Sun-Powered Harvest: Solar Irrigation Brings 50% More Yield to African Farm

Solar Deep Well Pump

Application Case Study

4TSSC4-70-48/500 | Small-Scale Agricultural Irrigation

Project LocationAfrica · Small-Scale Farmland
Pump Model4TSSC4-70-48/500
ApplicationSmall-Scale Agricultural Irrigation
Solar Panels380W × 2 units (Total 760W)
Outlet Diameter1.25 inch (DN32)
Completion Date2025

Case Overview

This project is located in a small-scale farming area in Africa, where farmers face challenges of inadequate grid infrastructure and high fuel costs. Traditional irrigation methods are inefficient and costly to operate. By introducing a solar deep well pump system, utilizing abundant solar resources for zero-cost autonomous irrigation, the project has significantly increased crop yields and improved farmer livelihoods.

Background & Challenges

  • Weak grid infrastructure with no stable power supply in agricultural areas; conventional electric irrigation not feasible
  • High costs for diesel generator irrigation (fuel + maintenance), vulnerable to fuel price fluctuations
  • Manual irrigation is labor-intensive and inefficient, unable to meet critical crop water demand periods
  • Smallholder farmers have limited capital, requiring low-investment, high-return sustainable solutions

Solution

Addressing these challenges, we configured the following solar deep well pump system, operating completely off-grid with fully automatic irrigation:

EquipmentSpecificationQtyNotes
Deep Well Pump4TSSC4-70-48/5001 unit4″ stainless steel PM deep-well pump
Solar Panel380W Monocrystalline2 unitsTotal 760W, with waterproof junction box
Controller/InverterPM Pump Controller1 unitMPPT max power tracking, auto start/stop
Outlet Pipe1.25″ (DN32)PE or PVC pipe
Well Depth~40-60mHead adjusted per actual conditions
Daily Water Supply32-48 m³/dayBased on 6-8 hours sunlight

Key Technical Specifications

Rated Flow4 m³/hRated Head70 m
Motor Power~500 WOutlet Diameter1.25″ (DN32)
Pump Material304 Stainless SteelImpeller TypeSS Centrifugal
Total Solar Power760W (380W×2)Control SystemMPPT Auto-tracking
Daily Water Supply32-48 m³/dayMin. Well Diameter≥4″ (100mm)
Suitable ForIrrigation Area 2-4 acresExpected Yield Increase30-50%

picture:Onsite Installation View

Working Principle

Solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity, which directly drives the permanent magnet deep-well pump through a dedicated controller with MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking). When sunlight is strong, the pump operates at high speed; when sunlight is weak, it automatically reduces speed; when no sunlight is available, it automatically stops. The entire process requires no battery storage and no grid connection, truly achieving: “Where there is sunlight, there is water.”

Picture: Working Principle of the Solar Pump System

Customer Value

Economic Value

  • Zero Operating Cost: Solar energy is free; saves $500-800 USD annually in fuel costs
  • Increased Irrigation Efficiency: 32-48 tons daily water supply; irrigates 2-4 acres; 30-50% yield increase
  • Short Payback Period: Total investment $800-1,200; payback in 1.5-2 years vs. diesel
  • Maintenance-Free Design: High-efficiency PM motor; low failure rate; 8-10 year service life

Social Value

  • Improved Livelihoods: Stable irrigation ensures crop growth; increases farmer income and food security
  • Labor Liberation: Automated irrigation eliminates manual water carrying; farmers can develop other income sources
  • Environmental Sustainability: Zero emissions, zero noise; supports national clean energy strategies
  • Demonstration Effect: Project serves as local model; driving adoption in surrounding communities

Technical Advantages

  • Permanent magnet synchronous motor: 15-20% higher efficiency than standard motors; greater water output under same sunlight
  • 304 stainless steel pump body and impeller: corrosion and wear resistant; suitable for high-mineral African groundwater
  • Intelligent MPPT controller: auto-tracks maximum power point; operates even on cloudy days
  • Dry-run protection (optional water level sensor): prevents pump damage from empty well
  • Modular design: simple installation; farmers can operate and maintain after basic training

Customer Feedback

“Before, I used a diesel pump—spent a lot on fuel every month, and it broke down often. Now, with the solar pump, I don’t spend any money after installation. As long as there’s sun, there’s water. My corn is growing much better than in previous years!”

— Local Smallholder Farmer, Africa

Project Summary

This project fully demonstrates the tremendous value of solar deep well pumps in small-scale African agricultural irrigation scenarios. The system operates stably with low maintenance costs and significant irrigation results, providing a practical water-saving irrigation solution for farmers in off-grid or unstable power areas.

Looking ahead, we will continue promoting this product series, enabling more African farmers to access clean, economical, and reliable solar pump systems, supporting sustainable agricultural development across Africa.

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