Solar Power Water Pump: Can Solar Generator Run A Water Pump

Yes, a solar generator can run a water pump, as long as the system’s power output matches the pump’s wattage and startup surge requirements. Whether you are drawing water from a well, pond, or garden tank, solar generators provide enough consistent power to run small to medium-sized pumps efficiently without relying on grid electricity.

Solar water pumps reduce the reliance on the utility grid. Jackery Solar Generators are portable and essential home backup solutions that can run various appliances for long hours. Depending on the size and type of the water pump, you can choose the solar generator and achieve reliable, off-grid water access in remote areas, farms, or even during power outages.

AI Takeaways 

• A solar-powered water pump uses electricity generated from solar panels to draw and move water, eliminating the need for grid power or fuel.
• A solar generator setup stores solar energy and converts it to AC power, allowing the pump to run anytime, even at night or in cloudy weather. Direct solar pumps are cheaper but only work during daylight, while solar generators provide flexibility and consistent power.
• A typical water pump requires 250 to 1,500 running watts, depending on size and type. However, every pump also needs extra power to start, which is usually two to three times its running watts. 
• Most household and garden water pumps need between 500 and 1,500 watts to operate efficiently. Submersible well pumps or larger irrigation systems can demand 2,000 watts or more, especially during startup. 
• Essential home backup solutions like the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus easily handle standard garden and submersible pumps, delivering consistent power without fluctuation. 
• What size of solar generator to run a water pump.

What is Solar Power Water Pump

A solar-powered water pump is a water-pumping machine running on solar energy. As fuel prices soar, these low-cost energy sources are an alternative to electric and oil-water pumps. It is a great solution for the areas where you need an electricity connection. And even if you have a connection, you may want to try solar power water pumps because of their low cost of running. It gives a viable solution to people in these times of very high fuel costs.

Solar power water pumps have different types.

1. The submersible pump is a solar system to draw water from boreholes or deep wells.
2. The circulator pump circulates water to keep it warm and ensure a continuous water supply.
3. The booster pump moves water from the storage tank to other facility parts.

How Does A Solar Power Water Pump Work

A solar power water pump works by converting sunlight into electricity using the solar panels, which then supply power to the motor for water pumping. A solar power pump has three main parts, i.e., solar panels, a controller, and a pump. The solar photovoltaic (PV) system's size depends on the pump's size, the amount of water to be pumped, and the solar irradiance.

The solar-powered water pump has a very simple working principle based on the photovoltaic concept.

1. When sunlight falls on the solar panel’s surface, these panels absorb the solar energy. This absorbed radiant energy is then converted to electricity.
2. However, this electricity is in the Direct Current(DC) mode that will not run the AC water pumps. So, here you need a solar pump controller that converts the DC electricity to AC.
3. The solar water pumps also use inverters to regulate the voltage output to help the system run smoothly and efficiently.
4. The pump uses AC power to draw water and circulates it through the pipes.
5. If you want your solar power water pump to work at night or when you do not get enough sunlight, you also need a generator for your system.

Solar Power Water Pump VS. Solar Generator for Water Pump

A solar power water pump is a complete system including a water pump, solar panels, and a controller. On the other hand, a solar generator for a water pump takes your regular AC-powered water pump and powers it up using a separate solar generator. Below diagram shows how a solar generator works.

For Leslie Williams, a long-haul truck driver and US Army veteran from Farmington, portable power is a peace of mind. After decades on the road and countless storms at home, he built his own plug-and-play system with multiple Jackery Solar Generators, keeping his refrigerator, fan, and medical equipment running quietly through outages. See how Leslie found comfort and control through Jackery Solar Generators in his Jackery Story.

The following table summarizes the pros and cons of both systems.

How Many Running & Starting Watts Does A Water Pump Use

The exact running and starting watts a water pump uses depends on its horsepower and type. On average, water pumps can consume anywhere around 750 - 800 watts running and 1500 - 2400 watts starting. Larger water pumps can consume as high as 10,000 - 20,000 running and 20,000 - 40,000 starting.

