Borehole Solar Pumps | Installation & Maintenance | Off-Grid Water Supply

What Is a Borehole Solar Pump and How Does It Work?

A borehole solar pump is a submersible electric pump installed inside a borehole – a narrow-diameter vertical shaft drilled into the ground to access the water table below the surface. The pump is powered by solar panels, drawing water from the aquifer and delivering it to a storage tank or directly to the property’s plumbing system. Because the system runs entirely on solar energy during daylight hours, it operates independently of both the municipal water supply and the electrical grid – making it an effective solution for properties that experience frequent supply interruptions, that are located outside the municipal supply area, or where borehole water quality is suitable as a primary or supplementary supply. Combined with a water backup storage tank, a borehole solar pump provides around-the-clock water independence even during load shedding and municipal outages. K-Plumbing installs, commissions, and maintains borehole solar pump systems across Pretoria, Johannesburg, George, and Knysna. This service is part of our broader green plumbing offering.

What Does a Borehole Solar Pump Installation Include?

A complete installation from K-Plumbing covers the submersible pump sized for the borehole yield and your water demand, the solar panel array, the pump controller that manages solar input and protects the pump from dry-running, the delivery pipe from pump to surface, and connection to your storage tank or plumbing system. We size the pump to match the sustainable yield of your borehole – oversizing a pump relative to borehole yield is the most common cause of premature pump failure. Before recommending a specification, K-Plumbing reviews your borehole drilling log or carries out a yield test. Solar panel sizing is calculated based on the pump’s power requirements and average peak sun hours at your location. For properties that also want to address their hot water system efficiency at the same time, our green plumbing assessment covers both in a single site visit.

Is Borehole Water Safe to Use in the Home?

Borehole water quality varies depending on the geology of the aquifer. In some areas of Gauteng, borehole water is naturally clean and low in dissolved minerals. In others – particularly where there is historic mining activity, agricultural runoff, or naturally occurring high mineral content — the water may contain elevated levels that make it unsuitable for drinking without treatment. Garden irrigation, toilet flushing via greywater recycling systems, car washing, and pool top-up can typically use untreated borehole water without issue in most areas. For drinking and cooking, a water quality test from an accredited laboratory is essential before using borehole water directly. K-Plumbing can arrange a water quality test and advise on the appropriate filtration or treatment system for your specific water chemistry. A pipe integrity check of any new borehole supply pipework is also recommended before commissioning the system.

Frequently Asked Questions – Borehole Solar Pumps

Do I need to have a borehole drilled before you can install a pump?

Yes. K-Plumbing installs pumps in existing boreholes but does not carry out drilling. We can recommend registered drillers in your area. Once drilling is complete and the log is available, we assess the yield and recommend the correct pump specification. The pump installation can typically be combined with a storage tank installation in a single visit.

Can a borehole solar pump work at night or on cloudy days?

A direct solar pump operates only during daylight hours. For overnight supply, the system is combined with a storage tank sized to meet your demand when the pump is not running. Alternatively, a hybrid controller draws from both solar panels and the grid. For full load-shedding and night-time independence, a battery backup is added. K-Plumbing recommends the right configuration for your usage pattern and location.

How long does a borehole solar pump last?

A quality submersible pump from Grundfos, Franklin, or Lorentz lasts 8 to 15 years with correct sizing and annual maintenance. Solar panels carry a 25-year performance warranty. The controller lasts 8 to 12 years. K-Plumbing recommends an annual maintenance visit covering pump performance testing, panel cleaning, controller inspection, and pipe integrity check. Our emergency team is available 24/7 for pump failures.

What size storage tank do I need with a borehole solar pump?

Typically 2,500L to 5,000L for a residential property using borehole water for irrigation and toilet flushing. K-Plumbing sizes the tank based on pump flow rate, daily operating hours, and estimated consumption. See our water backup solutions page for full tank sizing guidance and pricing.

Is a borehole solar pump suitable for a property with no municipal connection?

Yes. Off-grid properties are well-suited to borehole solar pump systems providing a fully independent water supply. For drinking water, a treatment system is required. K-Plumbing installs complete off-grid water supply systems including pump, solar array, storage tank, and treatment — as part of our green plumbing services. Call 087 094 5048 to discuss your requirements.