Use A Solar Carport To Pump Your Borehole

Powering a Borehole Pump with a Solar Carport: A Sustainable Solution

A solar carport is more than just a shaded parking area—it’s a practical and efficient way to generate solar power while protecting your vehicle. But did you know that it can also be used to power a borehole pump? This dual-purpose functionality makes it an excellent investment for homeowners and businesses in Cape Town looking to save on electricity costs while ensuring a reliable water supply

How a Solar Carport Can Power a Borehole Pump

A borehole pump requires a consistent power supply to draw water from underground and distribute it to your home, garden, or irrigation system. By installing solar panels on your carport, you can generate and store electricity to keep your borehole running, even during power outages.

The key components needed for this setup include:

✅ Solar panels – Mounted on the carport to capture sunlight
✅ Solar inverter – Converts solar energy into usable electricity for the pump
✅ Battery storage (optional) – Ensures the borehole continues running during low sunlight or at night
✅ Cabling & wiring – Efficiently transfers power from the carport to the borehole pump

The distance between the solar carport and the borehole pump is also a crucial factor. If they are far apart, additional high-quality cabling and power stabilizers may be required to minimize energy loss.

How Much Power Is Needed to Run a Borehole Pump?

The power requirements for a borehole pump depend on depth, water demand, and motor efficiency. First you need to get your borehole drilled. Find out how much borehole drilling prices are here.

Here’s an estimate based on common borehole sizes:

🔹 Shallow Borehole (Up to 30m Deep)

Pump size: 0.37kW – 0.75kW (370W – 750W)
Solar panels needed: 2-4 panels (each 400W)
Best suited for: Small households and light irrigation

🔹 Medium Borehole (30m – 70m Deep)

Pump size: 0.75kW – 1.5kW (750W – 1500W)
Solar panels needed: 4-6 panels (each 400W)
Best suited for: Larger households, gardens, and moderate irrigation

🔹 Deep Borehole (70m – 120m Deep)

Pump size: 1.5kW – 3kW (1500W – 3000W)
Solar panels needed: 6-10 panels (each 400W)
Best suited for: Large-scale irrigation, farms, and business use

A battery backup system is highly recommended if the borehole is used at night or during extended cloudy periods.

Choosing the Right Solar Carport Size for Borehole Power

To determine the correct solar carport size, consider:
✅ Vehicle storage needs (single or double carport)
✅ The number of solar panels required
✅ Structural strength to support panel weight and withstand Cape Town’s weather conditions
✅ Accessibility for power cables to efficiently connect the borehole pump

Here’s a guide to solar carport sizes:

🔸 Single Solar Carport (For One Car & Borehole Power)

Minimum Size: 3m (width) x 6m (length)
Recommended Size: 3.5m – 4m (width) x 6m (length)
Best for: Small-scale borehole use with a few solar panels

🔸 Double Solar Carport (For Two Cars & Borehole Power)

Minimum Size: 6m (width) x 6m (length)
Recommended Size: 6.5m – 7m (width) x 6m (length)
Best for: Medium to large borehole pumps with multiple solar panels

For borehole systems that need higher power output, a larger carport or a customized design can be built to accommodate more panels.

Strength and Stability Considerations

A solar carport needs to be structurally sound to support the weight of solar panels and withstand Cape Town’s wind and weather conditions. Key factors include:

🔹 Steel or reinforced aluminum frame – Provides durability and longevity
🔹 High-quality roofing – Ensures proper solar panel mounting
🔹 Wind-resistant design – Prevents damage during storms
🔹 Secure foundation – Protects against shifting or collapse

Proper engineering is essential to ensure the carport remains stable while efficiently feeding power to the borehole pump.

Why Invest in a Solar Carport for Borehole Power?

✅ Energy Savings – Reduce or eliminate borehole electricity costs
✅ Load Shedding Protection – Keep water flowing even during power outages
✅ Eco-Friendly – Reduce reliance on the grid and lower your carbon footprint
✅ Dual-Purpose Use – Provides vehicle protection and energy generation

A solar carport adds value to your property, offers energy independence, and makes borehole pumping more sustainable. Whether for residential or commercial use, it’s a smart investment for Cape Town homeowners looking to maximize renewable energy.

Need expert advice on installing a solar carport with a borehole power system? Contact a professional to customize a setup that meets your needs.