When you want to estimate the capacity of your required solar water pump or solar generator, there are two numbers you need to know. One is running watts, and the other is starting watts. So what do they mean?

Running, or rated watts is the continuous supply of watts needed to keep your device running. Starting watts, on the other hand, are extra watts required for two to three seconds to start motor-driven appliances, e.g.  a refrigerator or circular saw. This is the maximum wattage a generator can produce.

Running watts: Running watts are also called rated watts. These are the continuous watts needed to keep your solar water pump running.

Starting watts: Starting watts are extra or the highest required watts needed for two to three seconds to start your water pump.

How Much Power Does A Water Pump Need

The power required for a water pump depends on the pump size and the gallon-per-hour capacity. Generally, we can classify the water pumps into the following sizes and capacities.

1. A small pump is used for small water pumping requirements, like around 160 gallons per hour.
2. The medium-sized pump is suitable for ponds and wells that need around 360+ gallons per hour of pumping.
3. Large pumps are used for fountains and waterfalls that yield around  900+ gallons per hour of pumping.

A solar water pump generally requires 250 watts to 1500 watts, depending on its size and yield in gallons per hour.

Can A Solar Generator Run A Water Pump

The simple answer is yes. It depends on many factors, including the number and output of your solar panels, the efficiency and smooth functionality of the inverter, the size of the water pump, etc. If you are using a reliable and big enough generator, then it can run your water pump.

Jackery Solar Generators are available in different sizes to run various types of water pumps. The solar generators are portable, so you can move them anywhere you need power. Even when you are not using the solar generator to run the water pump, you can use it to run household appliances, such as refrigerators, fans, and coolers during outages.

Best for Small 120V Water Pumps: Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 is a powerful and essential home backup solution ideal for small water pumps. It stores enough energy to keep your 120V pump running smoothly for several hours while also powering essential tools and lights at the same time. It has a foldable handle and is compact enough to be transported anywhere you go. It is ideal for homeowners who want steady water flow and reliable off-grid power without the hassle of fuel or noise.

Appliances Running Time 

• Small 120V Water Pump (500W) = 3.2H
• LED Work Light (20W) = 44.1H
• Electric Drill (800W) = 1.9H
• Mini Fridge (100W) = 14.2H
• Air Cooler (200W) = 7.6H

Who Should Buy This 

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 is a compact battery backup solution that can power basic indoor or outdoor appliances, including water pumps. It's the world's lightest and smallest 2kWh LFP solar generator that can be transported anywhere you go.

Customer Review 

Great for off-grid power, Good for (2) days of power for TV, DVD, Roku speaker, cell phone, and (2) CPAP machines. Weight under 45 lbs and charge off the generator in a little over an hour.

— Gary Dills.

Best for Mid-Size Water Pumps: Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus 

The Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus is an advanced, essential home backup solution that works well for homes that rely on water pumps and need a backup source that won’t fail during long outages. Its modular design lets you attach extra battery packs, so you can extend runtime whenever you need more hours of steady pumping. The power delivery stays smooth, which helps keep water flow consistent for basic household use, even when the grid is down. It also has enough battery capacity to keep key appliances running for days, including the ability to support a refrigerator for nearly two weeks.

Appliances Running Time 

• Small 120V Water Pump (500W) = 5.8H
• LED Work Light (20W) = 72.5H
• Electric Drill (800W) = 3.7H
• Mini Fridge (100W) = 25.0H
• Air Cooler (200W) = 13.7H

Who Should Buy This 

The Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus is a good fit for homes that depend on water pumps and want an essential home backup solution that can scale over time and is easy to move from one room to another.

Customer Review 

I've only tested the 3600 thus far & I'm very satisfied with the quality of the unit & the guys absolutely love the portability design. I purchased the E500 for camping this past summer & it handled my needs well for a month camping. I'm confident the 3600 will handle my household needs. I will get another for the terrace level. Highly Recommended! 

— Cynthia E.

Best for All Water Pumps: Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus 

The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is an essential home battery backup solution that can run water pumps of different types and sizes. The 120V/240V dual voltage support ensures compatibility to support water pumps that work on 120V or 240V. Its capacity can be expanded to 60kWh, which offers reliable home backup power lasting up to two weeks.

