Submersible pumps are among the most searched and trusted solutions for accessing underground water in farming, domestic supply, and irrigation. Whether powered by solar energy or electricity, submersible pumps allow farmers to reliably tap shallow wells and boreholes, making them ideal for coastal regions where groundwater is widely available.
WHAT IS A SUBMERSIBLE PUMP?
A submersible pump is a water pump installed below the water level inside a well or borehole. It works by pushing water to the surface using pressure rather than pulling it through suction. This design improves efficiency, reduces energy loss, and allows water to be lifted from greater depths with consistent flow and pressure.
Submersible pumps can be powered using solar energy or grid electricity, making them flexible for both off‑grid and electrified farms. They are widely used for irrigation systems, storage tanks, livestock watering, and household supply.
SOLAR SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS FOR SUSTAINABLE IRRIGATION
Solar submersible pumps use solar panels to convert sunlight into energy that drives the pump. This makes them one of the most sustainable irrigation technologies available today.
For coastal farmers, solar submersible pumps offer major advantages. The region receives high sunlight levels throughout the year, electricity supply can be unstable, and fuel prices continue to rise. Solar pumping eliminates monthly power bills, reduces operating costs, and allows irrigation even in remote areas.
Solar submersible pumps are especially suitable for shallow wells and small to medium irrigation systems such as drip irrigation, micro sprinklers, and water storage tanks. With proper sizing, they provide reliable water supply while protecting groundwater sources.
ELECTRIC SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS FOR CONSISTENT WATER SUPPLY
Electric submersible pumps operate using grid power or generators. They are commonly used where electricity is reliable and water demand is high.
These pumps are suitable for continuous operation, night irrigation, and systems that require stable pressure. Electric submersible pumps generally have a lower initial cost compared to solar systems, making them attractive for farmers starting irrigation projects where power is available.
Electric pumps integrate easily with pressure tanks, automated irrigation controllers, and large storage systems.
PIPE AND PUMP SIZES FOR SHALLOW WELLS
For shallow wells and farm irrigation, pump and pipe sizes are commonly defined by outlet diameter and flow capacity rather than borehole diameter alone.
Common sizes used in shallow wells include:
25 mm and 32 mm for low‑flow domestic and small irrigation systems.
40 mm outlets for moderate irrigation demand.
50 mm and 63 mm outlets, which are the most common sizes for farm irrigation.
90 mm outlets for higher flow rate and head requirements.
Among these, 50 mm and 63 mm submersible pumps are the most popular for irrigation because they offer a strong balance between flow rate, pressure, efficiency, and affordability.
Higher flow rate and higher head options are available within each size depending on farm needs, distance, and elevation.
HOW TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT SUBMERSIBLE PUMP SIZE
Proper pump sizing is essential for performance, efficiency, and pump lifespan. Pump selection is based on total head, required flow rate, and irrigation system design.
TOTAL HEAD
Total head is the vertical and horizontal distance the pump must push water. It includes the depth of the water level, height to storage tanks, elevation of fields, and friction losses in pipes.
FLOW RATE FOR IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
In drip irrigation systems, flow rate is not fixed. It is determined by:
The size of the irrigation bed
The operating pressure required
The number of emitters on each bed
The flow rate of each emitter
A well‑designed drip system ensures that the submersible pump supplies enough water and pressure to operate all beds uniformly without overloading the pump or system.
POWER SOURCE MATCHING
Solar pumps must be matched with the correct number of solar panels and controller capacity. Electric pumps must match available voltage and cable sizing to prevent damage.
PUMP TESTING REPORT AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT
Before final pump installation, a pump test helps confirm the sustainability of the water source.
A proper pump testing report includes:
Static water level
Pumping water level
Yield or discharge rate
Recovery rate of the well
Recommended pump capacity
Pump testing protects farmers from installing oversized pumps that can dry shallow wells or undersized pumps that fail to meet irrigation demand.
SUBMERSIBLE PUMP INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
Correct installation ensures efficiency and long service life.
Installation steps include measuring well depth, confirming water level, selecting correct pipe size, securely fixing cables, installing a non‑return valve, lowering the pump gently, connecting the controller box, and testing the system under operating conditions.
CONTROLLER BOX FUNCTIONS AND COMMON ERRORS
The controller box protects and manages pump operation. It regulates power, prevents motor damage, and displays faults.
Common controller functions include start‑stop control, dry‑run protection, overload protection, voltage regulation, and system monitoring.
Common errors include overload, dry run, over‑voltage, under‑voltage, phase failure, and overheating. Each error protects the pump by shutting it down before damage occurs.
GREEN ENERGY AND THE FUTURE OF COASTAL FARMING
Solar submersible pumps support climate‑smart agriculture by reducing carbon emissions, lowering costs, and ensuring reliable water access. For coastal farmers with shallow wells, solar pumping offers long‑term sustainability, independence from fuel and electricity fluctuations, and improved farm profitability. CONCLUSION
Solar and electric submersible pumps provide dependable solutions for tapping underground water. With proper sizing, testing, and installation, farmers can maximize water efficiency, protect groundwater, and build sustainable irrigation systems that support long‑term agricultural success.
