Solar Water Pump Case Study: Irrigation in Kenya

Enabling Year-Round Farming in Rural Kenya

In 2022, a 12-member agricultural cooperative in Nakuru County, Kenya, struggled with seasonal droughts and unreliable diesel pumps. They partnered with Cylome to deploy a 1.5kW DC solar water pumping system—delivered in just 10 days from order to installation.

Project Challenges

• Deep borehole (85m static water level)
• Need for 8,000 liters/day to irrigate 3 hectares
• No grid access; high fuel costs for diesel alternatives

Cylome supplied a ready-to-match DC submersible pump compatible with standard 48V solar arrays. The system included dry-run protection and MPPT controller integration—critical for variable sunlight conditions.

Results & Impact

Within one growing season, the cooperative doubled maize yields and added high-value vegetables to their rotation. Maintenance costs dropped by 90% compared to diesel, and the CE- and RoHS-certified pump operated flawlessly through dust storms and temperature swings.

“The 24-hour quote and fast lead time meant we didn’t miss planting season,” said the cooperative chair. “It’s like having a silent, sun-powered well manager.”

Since 2009, Cylome has deployed over 5,000 solar pumping units across Africa, Europe, and the USA—proving that sustainable water access drives economic resilience. For similar results, contact sales@cylome.com with your site specs.