Bangladesh has 1.5 million irrigation pumps running on diesel or grid electricity. Solar-powered pumps can replace diesel pumps at zero fuel cost, with a 3–4 year payback — transforming the economics of smallholder farming across Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's agriculture sector depends on approximately 1.5 million irrigation pumps — the majority powered by diesel engines or grid electricity. During the dry Boro rice season (December–April), these pumps run for 8–12 hours per day, consuming enormous quantities of diesel and drawing heavily on the rural grid. Solar-powered irrigation pumps eliminate fuel costs entirely, running on free sunlight during exactly the hours when irrigation demand is highest.
A solar pumping system consists of PV panels, a solar pump controller (MPPT-based), and a DC or AC submersible or surface pump. During daylight hours, the panels generate DC electricity that powers the pump directly — no battery required for daytime-only irrigation. For farms that need to pump at night or store water, an elevated storage tank (gravity-fed distribution) or battery storage can be added.
| Pump size | Solar panels needed | Daily water output | Suitable for | System cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 HP (0.75 kW) | 1.5 kWp | 40,000–60,000 litres | 1–2 acres | BDT 1,20,000–1,80,000 |
| 3 HP (2.2 kW) | 3.5 kWp | 1,00,000–1,50,000 litres | 3–5 acres | BDT 2,80,000–4,00,000 |
| 5 HP (3.7 kW) | 5.5 kWp | 1,50,000–2,50,000 litres | 5–10 acres | BDT 4,50,000–6,50,000 |
| 10 HP (7.5 kW) | 10 kWp | 3,00,000–5,00,000 litres | 10–20 acres | BDT 8,00,000–12,00,000 |
A 5 HP diesel pump running 8 hours per day during the 120-day Boro season consumes approximately 2,400 litres of diesel — costing BDT 2,88,000 at BDT 120/litre. A solar pump of equivalent capacity costs BDT 4,50,000–6,50,000 installed, giving a payback of 1.5–2.5 years on diesel savings alone. After payback, the pump runs at zero fuel cost for 20+ years.
The Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) has a solar irrigation pump program that provides financing and partial subsidy for solar pump installations in Bangladesh. Under this program, farmers can access solar pumps with a reduced upfront payment and installment financing. The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) also support solar pump adoption through extension services and demonstration projects.
Vvon Technologies supplies and installs solar irrigation pumping systems for smallholder farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and large farms across Bangladesh. Learn more about solar for irrigation → or contact us for a free assessment →