Is the high upfront cost of solar holding you back? Or are you worried about hidden expenses that installers don’t mention? In 2026, the Solar Water Pump Cost in Pakistan 2026 is the single most important figure for Pakistani farmers deciding between grid electricity, diesel engines, and solar solutions.
While the market is flooded with “cheap” offers, the reality is that a quality solar tubewell is a significant investment. But here is the good news: prices have stabilized, government subsidies are at an all-time high (up to 80%), and the payback period has dropped to under 1.5 years.
This guide goes beyond the sticker price. We will break down every single Rupee you will spend—from the submersible pump and VFD inverter to the often-ignored costs of borewell drilling, civil works, and security. If you want to know the true cost of installing a solar water pump in 2026, you are in the right place.
Solar Water Pump Price in Pakistan 2026 (The Real Numbers)
Let’s cut to the chase. Solar Water Pump Cost in Pakistan 2026 What is the estimated cost range for a complete system? In 2026, the cost of a solar tubewell system depends heavily on the Head (Depth) and Discharge (Flow Rate) you need. A 5HP system for a 200ft bore is cheaper than a 5HP system for a 400ft bore because the latter requires a more expensive high-head pump.
Complete System Price List 2026 (Estimated)
| System Size (HP) | Solar Capacity (kW) | Suitable Depth (Feet) | Estimated Price Range (PKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 HP System | 1.5 – 2 kW | 50 – 150 ft | ₨ 600,000 – 800,000 |
| 3 HP System | 4 – 5 kW | 150 – 250 ft | ₨ 900,000 – 1,100,000 |
| 5 HP System | 6 – 8 kW | 250 – 350 ft | ₨ 1,200,000 – 1,500,000 |
| 7.5 HP System | 9 – 11 kW | 300 – 450 ft | ₨ 1,600,000 – 1,900,000 |
| 10 HP System | 12 – 15 kW | 400 – 500 ft | ₨ 2,000,000 – 2,500,000 |
| 15 HP System | 18 – 22 kW | 500 – 600 ft | ₨ 2,800,000 – 3,200,000 |
| 20 HP System | 24 – 30 kW | 600+ ft | ₨ 3,500,000+ |
| 25 HP System | 30 – 35 kW | 700+ ft | ₨ 4,200,000+ |
Note: These prices include Solar Panels, VFD Inverter, Submersible Motor/Pump, Mounting Structure, and Standard Installation. They DO NOT include borewell drilling.
Detailed Component Cost Breakdown: Where Does Your Money Go?
To understand if a quote is fair, you need to know the price of individual components. Here is the market rate for Feb 2026:
1. Solar Panels (35-40% of Total Cost)
- Price: ₨ 35 – 45 per watt (Tier 1 Brands like LONGi, Jinko, JA Solar).
- The 2026 Standard: Bifacial N-Type panels (580W-620W) are now the norm. They cost slightly more (Rs 2-3/watt premium) but generate 10-30% more power.
- Warning: Avoid “B-Grade” or “Stock Lot” panels sold at Rs 28/watt. They degrade quickly and will kill your ROI.
2. VFD Solar Inverter (10-15% of Total Cost)
The Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) controls the motor speed.
- 5.5 kW (for 5HP): ₨ 65,000 – 85,000.
- 11 kW (for 10HP): ₨ 110,000 – 130,000.
- 18.5 kW (for 20HP): ₨ 160,000 – 200,000.
- Brands: INVT, Veichi, and Inverex are reliable. Cheap “China generic” VFDs burn out in heat.
3. Submersible Pump & Motor (20-25% of Total Cost)
This is the heart of the system.
- Chinese (Dongyin/Mastra): Affordable and decent.
- 5HP Set: ₨ 90,000 – 120,000.
- European (Grundfos/Lorentz): Premium efficiency and durability.
- 5HP Set: ₨ 250,000 – 350,000.
- Material Cost: Stainless Steel (SS304) impellers cost more than plastic but last 10x longer in sandy water.
4. Mounting Structure (10% of Total Cost)
- Price: ₨ 10,000 – 12,000 per structure (holds 2 panels).
- L2 Structure: Cheaper, fixed angle.
- Pole Mount: More expensive (add Rs 50,000 – 100,000 total), but allows manual tracking of the sun for 20% more water.
- Material: ONLY accept Hot Dip Galvanized (GI) iron (14 SWG). Painted iron will rust within 2 years.
5. Cables & Accessories (5% of Total Cost)
- Submersible Cable: 4-core copper (Pakistan Cables/Fast). Price: Rs 800-1500/meter.
- Delivery Pipe: HDPE or UPVC (4-inch). Price: Rs 600-900/ft.
Hidden Costs: The “Silent Budget Killers”
Most installers will quote you the “System Price.” They won’t tell you about these essential expenses until work begins.
1. Borewell Drilling (The Big One)
If you don’t have an existing bore, this is a massive cost.
- Cost: ₨ 600 – 1,000 per foot (for 8-10 inch bore).
- Example: A 400ft bore can cost ₨ 300,000 – 400,000 just for drilling and casing pipe.
