Solar Submersible Pumps in India: Prices, Sizes & Best Brands

The Short Answer

A solar submersible pump is a sealed motor-pump unit lowered inside a borewell and powered entirely by solar panels on the surface. It is the most common solar pump type in Indian agriculture — over 70% of solar pumps installed under KUSUM Yojana are submersibles. Prices range from ₹65,000 (1 HP) to ₹4,50,000 (10 HP) before subsidy.

How Solar Submersible Pumps Work

A submersible pump sits below the water level inside a borewell. Solar panels on the surface generate DC electricity, which flows through a controller to the motor submerged in the well. The motor drives multi-stage impellers that push water up through delivery pipes to a storage tank or irrigation outlet.

Key advantages of submersible design:

  • No priming needed — the pump is already underwater, eliminating air-lock issues
  • Handles deep borewells — can push water from 30 feet to 1,000+ feet depth
  • Silent operation — no noise since the motor is underground
  • Low maintenance — sealed construction protects against dust and weather

The controller performs MPPT tracking, converts DC to AC (for AC motors), and provides dry-run protection to prevent damage when the water level drops below the pump intake.

Solar Submersible Pump Prices by HP

HPBorewell Depth RangeSystem Price (before subsidy)Daily Water Output
1 HPUp to 150 ft₹65,000–₹90,00040,000–60,000 L
2 HPUp to 200 ft₹1,10,000–₹1,40,00080,000–1,20,000 L
3 HPUp to 300 ft₹1,50,000–₹1,80,0001,20,000–1,80,000 L
5 HPUp to 400 ft₹2,20,000–₹2,80,0002,00,000–3,00,000 L
7.5 HPUp to 500 ft₹2,80,000–₹3,60,0003,00,000–4,50,000 L
10 HPUp to 600+ ft₹3,50,000–₹4,50,0004,00,000–6,00,000 L

Output varies with actual borewell depth and total dynamic head. Deeper borewells yield less water per day at the same HP. Complete price guide →

AC vs DC Submersible Pumps

Both motor technologies are available in submersible form:

FeatureDC (BLDC) SubmersibleAC Submersible
HP range0.5–3 HP1–10+ HP
Efficiency85–92%75–85%
Starts at30–40% sunlight50–60% sunlight
ControllerSimple DC driverVFD (DC→AC)
Service availabilityLimited to authorised centresAny motor rewinding shop
Price (3 HP)₹1,30,000–₹1,60,000₹1,50,000–₹1,80,000

For borewells up to 200 feet and farms under 4 acres, BLDC submersibles offer better value. For deeper borewells and larger farms, AC submersibles are the proven choice.

Choosing the Right Borewell Size

The borewell pipe diameter determines which submersible pump can fit inside:

Borewell DiameterSuitable Pump HPMotor Diameter
4 inch (100 mm)1–3 HP95 mm
5 inch (125 mm)3–5 HP100–115 mm
6 inch (150 mm)5–10 HP115–140 mm
8 inch (200 mm)7.5–15 HP140–175 mm

Most Indian borewells are 4.5–6 inches in diameter. Before purchasing, measure your borewell casing diameter and depth. Your dealer will recommend a pump model that fits your specific borewell.

Installation Process for Submersible Solar Pumps

Installation typically takes 1–2 days and involves:

  1. Site survey — measure borewell depth, static water level, casing diameter, and delivery head requirement
  2. Panel mounting — install ground-mount or elevated structure for solar panels near the borewell. Panels face south at 15–20° tilt for year-round optimisation.
  3. Pump lowering — the submersible motor-pump assembly is lowered into the borewell using GI (galvanised iron) or HDPE delivery pipes. Safety cable attached to prevent accidental drop.
  4. Controller installation — wall-mounted near the panels, connected to both the panel array and the pump motor via submersible cable
  5. Testing and commissioning — verify water flow rate, check protections (dry run, over-voltage), and hand over to the farmer

A qualified dealer handles the entire process. For KUSUM installations, the empanelled vendor also manages government inspection and subsidy paperwork.

Top Brands for Solar Submersible Pumps

Leading solar submersible pump brands available in India:

  • Shakti Pumps — India's largest solar pump manufacturer; wide range from 1–25 HP, MNRE-empanelled
  • Kirloskar Solar — trusted motor brand; strong after-sales network across India
  • CRI Pumps — popular in South India; known for durable stainless steel impellers
  • Lubi Solar — good value in the 1–5 HP range; strong presence in Gujarat and Rajasthan
  • Tata Solar / Tata Power — premium build quality; integrated with Tata panel offerings
  • Oswal Pumps — competitive pricing in the 3–7.5 HP submersible segment

All these brands are empanelled under KUSUM Yojana. Choose based on local service availability — after-sales support matters more than brand premium for agricultural equipment.

Get Quotes for Your Borewell

The right submersible pump depends on your borewell depth, water level, and irrigation needs. Solar Vipani connects you with verified dealers who will survey your borewell and recommend the optimal HP and brand.

Fill one form and receive 2–3 competitive quotes from verified solar pump dealers near you — free, with no obligation.

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Common questions

How deep can a solar submersible pump go?
Solar submersible pumps can draw water from depths of 30 feet to over 1,000 feet depending on HP rating. A 3 HP pump handles up to 300 feet, a 5 HP up to 400 feet, and a 10 HP up to 600+ feet. For extreme depths, multi-stage pumps with 15+ HP are available.
Can I use a submersible solar pump without a borewell?
Yes, but it is not common. Submersible pumps can be used in open wells that are deep enough to submerge the motor (minimum 3–5 feet of water above the motor). However, for open wells a surface pump is usually more practical and cheaper.
How long does a solar submersible pump last?
A quality submersible motor lasts 8–12 years with no maintenance since it is sealed. Solar panels last 25+ years. The controller lasts 10–15 years. The main wearable parts are pump impellers, which may need replacement after 7–10 years depending on water quality and sand content.
What size borewell do I need for a solar submersible pump?
A 4-inch borewell fits 1–3 HP pumps, 5-inch fits 3–5 HP, and 6-inch or larger fits 5–10 HP. Most Indian borewells are 4.5–6 inches. Always verify your borewell casing diameter before buying — installing a pump in a too-small borewell can cause jamming and motor damage.
Is it better to buy AC or DC submersible solar pump?
DC (BLDC) submersibles are better for small borewells (up to 200 feet) and 1–3 HP applications — they are more efficient and start pumping in lower light. AC submersibles are better for deep borewells (200+ feet), higher HP (5–10 HP), and areas where local motor rewinding shops can service them.

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