Solar Pumping System

Solar Pumping System for Agriculture in Gebilay, Somaliland

Solar water pumping system for Aidarouz’s commercial farm in Gebilay, Somaliland.”

Project Overview : –

This project delivers a solar-powered water pumping system for our client Aidarouz in Gebilay, Somaliland, designed to support commercial-scale agriculture on his land. The system pumps water over a distance of about 1700 m through hilly terrain with high static and dynamic heads, delivering approximately 8 m³ (40 foosto) of water per hour from the source to the farm storage and irrigation network. The main goal was to replace or avoid diesel-based pumping and provide a reliable, low-operating-cost water supply for year-round production.

Context and Objectives

1. Location: Rural agricultural land near Gebilay, Somaliland, with uneven topography and limited grid access.
2. Client objective:
3. Secure a stable water supply for commercial crop production, not just small-scale subsistence farming.
4. Design targets:
   • Deliver 8 m³/h at the farm even with high head and long pipeline.​
   • Operate fully on solar power during the day.
   • Use robust components that can be maintained locally in a rural environment.

Schematic of the 1700 m water conveyance route and elevation profile

Solution and Implementation

We designed a solar pumping system combining a properly sized PV array, a dedicated solar pump inverter, and a high-head pump selected from detailed head-loss calculations for the 1700 m pipeline and elevation changes. The layout includes a submerged or borehole pump at the water source, rising main and transmission pipe to elevated storage tanks at the farm, and provision for gravity-fed distribution to the irrigation network. The PV array and mounting structure are oriented for maximum solar exposure in Gebilay’s climate, with protections for dust, wind, and easy cleaning. Electrical protections, proper cable sizing, earthing, and surge protection were implemented to ensure reliability and safety in a remote setting.

Challenges and How We Solved Them

1. Long distance (1700 m) and high heads: We performed hydraulic calculations (static head, friction losses, fittings) and selected a pump and pipe size that maintain 8 m³/h at the outlet while keeping dynamic head within the pump’s optimal operating range.
2. Hilly terrain: The route and elevation profile were considered to avoid air locks and excessive pressure at low points, with air-release and isolation valves where needed.​
3. Variable solar conditions: The system is designed with a sufficiently large array and storage capacity so Aidarouz maintains stable irrigation even on days with partial cloud cover.
4. Rural environment and maintenance: We chose durable components, simple controls, and accessible mounting so local technicians can clean panels, check wiring, and service the pump.

Sedroon Group Helps your Farms to reach the Best Performance and Blessings.

Results and Impact

1. Reliable water supply: Aidarouz now has a consistent flow of about 8 m³/h during solar hours, enabling planned irrigation cycles rather than irregular watering.
2. Commercial agriculture: With dependable irrigation, he can cultivate higher-value crops and multiple seasons per year, instead of relying only on rainfall.
3. Reduced operating costs: The system eliminates diesel fuel costs and reduces dependence on grid or generator power, improving profitability and cash flow.
4. Environmental benefits: The solar pump avoids emissions from diesel engines and reduces noise and local pollution at the farm.
5. Community impact (you can use if true): The project creates local jobs during installation and maintenance and can supply surplus produce to nearby markets, improving food availability and income in the area.

Reliablity and Life changing !