2. Civil Works
You need a room for the VFD inverter and a foundation for the structure.
- Inverter Room: ₨ 50,000 – 100,000 (Brick and mortar).
- Structure Foundation: Concrete blocks (1:2:4 mix). Cost: ₨ 20,000 – 30,000.
3. Security & Fencing
Solar theft is a major issue in rural Punjab and Sindh.
- Fencing: Chain-link fence around the array. Cost: ₨ 50,000 – 100,000.
- Guard/Camera: Monthly expense.
4. Water Testing
Before buying a pump, test your water pH and TDS.
- Lab Test: ₨ 2,000 – 5,000.
- Why? Acidic water requires special SS316 pumps. Standard SS304 pumps will rot in 6 months.
Government Subsidies: The 2026 Game Changer
Can you get this system for almost free? Yes, if you qualify.
Punjab Solar Tubewell Scheme 2026
- Subsidy: 80% of the system cost.
- Farmer Share: 20%.
- Example Calculation (7.5 HP System):
- Total Cost: ₨ 1,800,000.
- Govt Pays: ₨ 1,440,000.
- You Pay: ₨ 360,000.
- Verdict: If you own 1-12.5 acres, applying for this scheme is a “no-brainer.”
Balochistan Solarization Project
- Subsidy: 100% (Federal/Provincial split) for 28,000 registered tubewells.
- Cost: FREE for eligible farmers.
(Check our eligibility guide for [Punjab Green Tractor Scheme 2026] to see if you qualify for other rural subsidies.)
ROI Analysis: Solar vs. Diesel vs. Grid
Is the high solar water pump cost 2026 worth it? Let’s do the math for a 10-acre farm using a 10HP pump.
Scenario A: Diesel Engine (Peter)
- Fuel Consumption: 2 Liters/hr.
- Diesel Price: ₨ 300/Liter.
- Daily Run: 8 hours.
- Daily Cost: 2 * 300 * 8 = ₨ 4,800.
- Monthly Cost: ₨ 144,000.
- Annual Cost: ₨ 1,728,000.
Scenario B: Grid Electricity
- Unit Rate + FAC + Fixed Charges: Approx ₨ 65/unit.
- Consumption: 10 units/hr.
- Daily Cost: 10 * 65 * 8 = ₨ 5,200.
- Monthly Cost: ₨ 156,000.
Scenario C: Solar Tubewell
- Upfront Cost: ₨ 2,200,000.
- Daily Cost: ₨ 0.
- Maintenance: ₨ 2,000/month (cleaning/greasing).
The Payback Period
- Vs. Diesel: ₨ 2,200,000 / ₨ 144,000 = 15.2 Months (1.3 Years).
- Vs. Grid: ₨ 2,200,000 / ₨ 156,000 = 14.1 Months (1.2 Years).
Conclusion: After 15 months, your irrigation is FREE. For the remaining 20+ years of the system’s life, you are saving Rs 1.7 Million per year.
How to Reduce Your Installation Cost (Without Losing Quality)
- Buy Panels Directly: Dealers charge a markup. Buy full pallets of panels directly from detailed importers (e.g., in Lahore or Karachi) to save Rs 2-3/watt.
- Use L2 Structure: If you have a large open field, ground-mounted L2 structures are 30% cheaper than pole mounts and easier to clean.
- Right-Size Your Pump: Don’t buy a 20HP pump if a 15HP can do the job. accurate bore testing prevents “oversizing” waste.
- Group Buying: If 3-4 farmers in a village buy together, installers often give a 5-10% discount on labor and transport.
FAQ: Your Wallet’s Questions Answered
Q1: What is the cost of a 1-inch solar water pump? A: A 1-inch delivery usually requires a 1 HP to 2 HP system. The estimated cost is between ₨ 600,000 to ₨ 800,000.
Q2: Is the borewell drilling cost included in the solar quotation? A: No. Solar companies rarely include civil works or drilling. You must hire a separate boring contractor. Expect to pay Rs 600-1000 per foot.
Q3: How much does a solar tubewell battery cost? A: We strongly advise against batteries for tubewells. A battery bank large enough to run a 5HP motor for 4 hours costs over ₨ 1,500,000 and needs replacement every 4-5 years. it destroys the ROI.
Q4: Does the price vary by city (Lahore vs. Multan)? A: Yes. Transport costs add up. Installing in a remote village in Balochistan can cost Rs 50,000 – 100,000 more in transport and logistics than installing near Lahore or Faisalabad.
Q5: What is the maintenance cost per year? A: Very low. Budget around ₨ 20,000 – 30,000 per year for cleaning labor, VFD filter cleaning, and checking connections.
Final Verdict: Is the Cost Justified?
The solar water pump cost 2026 might seem like a mountain (Rs 1.5M – 3M), but the alternative is a bottomless pit of diesel and electricity bills.
From a purely financial perspective, an asset that pays for itself in 15 months and generates free value for 20 years is the best investment a farmer can make—better than buying more land.
Our Advice: Don’t wait for the dollar to rise again. Lock in your price today, and if possible, apply for the provincial subsidy schemes immediately.
