Pixie Orange Farming And Irrigation
Pixie orange farming and irrigation in Kenya is a high investment, high returns farming venture. Pixies originate from California, USA where they were developed as a cross between oranges and tangerines. They are yellow-orange in colour, sweet and seedless fruits rich in vitamin C. They boost the immune system and increase collagen production which is great for the skin. In this piece, we answer commonly asked questions on pixie orange farming and irrigation by growers in Africa
1.How do you grow pixie oranges in Kenya?
They grow in most soils, but the best are deep (at least 18 inches or 42 cm deep) fertile sandy loams with a pH range of 6.5 – 7.3
2. How do you plant pixie oranges?
The dimensions of the planting holes are 2ft x 2ft x 2ft. This allows for water conservation and deep root penetration as the tree grows. mix the top soil thoroughly with well decomposed manure especially in weak soils
3. What is the spacing for pixies?
Row to row 5M, plant to plant 4M to give an average population of 200 plants per acre. A mature full-sized tree tree is 6M – 9M tall, and equally wide with an extensive root system
4. How long do pixie oranges take to grow out?
Pixie oranges take 2 years to their first fruiting season, but full maturity is between 3 -5 years
4. How many oranges will one tree produce?
The first fruits (30 – 50 fruits) come in the second year, then 250 -300 in the third to fifth years. By the eighth year, the tree bears 500 -600 fruits annually. To produce this commercial quantity all year round, irrigation must be undertaken
5. How many pixie orange trees per acre?
200 trees on average
How To Irrigate Pixie Oranges In Kenya
Pixie oranges require a high amount of water to grow because they are ever green. Under rain fed production, it will be at least 1,000mm of rain annually. However, to produce commercially, irrigation will be done to supplement rain. A tree will have 20 litres at planting, and thereafter, ensure that the soil is consistently moist, but not soggy. The root system must not be allowed to dry out, and neither should there be standing water. Irrigation is at the root zone, away from the trunk
Pixie Orange Farming And Irrigation
Methods
I. Sprinkler Irrigation
Micro sprinklers at the base of the plant are the most efficient or all overhead irrigation methods. Micro sprinklers are low-pressure, low to medium volume irrigation equipment that deliver water directly to the crop root zone. They provide full scale surface irrigation, and localised watering of trees
II. Button drippers
This is the most water conserving and efficient irrigation system. The water loss to evaporation is less than that of micro-sprinklers, and it requires lower pressure to operate
Drip Irrigation Lines and Pipes
In this drip irrigation lines and pipes piece, we will answer commonly asked questions in relation to drip irrigation
1.What is drip irrigation tape?
This is a flat thin walled LLDPE material tube with sequential emitters for irrigation
2. How long do you water with drip tape?
This depends on the crop water need at the time of irrigation. It ranges from 25 minutes to 1.5 hours. It is recommended to irrigate daily over a short duration with the same amount of water to keep the crop happy
3. Can you re-use drip tape?
Yeas you will over several growing seasons. The thicker the wall size, the longer the re-use period
4. What is the maximum length of a drip irrigation line?
1,000M
5. How much water does drip tape put out?
This depends on the emitter specifications. We supply 1.5L/ hour, 2L/hour, and 3L/hour emitters in our drip tapes
6. How much do drip lines cost?
Grekkon Limited’s double emitter drip irrigation lines and pipes for sale in Kenya tapes are categorised by thickness; 0.3mm, and 0.4mm. Both are 16mm in diameter, 1,000M long and with a choice of emitter spacing as 15cm, 20cm, and 30cm
Cost of drip irrigation tapes
Thickness | 0.3mm | 0.4mm |
Price | KES 7,500 | KES 8,500 |
The choice of drip line thickness depends on
- is it for out door or greenhouse installation? 0.3mm is fine in the greenhouse because it is no directly exposed to sunlight
