeding 20 years, while controllers and mechanical parts may require earlier servicing. With basic maintenance, most systems remain efficient and reliable for decades.
Can Solar Pumps Work on Cloudy Days?
Yes, though output declines during overcast weather. Systems typically handle this by:
- Using larger storage tanks to store water during sunny periods.
- Slightly oversizing the solar array to maintain flow under low-light conditions.
- Adding hybrid options that can switch to grid or generator power if needed.
Final Verdict – Is It Worth It?
For Zimbabwe’s conditions — unreliable grid power, high energy costs, and recurring water shortages — solar water pumps are generally worth the investment. Their value is greatest when:
- You need dependable water for crops, livestock, or home use.
- Your site has good sunlight exposure.
- The system is properly designed and sized.
- You are planning for long-term reliability and cost savings.
In short, while the initial expense is higher, the independence and peace of mind that solar water pumps offer make them a strong long-term choice for both rural and urban users.
At Solar Energy Scout, we specialise in designing and installing such systems across Zimbabwe — from first-time market gardeners to commercial farms and suburban homes — so you get a system that reflects your real-world context and needs. If you’d like help evaluating whether a solar powered pump is right for your site, we’re happy to assist.