Solar-powered boreholes are one of the fastest-growing investments in Ghana's water sector. With erratic grid power and high electricity costs, solar borehole systems offer a reliable, low-running-cost alternative for homeowners, farmers, communities, and developers. This guide covers everything you need to know before investing.
Why Solar Boreholes Are Growing in Ghana
Ghana's average of 5–6 peak sunshine hours per day makes it ideal for solar-powered water systems. With ECG (Electricity Company of Ghana) outages common in many areas, and running a submersible pump on grid power adding significantly to electricity bills, solar offers a compelling alternative.
Solar borehole systems are particularly popular for:
- Rural homes and farms outside reliable grid coverage
- Large estates and gated communities wanting energy independence
- Agricultural irrigation — the pump works hardest when the sun shines, which aligns with irrigation needs
- NGO and community water projects seeking low-maintenance solutions
- Commercial properties wanting to reduce operating costs
Solar Borehole System Components
A complete solar borehole installation in Ghana consists of:
- Solar submersible pump — the DC pump installed inside the borehole, sized to your depth and required flow rate
- Solar panels — typically 2–6 panels (300–400W each) mounted on a frame near the borehole
- Solar pump controller — regulates power from panels to pump, protects against dry running
- Rising main pipe — HDPE or galvanised pipe delivering water from pump to surface
- Overhead storage tank — stores water pumped during daylight for use at night (1,000–10,000 litres typical)
- Float valve & distribution pipework — controls tank fill and distributes water around the property
Solar Borehole Installation Cost in Ghana
| Component | Specification | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Solar submersible pump | 0.37–1.5kW DC solar pump | GH₵3,500–7,000 |
| Solar panels | 2–4 × 400W panels | GH₵2,500–5,500 |
| Solar pump controller | MPPT controller | GH₵800–1,800 |
| Panel mounting frame | Galvanised steel, fixed tilt | GH₵600–1,200 |
| Rising main + wiring | Per borehole depth | GH₵800–2,000 |
| Overhead tank (5,000L) | Polytank or concrete | GH₵1,500–4,000 |
| Tank stand & plumbing | Steel stand + distribution | GH₵1,200–3,000 |
| Installation labour | Full system setup | GH₵1,500–3,500 |
| Total (excl. borehole drilling) | GH₵12,400–28,000 |
Add your borehole drilling cost (typically GH₵14,000–GH₵25,000) for the full project total.
Best Solar Borehole Pumps Available in Ghana
Several reliable solar pump brands are available through suppliers in Accra and Kumasi:
- Lorentz PS2 series — German-engineered, extremely reliable, widely supported in Ghana. Best for serious applications.
- Grundfos SQFlex — works on both solar and grid power. Flexible and reliable. Available from authorised dealers in Accra.
- Shurflo & Franklin Electric — more affordable options for shallow applications.
- Generic Chinese DC pumps — lowest cost but variable quality. Only buy from reputable suppliers with warranty support.
Solar vs. Grid-Powered Borehole: Which is Better for Ghana?
✅ Advantages of Solar Borehole
- No electricity bill — zero running costs
- Works during ECG outages
- Ideal for remote or off-grid locations
- Low maintenance (no moving parts in panels)
- 10–25 year lifespan for solar panels
- Scales well for irrigation
⚠️ Considerations for Solar Borehole
- Higher upfront cost than grid pump
- Only pumps during daylight (tank required for night use)
- Pump output reduced on cloudy days
- Panel theft risk in some areas
- Controller failure can stop pumping
- Sizing must match borehole yield accurately
For most off-grid sites and farms in Ghana, solar is the clear winner. For urban properties with reliable grid power and modest water demand, a standard AC submersible pump may be simpler and cheaper upfront — though grid running costs accumulate over time.
Solar Borehole for Irrigation in Ghana
Solar-powered boreholes are transforming small and medium-scale farming in Ghana. A properly sized system can supply enough water for 1–5 hectares of drip irrigation or smallholder crop production.
Key considerations for irrigation solar boreholes:
- Yield must be sufficient for your crop water requirements — have your borehole tested
- Drip irrigation is far more efficient than furrow irrigation with limited borehole yield
- System sizing should account for peak dry-season demand
- Consider a large storage reservoir (5,000–20,000 litres) to buffer supply
Sizing a Solar Borehole System: What You Need to Know
Correct sizing is critical. An undersized system won't meet your demand; an oversized one wastes money. Key factors for sizing:
- Borehole depth — determines the pump head required
- Borehole yield — limits how fast you can pump (litres/hour)
- Daily water demand — household size, livestock, irrigation area
- Peak sunshine hours — Ghana averages 5–6 hours; affects how many panels you need
- Storage tank size — must cover overnight and overcast-day demand
This is where a professional assessment before drilling pays dividends — knowing your borehole's expected yield and depth allows you to size the solar system accurately from day one.
Planning a Solar Borehole?
Our site assessment tells you the expected depth and yield at your site — the two numbers that determine your entire solar pump system size. Start there.
WhatsApp Us — Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a solar borehole cost in Ghana?
A complete solar borehole project in Ghana (drilling + solar pump system + tank) typically costs GH₵25,000–GH₵55,000. The wide range depends on borehole depth, required water volume, and tank size.
Can a solar borehole pump at night?
Not directly — solar pumps only run when panels are producing power (daylight hours). The solution is an overhead storage tank that fills during the day and provides gravity-fed water supply at night. Most systems include a 2,000–10,000 litre tank for this purpose.
What is the best solar pump for a borehole in Ghana?
For reliability and after-sales support in Ghana, the Lorentz PS2 series and Grundfos SQFlex are the top professional choices. For budget projects, there are reliable lower-cost alternatives — contact us for current recommendations based on your depth and yield requirements.
How many solar panels do I need for a borehole pump?
For a typical domestic borehole in Ghana (30–60m depth, 500W pump), 2–4 panels of 400W each are usually sufficient. Irrigation systems with larger pumps may require 6–12 panels. Always size based on pump wattage and daily pumping hours needed.