- radiation level. where the sun’s radiation is high, 0.4mm is better
7. How much does it cost drip irrigation for 1 acre?
This depends on the crop type. Different crops have different drip irrigation piping requirements
Drip irrigation lines and pipes
By acreage pricing
Crop Type | Lines Per Bed | Acreage | Cost in Kes |
Watermelon, cucumber, butter nut | 1 | 0.125 | 15,000 |
0.25 | 25,000 | ||
0.50 | 45,000 | ||
1 | 85,000 | ||
Tomato, cabbage, chilies, capsicum | 2 | 0.125 | 25,000 |
0.25 | 40,000 | ||
0.50 | 75,000 | ||
1 | 140,000 | ||
Onion, garlic, herbs, spices, strawberry | 0.125 | 27,500 | |
3 | 0.25 | 45,000 | |
0.50 | 85,000 | ||
1 | 160,000 |
8. What time of day is best for drip irrigation?
Early morning is highly recommended. If not, then in the evening
9.How much pressure does a drip irrigation system need?
The minimum operating pressure is 3M or 0.3 bar
10. What pipes size should I use for drip irrigation?
There are 3 lines in an irrigation set-up
- main line. This one delivers water to the farm from the source; tank, water pan, lake or river. It is the largest
- sub-main line. It is connected to the main line to supply water to the drip irrigation tubes. It is lesser in diameter than the main line
- drip irrigation tape. it supplies water directly to the crop
The pipe size is a factor of acreage. The main line diameter size on 10 acres is larger than the main line diameter size on half an acre of drip irrigation. These pipes are either HDPE or PVC types
11. How do I start my own drip?
Our technical team guides new drip irrigation farmers on starting out. These are the steps to follow
- identify the area to undertake drip irrigation. It will have a close water source
- what crop is to be grown? this will guide on the number of drip rows per bed
- what is your budget? it determines the acreage to set up the system
Water Sprinklers
Water sprinklers for sale in Kenya by Grekkon Limited are categorised by size. The sprinkler size determines the place of use, as a result of the unit amount of water it gives. Water sprinklers in Kenya are either plastic or metallic. This affects the price and longevity, but not the water volume.
1. Garden Sprinklers
These have an inlet diameter of 1″, 3/4″ and 1/2″. Garden sprinklers have low water volume, and are for home gardening. This includes; kitchen gardens, small scale farms, lawns, hedges, and flower beds. Their irrigation diameter is 3M to 14M according to inlet size and make.
Examples
1.1. Butterfly sprinklers
1.2. Mega net sprinklers
1.3. Impact sprinklers
1.4. Pop up sprinklers
1.5. Lawn sprinkler
1.6. Sprinkler jet micro sprinkler
Garden Water Sprinklers Prices in Kenya
A commonly asked question; How much does a sprinkler cost in Kenya?
The table below answers this
Type | Inlet Diameter | Max Spray Diameter | Min Head (Pressure Rating) | Max Flow Rate | Price in Kes |
Impact Sprinklers | 1″ | 12M | 10M | 3M3/ Hr | 1,250 |
3/4″ | 7.5M | 10M | 2M3/ Hr | 750 | |
1/2″ | 5M | 10M | 1.5M3/ Hr | 450 | |
Butterfly & Micro Sprinklers | 1/2″ | 3M | 3M | 0.1M3/ Hr | 150 |
Mega net Sprinklers | 3/4″ | 10M | 20M | 0.3M3/ Hr | 250 |
1″ | 14M | 30M | 0.5M3/ Hr | 350 | |
Pop up Sprinklers | 1/2″ | 7M | 20M | 2M3/ Hr | 2,750 |
3/4″ | 14M | 30M | 3M3/ Hr | 3,750 |
2. Rain gun sprinklers
These are larger sprinklers to irrigate small to large acreage of commercial crop. They vary in size and make.
