DC Submersible Well Pumps
Rocksolar Canada
Shop solar well pumps for Canadian homes, cottages & farms. Browse deep well,
shallow well & submersible solar pump kits.
Solar Well Pump FAQ
How does a solar well pump work?
A solar well pump uses DC electricity generated by solar panels to drive a pump motor. During daylight hours, the solar panel powers the pump directly. A pump controller regulates voltage and protects against dry-run or low-voltage conditions. Water is pumped into a storage tank so your household supply is available even after dark or on cloudy days.
What size solar panel do I need to run a well pump in Canada?
A typical residential solar well pump requires between 150W and 400W of solar panel capacity depending on well depth and flow rate. In Canada, plan for a slightly oversized panel array to compensate for shorter winter days and panel soiling from snow. A 200W panel is a common starting point for shallow-well cottage applications; deep-well farm pumps often need 400W+.
Can a solar well pump work in winter in Canada?
Yes, with proper setup. Submersible solar well pumps are inherently freeze-resistant because the pump stays below the frost line. The solar panel still generates power on clear winter days, though output is reduced. Many Canadian off-grid homes pair the pump with a battery bank or backup generator to ensure water supply during extended overcast periods.
What is the difference between a solar deep well pump and a solar shallow well pump?
A solar deep well pump (submersible) is designed for drilled wells 25 feet or deeper and sits submerged in the casing. A solar shallow well pump (surface-mount or jet pump) is suited for dug wells or surface water sources within 25 feet of the pump. Deep well pumps are more efficient at high lift heights; shallow well pumps are simpler to service.
Do I need a battery to run a solar well pump?
Not necessarily. Many solar well pump systems run directly from the panel with a storage tank acting as the buffer — water is pumped when the sun shines and stored for use at night. If you need on-demand water pressure at any hour, adding a 12V battery bank and pressure tank gives you grid-like reliability without a generator.
What is the best solar well pump for Canada?
The best solar well pump for a Canadian property depends on your well depth, flow demand, and whether you need year-round or seasonal operation. Submersible 12V pumps with brushless motors are popular for their durability in cold climates. Rock Solar carries a curated selection sized for Canadian conditions — contact our team if you need help matching a pump to your well specs.
Solar Well Pumps
Shallow Well vs. Deep Well Pump
| Shallow Well Pump | Deep Well Submersible Pump | |
|---|---|---|
| Water depth | Up to 25 ft (8 m) | 25 ft to 200+ ft (8 – 60+ m) |
| Pump location | Above ground / in pump house | Submerged in the well casing |
| Typical use | Dug wells, cisterns, surface water | Drilled wells, boreholes |
| Rocksolar product | DC Brushless Surface Transfer Pump | DC Brushless Submersible Pump |
| Voltage options | 12V / 24V DC | 12V / 24V / 48V DC |
Choosing the Right Solar Well Pump for Your Property
| Use Case | Well Depth | Recommended Type | Typical Flow | Solar Panel Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage seasonal water | Under 25 ft | Solar Shallow Well Pump | 3–8 GPM | 100–200W |
| Rural home year-round | 25–150 ft | Solar Submersible Well Pump | 5–10 GPM | 200–400W |
| Farm / livestock watering | 25–200 ft | Solar Deep Well Pump | 8–20 GPM | 300–600W |
| Off-grid cabin, battery system | Any | 12V Well Pump | 2–5 GPM | Existing 12V bank |
| DIY, first solar install | Any | Solar Well Pump Kit | Varies by kit | Included in kit |
GPM = gallons per minute. Solar panel wattage assumes 4–5 peak sun hours/day, typical for most of Canada May–September. Contact us for winter sizing or northern Canada recommendations.
Our Process
Solar Panel
This is where it all starts. The solar panel (or panel array) catches sunlight and converts it into DC electricity — the same type of power a battery produces. The more sun the panel gets, the more power is available to move water.
Solar Pump Controller
Sunlight isn't constant, so the voltage and current coming from the panel fluctuate throughout the day. The controller smooths that out, regulating the power before it reaches the pump motor so the pump runs safely and efficiently rather than surging or stalling with the weather.
DC Brushless Submersible Pump
This is the workhorse of the system. Lowered into the well, it pulls water up from below using the regulated DC power. It's the core of any solar powered well pump setup, available in 12V well pump and higher-voltage DC well pump options depending on well depth and flow needs.
LiFePO4 Battery (optional)
Solar only works when the sun's out, so a battery lets you store extra energy for pumping at night or on cloudy days. It's optional, but for an off-grid water system that needs to run reliably every day, it adds a layer of dependability the panels alone can't.
Pressure Tank / Storage Tank
Once water reaches the surface, the tank holds it and keeps consistent pressure flowing to the home's taps and fixtures — so water pressure doesn't drop just because the pump cycles on and off.


