System Design Guide

Solar Pump System Design Guide for Complete Water Pumping Packages

When we design a solar pump system, we do not size the inverter first. We size the water job first, then build the equipment around it.

A complete package may include pump, inverter or controller, PV array, cabinet, sensors, cables and accessories. Missing one small part can delay the whole site.

solar panel and pump matching for solar pump system design

Water

head/flow

Drive

MPPT control

Field

cabinet/kits

Design Flow

Design from the water side back to the PV array

This order keeps the system practical. It also helps the customer understand why a small well, a 380V deep well and a desert irrigation project need different packages.

1

Water demand

Daily volume, flow rate, total head and operating hours.

2

Pump match

Submersible or surface pump, voltage, phase and current.

3

Drive choice

SP inverter, PV pump controller or protected controller path.

4

PV layout

Panel wattage, Voc, Vmp, series/parallel plan and MPPT range.

5

Site package

Cabinet, sensors, cables, connectors and spare parts.

Component Matching

What each part must match

A system works when each layer is matched to the layer before it.

PartMust matchCommon mistakeUseful product path
PumpHead, flow, water source, voltage and phaseBuying by diameter or HP onlyPump selection
Inverter or controllerMotor voltage, current, phase and power marginTreating all controllers as charge controllersProduct catalog
PV arrayMPPT voltage window and site sunlightChecking wattage but ignoring string voltagePanel matching
CabinetPower level, environment, wiring and protection devicesInstalling indoor wiring outdoorsCabinet
AccessoriesSensors, connectors, terminals and field sparesDelaying the site because small parts are missingKits

Package Patterns

Three packages we quote differently

The system design changes with scale and environment. These patterns help distributors decide how much equipment should be quoted together.

Small well or farm system

SP1 or SP3, matched PV array, water level sensor and basic field accessories.

380V deep well system

SP4, 380V three-phase pump, larger PV array, cabinet and protection devices.

Desert or outdoor package

Cabinet, protected controller option, clean wiring, dust and heat planning.

SolarSeeker cabinet assembly for solar pump system packageoutdoor solar pump cabinet wiring for system packageMozambique solar pump system with SP4 inverter and submersible pump

FAQ

Solar pump system design FAQ

Answers for turning a pump request into a complete system package.

What comes first in solar pump system design?

We start from water demand: head, flow, well depth and daily pumping hours. After that we match the pump, drive, PV array and field protection.

Can SolarSeeker supply more than the inverter?

Yes. SolarSeeker can help match the inverter or controller, pump body, cabinet, sensors, cables and accessories, especially for distributors and EPC contractors who need a repeatable package.

Do solar pump systems need batteries?

Most water pumping systems do not need batteries. Many projects pump water during sunlight hours and store water in a tank. Batteries are only considered when night operation or special backup is required.

When should we add a cabinet?

Add a cabinet for high-power projects, exposed outdoor sites, dusty or coastal environments, or when the project needs clean wiring and easier maintenance.

What data should we send for system design?

Send pump nameplate, head, flow, well depth, cable distance, panel model if available, installation environment and project country.

Design Review

Send the system data before buying separate parts

A pump, inverter, panel array and cabinet should be checked together. Send the project data and SolarSeeker will suggest a matched package.

Request System Design