2.1. Flange type rain guns
They are giant rain guns that evacuate large amounts of water, and work under high pressure. They are in large plantations
2.2. Atom rain gun
2.3. PY type rain gun
2.4. Plastic rain gun
Rain gun price in Kenya
Type | Make | Inlet Diameter | Max Spray Diameter | Min Head (Pressure Rating) | Max Flow Rate | Price in Kes |
Flange | Metallic | 2″ | 60M | 50M | 60M3/ Hr | 65,000 |
Flange | Metallic | 1.5″ | 45M | 40M | 40M3/ Hr | 50,000 |
PY 50 | Metallic | 2.5″ | 40M | 30M | 25M3/ Hr | 19,000 |
PY 40 | Metallic | 2″ | 35M | 30M | 17M3/ Hr | 17,000 |
PY 30 | Metallic | 1.5″ | 30M | 30M | 8M3/ Hr | 15,000 |
Atom/ RM | Metallic | 1.5″ | 30M | 30M | 8M3/ Hr | 17,000 |
Plastic | Plastic | 1.5″ | 30M | 25M | 7M3/ Hr | 5,000 |
Atom/ RM | Metallic | 1″ | 20M | 30M | 6.5M3/ Hr | 6,500 |
Irrigation Company In Eldoret
The story of an irrigation company in Eldoret begins five years ago. In 2017, two Kenyan agri-prenuers came together to establish an irrigation systems firm to serve small to medium scale commercial farmers in Kenya. This was by providing tailored professional irrigation systems set up solutions that were within these farmers’ budgets. At the same time, improving the clients’ overall yield, and income from farming. The motivation to focus on this niche was because of the presence of large international irrigation service providers. Their clientele were the large ornamental, cereal and vegetable growers. Smaller growers had to fend for themselves because they were never a priority for these large corporates.
The other objective was to do further by offering expert irrigation, greenhouse, water pumps, and dam lining expertise. This is to small scale to medium scale commercial farmers, who had no professional entity to consult for such. It was through physical site visits to carry out assessments, provide advice, and carry out irrigation project reviews afterwards. And so, Grekkon Limited – Irrigation Hub was born.
The headquarters are Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. In April 2018, Grekkon Limited opened Eldoret irrigation hub along Kapsabet road in Kaburwa area within Eldoret municipality.
In mid-2021, the company opened a sub-branch in Eldoret town central business district. This is to serve farmers picking none bulky items such as irrigation fittings and accessories. The new sub-branch is located in Sugarland plaza, along Oloo street.
The irrigation company in Eldoret serves growers in; Nandi, Usain-Gishu, Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Baringo counties. These counties have varying climatic conditions and weather patterns. Those in the south are green with predictable rain patterns, hose in the north are arid and semi-arid locations.
Innovation
Grekkon Limited is the first irrigation systems company in eastern Africa to introduce the rain hose irrigation system. This new product solved many irrigation challenges for commercial vegetable and corn farmers. The company is the market leader in research and commercialization of natural solar dryers. Each unit designed to meet the product or market drying requirements. Today, Grekkon Limited is the largest supplier of natural solar dryers in western Kenya, and the north rift regions.
Team
Grekkon Limited’s resounding success is largely due to its team of field professionals in Nyahururu. They provide engineering, commercial, and technical services. In a first in the market, the company organizes ‘training days’ in various regions of the counties. Here, where growers come to learn of new and existing technologies. This knowledge sharing module has proved effective in addressing basic irrigation challenges that farmers go through. It has created trust in the company’s expertise.
Irrigation Company In Eldoret
The Future
There is a growing number of medium scale farmers living in the cities, but farming in the upcountry. The need to create a web-based irrigation monitoring system is more pronounced than ever. Grekkon Limited’s IT team is developing a gadget responsive tool. It will enable farmers to irrigate and fertilise (through fertigation) their farms remotely. It also woks s a moisture monitoring tool to alert growers when crop moisture levels fall below normal levels.
