Short answer: the pump type follows the water source and job. Deep-well submersibles lift water from boreholes; surface pumps move water from shallow sources, tanks or rivers; pool pumps circulate and filter chlorinated water; and AC/DC hybrids run on solar by day and grid or generator at night. Match the type to your source depth, flow need and whether you need night-time operation.
The main solar pump types
| Type | Source | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Deep-well submersible | Boreholes, deep wells | Village supply, farms, high head |
| Surface pump | Shallow wells, tanks, rivers | Boosting, transfer, low lift |
| Pool pump | Pools, spas, ponds | Chlorine-safe circulation |
| AC/DC hybrid | Any (needs night run) | Irrigation mains, water supply |
Deep-well submersible
Sits down the borehole and pushes water up. Chosen for high head (deep water) and reliable village or farm supply. Look for stainless (SS304) wetted parts, an IP68 motor, and MPPT to maximise output across the day.
Surface pump
Sits above the water and draws from a shallow source, tank or river. Good for low lift and transfer — filling tanks, boosting pressure, moving water short distances.
Pool pump
Built for chlorinated water, with chemical-safe wetted materials, to circulate and filter pools, spas and ponds. Some offer an AC/DC hybrid option to run on solar or mains.
AC/DC hybrid
Runs on solar by day and grid or generator at night, so water is available around the clock. Ideal for irrigation mains and municipal-style supply where continuity matters.
How to choose
1. How deep is the water? Deep → submersible; shallow → surface. 2. Chlorinated water? → pool pump. 3. Need night-time or all-weather operation? → AC/DC hybrid. 4. Then size by head and flow.
COTECH Solar offers deep-well submersibles (to 150 m), AC/DC hybrids (to 56 m³/h), chlorine-safe pool pumps and economy models — all with MPPT and dry-run protection. See Solar Water Pumps or ask our team.
FAQ
What type of solar pump do I need for a borehole?
For a borehole or deep well, use a deep-well submersible pump, which sits in the water and pushes it up. Choose one rated for your water depth (total head), ideally with stainless steel wetted parts, an IP68 motor and MPPT for the best output across the day.
Can a solar pump be used for a swimming pool?
Yes — pool-specific solar pumps use chlorine-safe wetted materials to circulate and filter pools, spas and ponds. Some models offer an AC/DC hybrid option so they can run on solar during the day and mains power when needed.
What is an AC/DC hybrid solar pump?
An AC/DC hybrid pump runs on solar power when the sun is shining and automatically switches to grid electricity or a generator when needed, so water is available day and night. It suits irrigation mains and water supply where continuous operation matters.