Head
The vertical height (in meters) that a pump can push water. Total head includes well depth, drawdown, pipe friction and delivery height. See the TDH guide for the full calculation.
→ GuidesSolar Pump Glossary
Solar Water Pump Glossary: 15 Key Terms Explained
Plain-language definitions of solar pump terms: head, flow rate, TDH, MPPT, BEP, drawdown and more. Learn the vocabulary before you buy.
Plain-language definitions of the terms you'll meet when buying a solar water pump. Each term links to the guide where it's explained in full.
Total Dynamic Head (TDH)
The complete vertical distance a pump must overcome, including static water level, drawdown, pipe friction, horizontal pipe loss and delivery height. The single most important number for pump sizing.
→ GuidesFlow Rate
The volume of water a pump delivers per hour, measured in m³/h or liters per hour. Your required flow = daily water need ÷ sun hours.
→ GuidesMPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)
A controller technology that continuously adjusts the electrical operating point of the solar array to extract maximum power under changing sunlight conditions.
Best Efficiency Point (BEP)
The point on a pump performance curve where the pump operates most efficiently — delivering the most water per unit of energy. Operating at or near the BEP maximizes pump life.
→ GuidesStatic Water Level
The distance from the ground surface to the water surface in a well when the pump is not running. Found in the driller's report or measured with a weighted rope.
Drawdown
The drop in water level when the pump operates — the difference between the static level and the pumping level. Varies by aquifer, typically 15-20% of static level.
→ GuidesShut-off Head
The maximum pressure a pump can produce when no water is flowing (zero flow). This is the "Max Head" number on the spec sheet — the extreme top-left of the H-Q curve.
→ GuidesCentrifugal Pump
A pump that moves water using a rotating impeller that throws water outward by centrifugal force. The most common pump type for solar water pumping.
Impeller
The rotating component inside a pump that imparts energy to the water. Available in plastic (economical, for clean water) or stainless steel (durable, for sandy/abrasive water).
Submersible Pump
A pump designed to operate fully submerged in water, pushing water up from below. Required for wells and boreholes deeper than ~8 meters.
→ GuidesSurface Pump
A pump mounted above ground that pulls water up by suction. Limited to suction depths of ~7-8 meters due to atmospheric pressure.
→ GuidesSolar Panel VOC
Open Circuit Voltage — the maximum voltage a solar panel produces with no load. Your panel string's total VOC must stay below the controller's rated limit.
→ GuidesCheck Valve
A one-way valve installed above the pump that prevents water from flowing back down the pipe when the pump stops. Prevents water hammer and pump cycling.
Drip Irrigation
A watering method delivering water directly to plant roots through low-pressure emitters. Uses 40-60% less water than sprinkler or flood irrigation — the best match for solar pumps.
→ GuidesStill unsure about a term? Ask me directly on WhatsApp.
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