Irrigation Company In Meru
The premier irrigation company in Meru started long before it set up shop in the region. In 2017, two Kenyan agri-prenuers came together to establish an irrigation systems firm to serve small to medium scale commercial farmers in Kenya. This was by providing tailored professional irrigation systems set up solutions that were within these farmers’ budgets. At the same time, improving the clients’ overall yield, and income from farming. The motivation to focus on this niche was because of the presence of large international irrigation service providers. Their clientele were the large ornamental, cereal and vegetable growers. Smaller growers had to fend for themselves because they were never a priority for these large corporates.
The other objective was to do further by offering expert irrigation, greenhouse, water pumps, and dam lining expertise to these small scale to medium scale commercial farmers, who had no professional entity to consult for such. This was through physical site visits to carry out assessments, provide advice, and carry out irrigation project reviews afterwards. And so, Grekkon Limited – Irrigation Hub was born
It was headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, and in February 2021, Grekkon Limited opened Meru irrigation hub in Riverbank area of Meru town.
The irrigation company in Meru serves farmers in; Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Marsabit counties.
Innovation
Grekkon Limited is the first irrigation systems company in eastern Africa to introduce the rain hose irrigation system. This new product solved many irrigation challenges for commercial vegetable and corn farmers. The company is the market leader in research and commercialization of natural solar dryers. Each unit designed to meet the product or market drying requirements. Today, Grekkon Limited is the largest supplier of natural solar dryers in Isiolo, Embu, Laikipia, Marsabit, Meru, and Tharaka- Nithi regions.
Team
Grekkon Limited’s resounding success is largely due to its team of field professionals in Nyahururu. They provide engineering, commercial, and technical services. In a first in the market, the company organizes ‘training days’ in various regions of the counties. Here, where growers come to learn of new and existing technologies. This knowledge sharing module has proved effective in addressing basic irrigation challenges that farmers go through. It has created trust in the company’s expertise.
Irrigation Company In Meru
The Future
There is a growing number of medium scale farmers living in the cities, but farming in the upcountry. The need to create a web-based irrigation monitoring system is more pronounced than ever. Grekkon Limited’s IT team is developing a gadget responsive tool. It will enable farmers to irrigate and fertilise (through fertigation) their farms remotely. It also woks s a moisture monitoring tool to alert growers when crop moisture levels fall below normal levels.
Irrigation company in Kisumu
Before Grekkon Limited started opened an office as an irrigation company in Kisumu, it was already selling in that market. In 2017, two Kenyan agri-prenuers came together to establish an irrigation systems firm to serve small to medium scale commercial farmers in Kenya. This was by providing tailored professional irrigation systems set up solutions that were within these farmers’ budgets. At the same time, improving the clients’ overall yield, and income from farming. The motivation to focus on this niche was because of the presence of large international irrigation service providers. Their clientele were the large ornamental, cereal and vegetable growers. Smaller growers had to fend for themselves because they were never a priority for these large corporates.
The other objective was to do further by offering expert irrigation, greenhouse, water pumps, and dam lining expertise to these small scale to medium scale commercial farmers, who had no professional entity to consult for such. This was through physical site visits to carry out assessments, provide advice, and carry out irrigation project reviews afterwards. And so, Grekkon Limited – Irrigation Hub was born.
It was headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, and in February 2021, Grekkon Limited opened Kisumu irrigation hub along Kakamega in Kondele area of Kisumu city.
The irrigation company in Kisumu serves farmers in; Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Homa-bay, Kericho, Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, Busia.
Innovation
Grekkon Limited is the first irrigation systems company in eastern Africa to introduce the rain hose irrigation system. This new product solved many irrigation challenges for commercial vegetable and corn farmers. The company is the market leader in research and commercialization of natural solar dryers. Each unit designed to meet the product or market drying requirements. Today, Grekkon Limited is the largest supplier of natural solar dryers in Nyanza region, and western Kenya.
Team
Grekkon Limited’s resounding success is largely due to its team of field professionals in Nyahururu. They provide engineering, commercial, and technical services. In a first in the market, the company organizes ‘training days’ in various regions of the counties. Here, where growers come to learn of new and existing technologies. This knowledge sharing module has proved effective in addressing basic irrigation challenges that farmers go through. It has created trust in the company’s expertise.
