For farmers across Pakistan, running a tube well on diesel or expensive grid electricity eats straight into profits — and load-shedding stops the water exactly when crops need it. The fix that is transforming agriculture: solar tube wells that run your pump on free sunshine. Here is a practical 2026 guide from Abu Bakar Solar Kohat (ABS Kohat).
How a Solar Tube Well Works
It’s beautifully simple: solar panels feed a VFD (variable frequency drive) / solar pump inverter, which runs your existing tube well motor. During daylight, the pump draws water using only solar power — no diesel, no grid bill, and usually no battery needed, because you pump when the sun is up.
How Many Panels for Your Pump?
| Motor | Solar System | Approx. Panels (540W) | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 HP | ~3 kW + 5kW VFD | 6 panels | ~Rs 350,000–450,000 |
| 5 HP | ~5 kW + 5kW VFD | 10 panels | ~Rs 550,000–600,000 |
| 10 HP | ~10 kW | 18–20 panels | ~Rs 1,020,000–1,450,000 |
| 15 HP | ~15 kW | 27–30 panels | ~Rs 1,150,000–1,850,000 |
Exact numbers depend on your motor, water depth and daily pumping hours. Prices are indicative — send us your pump details for an accurate quote.
Why Farmers Are Switching to Solar Tube Wells
- Zero fuel cost — no more diesel bills; the sun runs your pump for free.
- No load-shedding worries — water when your crops need it, independent of the grid.
- Low maintenance — solar panels have no moving parts and last 25+ years.
- Fast payback — diesel savings alone often recover the cost within a couple of seasons.
Do You Need a Battery?
For most tube wells, no — you pump during daylight when panels are producing, so a battery is not required. If you also want to run home appliances or pump at night, we can design an AC/DC hybrid setup with storage.
What You Need for a Solar Tube Well
- Solar panels — sized to your motor (see table above). Use genuine Tier-1 panels.
- VFD / solar pump inverter — converts solar into the power your motor needs, like our INVT VFD, or a suitable solar inverter.
- Mounting structure — sturdy frame angled for maximum sun.
- Your existing motor — in most cases it can be reused.
Want genuine solar, done right?
Abu Bakar Solar Kohat (ABS Kohat) supplies & installs 100% genuine solar systems all across Pakistan. Get a free, no-obligation quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many solar panels are needed for a 5 HP tube well?
A 5 HP solar tube well typically needs about 10 panels (540W each) with a 5kW VFD — roughly a 5 kW system. A 3 HP pump needs about 6 panels.
Do I need a battery for a solar tube well?
Usually no. You pump during daylight hours when the panels are generating, so no battery is required. A battery is only needed if you also want night pumping or to run home appliances.
How much does a solar tube well cost in Pakistan in 2026?
Roughly Rs 350,000–450,000 for 3 HP, Rs 550,000–600,000 for 5 HP, and Rs 1,000,000–1,850,000 for 10–15 HP systems, depending on panels, motor and water depth.
Can I run my existing tube well motor on solar?
In most cases, yes. A VFD/solar pump inverter lets your existing motor run on solar power. Our team can confirm compatibility based on your motor details.
Related Reading
- What Size Solar System Do You Need?
- On-Grid vs Off-Grid vs Hybrid Inverter
- Solar Panel Price in Pakistan 2026
- How to Reduce Your Electricity Bill With Solar
Want genuine solar, done right?
Abu Bakar Solar Kohat (ABS Kohat) supplies & installs 100% genuine solar systems all across Pakistan. Get a free, no-obligation quote today.
