How Much Water Per Hour Does a 1 HP Solar-Powered Pump From a Modern Borehole?

If you’re searching for 1 HP solar borehole pump flow rate or how much water a 1 HP solar pump produces per hour, you’re not alone—this is one of the most common queries for farmers, rural water managers, and off-grid property owners. A modern 1 HP solar-powered borehole pump typically delivers 4,000–6,000 liters per hour (LPH), but this number shifts based on borehole depth, head pressure, and well recharge rate. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what impacts output, how to calculate your expected flow, and how to get the most out of a 1 HP solar powered borehole pump for your needs.  

 What Determines 1 HP Solar Borehole Pump Water Output?

Every 1 HP solar water pump per hour output depends on three non-negotiable factors—ignore them, and you’ll get less water than expected. Below is a detailed breakdown, with data to help you estimate your own flow rate.  

Factor 1: Borehole Depth (Biggest Impact on 1 HP Solar Pump Flow)

The deeper your borehole, the more energy your 1 HP solar borehole pump uses to lift water—and the lower the flow rate.

For example, a 1 HP solar borehole pump for farm irrigation in a 40-meter borehole will likely hit 4,800 LPH—enough to water 2 acres of maize or cassava daily (with 6–8 hours of sunlight).  

Factor 2: Head Pressure (Don’t Overlook Pipe Length & Tank Height)

Head pressure refers to the total distance water travels from the borehole to its final destination (e.g., a storage tank on a hill or a irrigation line). Even a shallow borehole can reduce the solar water pump per hour output if head pressure is high:  

Every 10 meters of extra pipe = ~5% flow rate loss  

Every 5 meters of tank height above ground = ~3% flow rate loss  

If you have a 30-meter borehole plus a 10-meter tall storage tank, your 1 HP solar powered borehole pump will drop from 6,000 LPH to ~5,400 LPH. To minimize losses, use wide-diameter pipes (2–3 inches) and place tanks as close to the borehole as possible.  

Factor 3: Well Recharge Rate (Ensures Your Pump Doesn’t Run Dry)

Your borehole can only supply as much water as it “recharges”—the rate at which groundwater seeps back into the well. If your well recharges at 3,000 LPH, even the best 1 HP solar borehole pump can’t pull 4,000 LPH without temporarily drying up.  

1 HP Solar Powered Borehole Pump Output for Common Use Cases

Different needs call for different flow rates—here’s how 1 HP solar borehole pump flow rate translates to real-world applications, so you can confirm if it’s the right fit:  

Use Case 1: Farm Irrigation

A 1 HP solar borehole pump for farm irrigation delivers 4,000–6,000 LPH, which covers:  

1–2 acres of vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, onions)  

0.5–1 acre of fruit trees (mangoes, citrus, avocados)  

2–3 acres of grains (maize, wheat, rice)

Use Case 2: Rural Water Supply

A 1 HP solar water pump is ideal for small to medium rural communities, as 4,000–6,000 LPH can serve:  

50–100 households (200–400 people) for daily drinking, cooking, and hygiene  

Small schools or clinics (100–200 students/patients)  

Most households use ~50 liters per person per day, so 4,000 LPH over 4 hours of sunlight = 16,000 liters—enough for 320 people.   

Use Case 3: Livestock Watering

Livestock need consistent water, and a 1 HP solar powered borehole pump can supply:  

50–100 cows (100–200 liters per cow daily)  

200–300 chickens (1–2 liters per 10 chickens daily)  

20–30 goats or sheep (5–10 liters per animal daily) 、

How to Maximize 1 HP Solar Borehole Pump Water Output

 If you’re not getting the expected 1 HP solar water pump per hour output, try these fixes—they’re simple, low-cost, and proven to boost flow:  

Optimize Solar Panel Setup: Use 4–6 300W solar panels (1,200–1,800W total) for your 1 HP solar borehole pump—more wattage means consistent power, even on cloudy days. Angle panels to face the sun directly (30–45° tilt for most regions).  

Clean Well Screens Regularly: Clogged screens (from sand or debris) reduce water intake. Clean them every 3–6 months to keep flow at 90%+ of capacity.  

Use a Pressure Tank: A pressure tank smooths out flow spikes and reduces pump cycling, which can increase 1 HP solar borehole pump flow rate by 5–10%.  

Check for Leaks: Even small leaks in pipes or fittings can waste 10–15% of water. Inspect lines 

Is a 1 HP Solar Borehole Pump Right for You?

A 1 HP solar borehole pump delivers 4,000–6,000 LPH for most standard boreholes (≤ 50 meters deep), making it perfect for small to medium farms, rural water supplies, and livestock operations. To get the most out of your pump, calculate your borehole depth, head pressure, and recharge rate first—this ensures you’ll hit your expected flow.