Irrigation Company In Kisumu
The Future
There is a growing number of medium scale farmers living in the cities, but farming in the upcountry. The need to create a web-based irrigation monitoring system is more pronounced than ever. Grekkon Limited’s IT team is developing a gadget responsive tool. It will enable farmers to irrigate and fertilise (through fertigation) their farms remotely. It also woks s a moisture monitoring tool to alert growers when crop moisture levels fall below normal levels.
Irrigation company in Nyahururu
The story of an irrigation company in Nyahururu goes like this….In 2017, two Kenyan agri-prenuers came together to establish an irrigation systems firm to serve small to medium scale commercial farmers in Kenya. This was by providing tailored professional irrigation systems set up solutions that were within these farmers’ budgets. At the same time, improving the clients’ overall yield, and income from farming. The motivation to focus on this niche was because of the presence of large international irrigation service providers. Their clientele were the large ornamental, cereal and vegetable growers. Smaller growers had to fend for themselves because they were never a priority for these large corporates.
The other objective was to do further by offering expert irrigation, greenhouse, water pumps, and dam lining expertise to these small scale to medium scale commercial farmers, who had no professional entity to consult for such. This was through physical site visits to carry out assessments, provide advice, and carry out irrigation project reviews afterwards. And so, Grekkon Limited – Irrigation Hub was born. It was headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, and in August 2020, Grekkon Limited opened Nyahururu irrigation hub in Nyahururu town.
The irrigation company in Nyahururu serves farmers in; Nyandarua, Nakuru, Laikipia, and Samburu counties. It is located along the Olkalau- Nyahururu road.
Innovation
Grekkon Limited is the first irrigation systems company in eastern Africa to introduce the rain hose irrigation system. This new product solved many irrigation challenges for commercial vegetable and corn farmers. The company is the market leader in research and commercialization of natural solar dryers. Each unit designed to meet the product or market drying requirements. Today, Grekkon Limited is the largest supplier of natural solar dryers in Northern Kenya, Nakuru, Laikipia and Samburu regions.
Team
Grekkon Limited’s resounding success is largely due to its team of field professionals in Nyahururu. They provide engineering, commercial, and technical services. In a first in the market, the company organizes ‘training days’ in various regions of the counties. Here, where growers come to learn of new and existing technologies. This knowledge sharing module has proved effective in addressing basic irrigation challenges that farmers go through. It has created trust in the company’s expertise.
Irrigation Company in Nyahururu
The Future
There is a growing number of medium scale farmers living in the cities, but farming in the upcountry. The need to create a web-based irrigation monitoring system is more pronounced than ever. Grekkon Limited’s IT team is developing a gadget responsive tool. It will enable farmers to irrigate and fertilise (through fertigation) their farms remotely. It also woks s a moisture monitoring tool to alert growers when crop moisture levels fall below normal levels.
Irrigation Company in Mombasa
In commemoration of our 5 years of serving farmers, Grekkon Limited has a new irrigation company in Mombasa. Grekkon Limited – Irrigation Hub, Mombasa opened it’s doors on the 7th of February 2022. This is 5 years after the first office started operations from Nairobi. Grekkon Limited – Irrigation Hub, Mombasa is located along Jomo Kenyatta Avenue, opposite the Mombasa Pentecostal Church.