Appliances Running Time 

• Mid-Size Water Pump (800W) = 5.0H
• Full Size Refrigerator (400W) = 9.5H
• Portable Air Conditioner (1000W) = 4.1H
• Power Tool (1000W) = 4.1H
• Electric Drill (800W) = 5.0H

Who Should Buy This 

If you want to run multiple appliances with the solar generator or large water pumps during long-term power outages, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is an ideal choice.

Customer Review 

I have been using Jackery for some time now. It's been a blessing to have during the hurricanes in Florida. Looking forward to having the new addition of the Jackery 5000 for my whole house backup. Thank you, Jackery.

— Kathi Stafford.

What Size of Solar Generator to Run A Water Pump

The size of the solar generator required to run a water pump depends on the pump's wattage and the generator's size.

Finding out the working hours of the Jackery Solar Generator is hassle-free. Simply visit the Jackery Solar Generator's product page, scroll to the Running Time Simulator/Calculator, and input the wattage of the device you wish to power. The tool will provide an estimated runtime. For instance, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus can power a 250W camera for about 16.1 hours. Please note that these calculations are approximations and might differ slightly from real usage.

To increase the working hours of the water pump using the solar generator, we can use solar panels to get renewable power to continue supporting the appliances when the portable power station is running out of capacity. It is important to note that Jackery solar panels and solar generators support pass-through charging, so you can recharge the generator and continue powering up the water panel simultaneously.

Solar Power Water Pump FAQs

1. How many solar panels do I need to run a water pump?

It depends on the size of your water pump. A 1 horsepower water pump generally uses 1200 watts of power for running. Hence you need 12x100 watts solar panels to run this water pump. Similarly, a half-horsepower water pump needs 6 x100 watts solar panels.

2. How can I design my solar power water pump?

Designing your solar power pump requires gathering some basic information and then researching the required equipment for your water pump. Let us summarize the process.

1. You need to determine what your critical water supply needs. Domestic water needs and irrigation needs are very different.
2. Calculate your pumping head.
3. Estimate the required solar resource.
4. Find an appropriate solar pump and a DC to AC inverter.
5. Calculate the requirement for PV panels.

3. How much does it cost to run a water pump?

Generally, one horsepower costs between $0.10 and $0.20 per hour to run. It means if you have a five-horsepower water pump that you run for 5 hours a day, you will pay up to $5 per day. It makes it around $150 a month.

This is a big expense, and it adds up because you need a monthly water supply. The best solution is to invest in a solar power water pump. Though it is a large investment for setup, after that, there is zero fuel cost and very less maintenance cost.

4. Is it worth it to run a water pump with a solar generator?

A water pump with a solar generator is a win-win situation. You have a water pump that you can run on AC power and also with a solar generator. The solar generator can be used to power up other appliances as well. For example, if you have a Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus, you can use it for running an AC, a refrigerator, a hot plate, a coffee maker, and much more.

Additionally, using their solar panels, you can charge your generator at zero cost. So, in the long run, you can see how the initial setup cost is covered easily, and you start saving.

Final Thoughts

Solar power water pumps and solar generators for water pumps are very useful, efficient, and cost-effective pumps you can use to maintain your water supply for both irrigation and domestic use. You can use these even in remote areas where you do not have an electricity connection. Jackery offers a range of solar generators with different capacities and solar panels. These generators are portable, noise-less, and efficient, making their operation smooth and fluctuation-proof.

Reply to Comments

While our current blog comment system doesn't allow for direct replies, our customer service team will address comments and questions promptly via email. Additionally, we'll compile the most frequently asked questions and provide comprehensive answers at the end of the blog post.

Comment: Do you have a solar package that will operate a 3/4 HP submersible pump that is 220 volt?

Reply: Hey, Tim! Yes, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus can run a ¾ HP 220V submersible pump. It supports 120V/240V dual-voltage output, which means it can run 240V devices like your submersible pump without needing a separate step-down converter. It also delivers high output (7,200W max with surge capacity going higher) and uses a robust LiFePO₄ battery technology for long-term use.