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15HP Solar Tube Well

By / August 8, 2019

The Ultimate Guide to a 15HP Solar-Powered Tube Well System

For farmers, agricultural businesses, and communities in water-scarce regions, a 15HP solar tube well represents a transformative leap from diesel dependency or unreliable grid power to sustainable, high-volume water extraction. This system isn’t just a pump—it’s a complete, high-power water solution harnessing the sun’s energy to drive significant agricultural, livestock, and irrigation operations.

What is a 15HP Solar Tube Well System?

A 15HP (Horsepower) solar tube well is a robust, off-grid water pumping solution designed for deep boreholes and high-volume water delivery. Converting HP to electrical terms, 15HP equals approximately 11.2 kilowatts (kW) of continuous electrical power. This is a large-scale system capable of lifting water from depths exceeding 200 feet and delivering flow rates of 40,000 to 70,000+ liters per hour, depending on total dynamic head (TDH).

Core System Components:

  1. Solar Array (11-15kW): The power plant. Requires 24-36 high-wattage panels (e.g., 30 x 450W panels = 13.5kW).

  2. Solar Pump Controller/VFD (11.2kW+ Rating): The intelligent brain. Converts DC to AC, controls motor speed, and provides soft start and protection features.

  3. Submersible Pump Motor (15HP/11.2kW, 3-Phase AC): The workhorse. A heavy-duty, multistage submersible pump designed for deep well applications.

  4. Pump Casing & Piping: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or steel pipes to deliver water to the surface.

  5. Structural Support: Heavy-duty galvanized iron (GI) mounting structures for the solar array.

  6. Optional Storage: A large water reservoir (e.g., 50,000+ liter tank) and/or a battery bank with a hybrid inverter to enable pumping outside sunny hours.

15H Solar Tube Well System Specifications & Performance

  • Motor: 15HP (11.2kW), 3-Phase AC Submersible

  • Recommended Solar Array: 13-15 kWp (accounts for system losses and daily sun variance)

  • Operating Voltage: Typically 300-400V DC input from the array; pump runs on 3-phase AC output.

  • Starting Mechanism: Soft-start via Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to prevent mechanical stress.

  • Max Head (Lift): 200-350 feet (60-105 meters), depending on pump model and staging.

  • Flow Rate: 8,000 – 18,000 Gallons Per Hour (GPH) or 30,000 – 70,000+ Liters Per Hour (LPH).

Key Determinants of Performance:

  1. Solar Irradiance: Direct sunlight intensity directly correlates with pump speed and output.

  2. Total Dynamic Head (TDH): The sum of vertical lift from water level, pipe friction, and discharge pressure. Higher TDH reduces flow rate.

  3. Borehole & Water Yield: The borehole’s sustainable yield must meet or exceed the pump’s capacity.

15HP Solar Tube Well Advantages Over Diesel & Grid-Powered Pumps

1. Zero Fuel Cost & Energy Independence:
Eliminates volatile diesel expenses, which can constitute over 60% of a farm’s operational cost for water. Once installed, sunlight is free, providing a predictable cost structure for 25+ years.

2. Low Operational & Maintenance (O&M):
No engine oil changes, filter replacements, or fuel injector servicing. Solar pumps have few moving parts, leading to dramatically lower maintenance costs and less downtime compared to diesel gensets.

3. Environmentally Sustainable:
Zero on-site emissions, noise, or fuel spills. Reduces the carbon and particulate footprint of agriculture significantly.

4. Reliability in Remote Areas:
Operates completely off-grid. Ideal for remote farmland without grid access or where grid power is unreliable or prohibitively expensive to extend.

5. Long-Term Economic Return:
Despite a higher upfront cost, the payback period is typically 3-6 years compared to diesel, after which the water is virtually free for the system’s remaining 15-20 year lifespan.

15HP Solar Tube Well Ideal Applications

A 15HP system is designed for large-scale water needs:

  • Open Field Irrigation: For crops like wheat, maize, sugarcane, alfalfa over 10-25+ acres via drip, sprinkler, or flood systems.

  • Orchards & Vineyards: High-volume watering for large orchards (citrus, mango, olive) or vineyards.

  • Dairy & Livestock Farms: Providing water for hundreds of heads of cattle, including drinking and cleaning.

  • Fisheries & Aquaculture: Filling and maintaining large ponds.

  • Community Water Supply: Supplying clean water for villages or agricultural cooperatives.

  • Commercial Plant Nurseries & Greenhouses.

15HP Solar Tube Well Critical Design & Installation Considerations

1. Professional Hydrological Survey: A must. Determines Static Water Level (SWL), Drawdown, and Recovery Rate of the borehole to correctly size the pump. A mismatched pump can “dry run” and destroy itself or deplete the aquifer.

2. Solar Resource Assessment: Analyze local peak sun hours. An 11kW pump requires roughly 11kW of sunlight to run at full capacity. System sizing must account for seasonal variations (e.g., larger array for monsoon months).

3. Quality of Components: This is not an area for compromise. Use:
* Tier-1 Solar Panels with robust warranties.
* Industrial-Grade Pump Controllers (VFDs) with MPPT tracking, dry-run protection, and surge suppression.
* ISI/Certified Stainless Steel Submersible Pumps from reputable manufacturers (e.g., KSB, Grundfos, Shakti, C.R.I.).

4. Water Storage vs. Direct Pumping: For 24/7 water needs (e.g., dairy) or irrigation at night, a large storage reservoir is essential. Alternatively, a hybrid solar-diesel system or a battery-buffered system can be designed, though batteries add significant cost for a load this size.

5. Government Subsidies & Financing: Many countries (India’s PM-KUSUM scheme, Pakistan, parts of Africa) offer 40-60% capital subsidies for agricultural solar pumps. Explore these programs to drastically reduce upfront investment.

 

Conclusion: Is a 15HP Solar Tube Well Right For You?

A 15HP solar tube well is a major capital investment that delivers profound operational freedom and economic advantage. It is the definitive solution for large-scale, reliable water access where grid power is absent, unreliable, or expensive.

Final Checklist Before Investing:
✅ Professional borehole yield test completed.
✅ Daily and seasonal water requirement calculated.
✅ High-quality, compatible components specified.
✅ Subsidy and financing options researched.
✅ Reputable, experienced installer selected.

 

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