Irrigation Company in Mombasa
Products
Irrigation systems
1.1. Drip irrigation
- double emitter pre-perforated drip tapes for vegetables
- button drip irrigation systems for orchards, and forestry
1.2. Sprinkler systems
- rain gun sprinklers to irrigate large diameters
- impact sprinklers for small to medium scale farms
- pop up sprinklers for lwans
- butterfly sprinklers for small gardens and lawns
- meganet sprinklers
- micro sprinklers for lawns and orchards
1.3. Rain hose kits. These are pre-perforated pipes through nano technology that provide overhead irrigation
Every irrigation system comprises of a main line and/or a sub main line. These pipes are either high density polyethylene pipes (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride pipes (PVC), or PVC delivery pipes. Every pipe type has it’s own fittings
2. Dam liners
These are UV treated HDPE geomembranes as;
- 0.5mm. for fine textured surfaces
- 0.75mm. for surfaces with murram
- 1mm. for rocky/ stony surfaces
3. Greenhouses
They are categorised by shape, and/or by main frame material
3.1. By shape. They are either tunnel type which are constructed in highland or cool locations. Or vented type done in warm or mid-low altitude areas
3.2. By structural material. They are either steel or wooden. All wooden greenhouse are ‘vented types’
4. Solar dryers
These are crop drying units made from galvanised steel with a UV treated polythene paper cover.
5. Water pumps
5.1. Solar water pumps for shallow and deep wells
5.2. Electric surface and submersible pumps
5.3. Diesel generator water pumps
5.4. Petrol generator pumps
6. Agriculture nets
6.1. Shade nets. They shade the crop from excess sunlight. They are supplied as; 30%, 55%, 75%, and 90% shade
6.2. Insect nets. They protect the crop from insects. They are supplied as light or heavy gauge
6.3. Bird nets. They protect the crop from bird pests
7. Planting trays and coco peat
Planting trays as; 28, 50,66, 128, 200, and 288 cells for all crops. These come with coco peat planting media
Irrigation company in Mombasa
Service
We provide tailored agronomy support service to all our farmers in east Africa. A detailed crop production hand book detailing all key aspects of crop production is given in every project
Electric Water Pump Prices
Electric water pump prices by Grekkon Limited are provided for both surface electric water pumps, and electric submersible water pumps.
Similarities Between surface, and Submersible Electric Water Pumps
- both use alternating (AC) current
- both have electric motors to power the pump
- each either works with single or 3-phase power depending on the motor size
- each has domestic use, and commercial irrigation use models
- both are centrifugal pumps
- both categories have sewage pumps
Differences Between Surface, and Submersible Electric Water Pumps
- surface electric pumps only work outside of water
- submersible electric water pumps only work inside water
- submersible electric pumps are made of stainless steel
- a surface electric pump’s body is made of cast iron
- there are booster pumps as electric surface pumps. There is no such for submersible electric pumps
Electric Water Pump Prices In Kenya
1. Surface Electric Pumps Prices
Model No | Power Kw-Hp | Head (M) | Flow rate (liters/ min) | Inlet/ Outlet size in Inches | Motor Phase | Price in Kes |
1. Single impeller centrifugal pumps | ||||||
CM 32 | 0.75 – 1 | 32 | 120 | 1 | Single | 13,570 |
CM 35 | 1.1 – 1.5 | 35 | 140 | 1 | Single | 27,142 |
CM 45 | 1.5 – 2 | 45 | 160 | 1-1/4 / 1 | Single | 33,570 |
CBM 303/B | 2.2 – 3 | 17.4 | 1,000 | 3 | Single | 67,140 |
2. Twin impeller centrifugal pumps | ||||||
2CM 25/160A | 2.2 – 3 | 65 | 160 | 1-1/4 / 1 | Single | 75,715 |
2C 25/160A | 2.2 – 3 | 65 | 160 | 1-1/4 / 1 | Three | 84,285 |
2C 32/210C | 5.5 – 7.5 | 90 | 300 | 1-1/4-1 | Three | 138,570 |
3. Mono-block centrifugal pumps | ||||||
CS 32-200C | 4 – 5.5 | 40.7 | 600 | 1-1/2 / 1-1/4 | Three | 104,285 |
CS 32-200B | 5.5 – 7.5 | 55.7 | 600 | 1-1/2 – 1 | Three | 131,430 |
Electric booster pumps have 0.5Hp to 0.75Hp with an outlet pipe size of 1″. They are for domestic use such as to provide in-house or gardening water. The choice of the pump depends on the scale of use, and the amount of water available.
