Solar Water Pumping TDH & Solar Panel Sizing Calculator
Size off-grid solar-powered water pumping systems. Calculate Total Dynamic Head (TDH), daily water demand, required hydraulic pumping flow rate (GPM / LPM), and solar PV array wattage.
Water Demand & Pumping Geometry
Total daily volume needed (11,356 L)
Daily solar window (typically 4.5 to 6.5 hours)
Pumping water level to discharge elevation
0 for open tank fill; 30–50 for pressurized drip
Required Solar PV Array Capacity
Solar Submersible
600 Watts PV Array
e.g. 2 × 400W or 3 × 275W solar panels
Required Pumping Flow Rate
9.09 GPM (34.4 LPM)
Over 5.5 Peak Sun Hours
Total Dynamic Head (TDH)
124.8 ft (38.1 m)
Lift: 120.0' | Friction: 4.8' | Pressure: 0.0'
Hydraulic Power & Electrical Specifications
Hydraulic Water Horsepower (WHP):
0.30 WHP (224 Watts hydraulic)
Recommended Motor HP:
0.75 HP (3/4 HP)
Pipe Velocity (Target < 5 ft/s):
2.01 ft/s (Optimal low friction)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Peak Sun Hours (PSH) used instead of total daylight hours?
Peak Sun Hours measures equivalent hours of full 1,000 W/m² solar irradiance. Although daylight may last 12 hours, usable pumping power occurs only during the core 4.5 to 6.5 peak sun hours when solar intensity is strong enough to drive the pump motor.
Should I install water storage tanks or battery banks?
In agriculture, storing water in elevated stock tanks is almost always more reliable and economical than storing electrical energy in battery banks. Storing 3 to 5 days of water reserves ensures livestock water during cloudy storm periods without battery replacement costs.