Can You Run a Well Pump on Solar Power? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re on well water, you already know how important it is to keep that pump running. When the power goes out, the water stops too. If you’ve ever dealt with a power outage, tripped breaker, or fuel shortage, you know how quickly things can go sideways without a backup plan.

So here’s the big question:

Can solar actually run a well pump without cutting out?

The answer is yes.

But only if your system is sized properly.

In this article, we’ll break down how solar can power your well pump reliably, what it takes to size your setup correctly, and why it's becoming more popular among rural and off-grid homeowners.

Why More People Are Using Solar to Power Their Well Pumps

There are a few solid reasons rural homeowners and off-grid folks are turning to solar for water access.

1. Grid Power Isn’t Always Reliable

If you live outside town, you’ve probably experienced spotty power. Whether it’s an aging grid or more frequent storms, relying on utility power for something as critical as water is risky. When the grid goes out, so does your ability to pump water.

2. Generators Are a Hassle

Generators can work in a pinch, but they come with trade-offs.

• • You need to store fuel
  

• • They’re loud and polluting

• • They don’t always start when you need them to

3. You Can’t Go Without Water

You might be able to live without lights or the internet for a little while, but going without water isn’t an option. A dependable water source is one of the most important parts of living rural or off-grid.

What a Well Pump Actually Needs

Most pumps are in the half to one horsepower range. That may not sound like much, but they can pull a lot of electricity, especially when they first start up. This is called surge power. It’s the extra energy needed to kick the motor on.

Think of it like starting your truck. You need more juice to turn it on than you do to keep it idling.

Here’s a rough idea of what different pumps need:

If your system can’t handle that surge, the pump might fail to start or trip your inverter.

How to Size a Solar Setup for a Well Pump

Let’s say you have a three-quarter horsepower pump that runs for about an hour a day.

• • Running power: 1,200 watts

• • Surge power: 3,000 watts

• • Daily use: 1.2 kilowatt-hours (1,200 watts x 1 hour)

So you need a system that can deliver a surge of at least 3,000 watts, generate over 1.2 kWh per day, and store enough energy to get you through cloudy days or nighttime use.

This includes:

• • Solar panels to generate power

• • A charge controller to manage input

• • A battery bank to store energy

• • An inverter that can handle the pump’s surge

Each part needs to be matched to your pump’s needs. If one piece is under-built, the whole thing can fall short.

Benefits of Using Solar to Power Your Well Pump

Making the switch to solar isn’t just about cutting your electric bill. For folks relying on well water, it’s about having control.

Here’s what solar gets you:

Reliable Water Access

With a properly sized solar system, your pump runs whether the grid is up or not. No more worrying about outages, downed lines, or being caught off guard when the power cuts out.

Set-and-Forget Operation

Once your system is up and running, it doesn’t need constant attention. No fuel to manage. No startup routines. It works silently in the background, keeping your water flowing with no extra hassle.

Clean Backup Without the Noise

Unlike generators, solar doesn’t hum, smell, or pollute. It runs clean and quiet, so your backup plan doesn’t feel like a compromise.

Long-Term Peace of Mind

With a well-sized battery bank, you’re covered for cloudy days and nighttime use. It’s one less thing to worry about when storms roll through or you’re off-grid for extended periods.

Is Solar Right for You?

If you:

• • Live in a rural or off-grid area

• • Want backup power for your well pump

• • Are tired of managing fuel or relying on an unstable grid

• • Want a clean, low-maintenance solution that runs on autopilot

Then yes, solar is worth a serious look.

It takes some upfront planning to get it right, but once it’s set up, it’s a reliable way to keep your water flowing. You can even expand later to power lights, appliances, or a full off-grid cabin.

Not Sure What You’d Need? Let’s Talk

You don’t need to guess or figure it all out on your own. We’ve helped over 50,000 people make the switch to solar and many of them use well pumps.

Give us a call. We’ll walk you through exactly what you’d need based on your pump size, location, and goals.

Call Now: 877-242-2792

You can also check out or best selling complete kits here.