2. Submersible Electric Water Pump Prices
Model No | Power Hp | Head (M) | Flow rate (liters/ hour) | Price in Kes |
DW 1050 | 0.5 | 34 | 3,000 | 18,000 |
DW 1100 | 1 | 67 | 2,500 | 20,800 |
DW 1150 | 1.5 | 81 | 3,000 | 27,900 |
DW 2000 | 2 | 108 | 3,000 | 35,000 |
SBH 1050 | 0.5 | 54 | 3,000 | 23,000 |
SBH 1100 | 1 | 95 | 2,500 | 25,000 |
SBH 1500 | 1.5 | 128 | 4,500 | 36,500 |
SBH 2000 | 2 | 168 | 4,500 | 43,800 |
SBH 3000 | 3 | 237 | 4,500 | 56,500 |
SBH 4000 | 4 | 270 | 4,500 | 70,000 |
SBH 4000-3 | 4 | 304 | 4,500 | 82,200 |
We install these pumps across E. Africa. In all submersible pumps installations, we provide a floater, and a control box.
In commercial installations, our technical team advices on the right pump to use always.
Submersible Water Pump Prices
Our submersible water pump prices in Kenya are for 2 types of submersible water pumps. Solar water pumps, and electric water pumps. Solar water pumps are powered by sunlight and are ideal for off-grid electricity locations. Electric water pumps are connected to the power grid. Grekkon Limited installs both pump types across east Africa
Similarities Between Solar, and Electric Submersible Pumps
- they both work under water
- each has an electric motor to power it
- they both use an electric current
Difference Between Solar, and Electric Submersible Water Pumps
- solar pumps use direct current (DC), electric pumps use alternating current
- electric pumps motors are further categorised as single or 3 phase. This does not apply to solar pumps
- with an inverter to change current from DC to AC, an electric pump’s motor will run on solar panels
- solar pumps are more expensive for the same specs as electric pumps
- solar pumps will require denser cables for the same specs as electric pumps
- electric pumps are more expensive in the long-term because of power bills. The running cost of a solar pumps is negligible
- some smaller solar pumps can be battery powered directly in the absence of sunlight
1. Solar water pump prices in Kenya
Model No | Power Hp | Watts | No & Panel Size | Head (M) | Flow rate (liters/ hour) | Price in Kes |
SP 0.5N | 0.6 | 700 | 300W x 1pc | 40M | 5,800 | 37,120 |
SP 0.6N | 0.8 | 1,200 | 300W x 2pcs | 60M | 5,800 | 40,215 |
SP 0.8N | 1.1 | 1,300 | 300W x 3pcs | 70M | 5,800 | 46,400 |
SP 1.0N | 1.3 | 1,400 | 300W x 3pcs | 80M | 5,800 | 52,600 |
Additional costs to the solar water pumps is that of panels, and cabling. For deeper wells, specific borehole water pumps are quoted for according to the borehole water specs
2. Electric submersible water pump prices in Kenya
Model No | Power Hp | Head (M) | Flow rate (liters/ hour) | Price in Kes |
DW 1050 | 0.5 | 34 | 3,000 | 18,000 |
DW 1100 | 1 | 67 | 2,500 | 20,800 |
DW 1150 | 1.5 | 81 | 3,000 | 27,900 |
DW 2,000 | 2 | 108 | 3,000 | 35,000 |
SBH 1,050 | 0.5 | 54 | 3,000 | 23,000 |
SBH 1,100 | 1 | 95 | 2,500 | 25,000 |
SBH 1500 | 1.5 | 128 | 4,500 | 36,500 |
SBH 2,000 | 2 | 168 | 4,500 | 43,800 |
SBH 3,000 | 3 | 237 | 4,500 | 56,500 |
SBH 4,000 | 4 | 270 | 4,500 | 70,000 |
SBH 4,000-3 | 4 | 304 | 4,500 | 82,200 |