Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems in California
Addy Solar & Electric installs solar-powered irrigation systems across California for farmers who need to pump water without relying on grid power or diesel. We design systems that run pumps directly from the sun, lowering costs and providing water access where utility power isn’t available.
How Solar-Powered Irrigation Works
A solar-powered irrigation system uses panels to generate electricity that runs your pump through a controller or VFD. When the sun is out, the pump runs, with higher output during stronger sunlight.
These systems work with well, surface, and booster pumps, as well as drip or sprinkler setups. They can be grid-tied or off-grid, with battery storage added for use during low-light conditions.
- Solar panels power your pump directly without grid electricity
- Works with well pumps, surface pumps, and pressurized irrigation
- Grid-tied or completely off-grid configurations available
- Optional battery storage for pumping during low-light conditions
- Eliminates or reduces electricity and diesel fuel costs for pumping
Benefits of solar irrigation for farms
Water pumping is one of the largest energy expenses on a farm. Whether you are running wells, moving surface water, or pressurizing a drip system, that energy has to come from somewhere. Solar gives you a way to pump water at a fraction of the cost.
Eliminate Pumping electricity costs
Irrigation pumps can cost thousands of dollars per month to run on grid power during the growing season. A solar-powered system produces that energy for free after the initial investment.
Once the system pays for itself, typically within 5 to 8 years for agricultural operations, your pumping cost drops to nearly zero for the remaining life of the panels.
Pump Water in Remote Locations
Running utility power to a remote well or pump site can cost $10,000 to $50,000 or more depending on distance.
A solar-powered pump eliminates that cost entirely. You can pump water anywhere the sun shines without running power lines, trenching, or paying monthly utility bills for a remote meter.
Replace Diesel Pump Generators
Many remote pumps run on diesel generators. Fuel costs add up fast, and generators require regular maintenance, oil changes, and eventual replacement.
A solar-powered pump has no fuel cost, no engine maintenance, and runs silently. The long-term savings compared to diesel are significant.
Peak Pumping Aligns With Peak Solar
Irrigation demand is highest during the sunniest months. That is exactly when solar panels produce the most energy.
The natural alignment between water demand and solar production makes this one of the most efficient applications of solar energy in agriculture.
Your pump runs hardest when you need the most water and when the sun is delivering the most power.
Types of Solar Irrigation Systems
The right solar irrigation setup depends on your water source, pump type, flow requirements, and whether you have access to grid power. Here are the main configurations we install.
Direct Solar Pumping
The simplest and most cost-effective setup. Solar panels connect directly to the pump through a controller. The pump runs whenever the sun is shining and stops when it is not.
This works well for filling storage tanks, stock ponds, or gravity-fed irrigation systems where you can store water during the day and distribute it as needed.
Solar Pumping with Battery Storage
Adding a battery allows the pump to run during early morning, late evening, or cloudy conditions when solar production alone is not enough.
This is useful for operations that need consistent water pressure throughout the day or that irrigate on a timed schedule that does not align perfectly with peak sunlight hours.
Grid-Tied Solar Irrigation
If your pump site has grid access, a grid-tied solar system offsets your electricity cost while keeping the grid as a backup.
During sunny hours, the pump runs on solar. During low-light periods or at night, it pulls from the grid.
Net metering credits earned during off-season help offset the grid power you use during heavy irrigation months.
Off-Grid Solar Irrigation
For pump sites with no utility access, off-grid solar is the only practical alternative to a diesel generator.
The system is fully self-contained with panels, a controller, and optionally a battery bank.
We size the array and storage to match your daily pumping volume so you get the water you need without any grid connection.
How We Design Your Solar Irrigation System
01
Assess Your Water Needs
We review your pumping requirements, including flow rate, total daily volume, pump depth or lift, and seasonal variation. We visit the pump site to evaluate solar exposure, panel placement options, and any existing electrical infrastructure.
02
Design the System
We match the solar array size to your pump’s power requirements and daily water demand. We select the right controller, determine if battery storage is needed, and plan the panel layout for the site.
03
Install & Connect
We install the panels, mount the controller, wire the pump connection, and integrate any battery storage. For grid-tied systems, we handle the utility interconnection and metering. For off-grid, the system is fully self-contained.
03
Test & Commission
We run the pump under solar power, verify flow rates, check controller settings, and confirm the system is delivering the water volume you need. You get a walkthrough of the system and monitoring setup so you can track performance.
Why Farmers Choose Addy Solar & Electric
Solar irrigation is a specialized application that requires both solar expertise and electrical knowledge. We have been installing solar and electrical systems in Northern California since 2012, including ground-mount arrays and pump systems on agricultural properties.
We Understand Agricultural Operations
We work with farmers and ranchers across Shasta, Tehama, and surrounding counties. We know how irrigation schedules work, we understand seasonal demand, and we design systems that fit your operation rather than forcing your operation to fit the system.
Electrical & Solar Under One License
Pump wiring, controller installation, panel upgrades, and solar array construction are all handled by our team. One contractor for the entire job means no coordination gaps and no finger-pointing if something needs attention.
Off-Grid & Remote Site Capability
We design and install systems in locations with no utility access. If your pump is in a remote pasture, a hillside well, or a distant corner of your property, we can get solar power there without running utility lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a solar-powered irrigation system cost?
Costs range from $10,000 for a small direct-solar pump system to $100,000 or more for large operations with multiple pumps and battery storage.
The cost depends on pump size, daily water volume, panel array size, and whether the system is grid-tied or off-grid.
Federal tax credits and MACRS depreciation can significantly reduce your net cost. We provide a detailed proposal with full cost and savings projections. Request more info to get started.
Can solar power a deep well pump?
Yes. Solar can power submersible well pumps at depths of 500 feet or more. The panel array is sized to match the pump motor’s horsepower and the daily water volume you need.
Deeper wells with larger pumps require bigger arrays, but the economics still work because the alternative is paying for grid power or diesel for the life of the pump.
We assess your well depth, pump specs, and water needs to design the right system.
What happens when there is no sun?
On cloudy days, a direct-solar system will pump at a reduced rate. If you need consistent flow regardless of weather, adding battery storage keeps the pump running during low-light periods.
For grid-tied systems, the pump simply switches to grid power when solar production drops.
Most operations use a storage tank or pond as a buffer so intermittent pumping does not affect irrigation schedules.
We design every system with your water storage and scheduling needs in mind.
Is solar irrigation worth it for a small farm?
Yes. Even small operations benefit from eliminating monthly pumping electricity costs. A small direct-solar system for a single well or stock tank can pay for itself in 3 to 5 years.
For off-grid locations, solar is often cheaper than the cost of running a utility line to the pump site.
We work with operations of all sizes and design systems that match your budget and water needs.
Can I add solar to my existing irrigation pump?
In most cases, yes. If your existing pump is in good condition and compatible with a variable frequency drive or solar controller, we can add a solar array to power it.
If the pump needs to be replaced, we can recommend a solar-optimized unit that matches your system.
Our team evaluates your current pump and electrical setup to determine the best path forward. Call us to discuss your project.
Pump Water With the Sun
Stop paying for electricity or diesel to move water. Addy Solar & Electric designs and installs solar-powered irrigation systems built for the demands of working farms and ranches. Tell us about your operation and we will show you what solar can do for your water costs.