If you're thinking about installing a borehole or already have one, you're probably wondering what kind of impact it’ll have on your electricity bill. The idea of pulling water from deep underground using a pump might sound energy-intensive — but the reality might surprise you.
Let’s break it down in plain English, and then we’ll explore how you can actually save on energy with the help of solar-powered options.
So, Does a Borehole Need Electricity?
In most setups, yes — your borehole pump needs electricity to operate. That’s because the pump works to draw water from underground and push it into your storage tank or directly into your plumbing system. The deeper the borehole, the more power the pump needs to lift that water.
But don’t worry, it’s not like running a geyser or oven. On average, residential borehole systems use between 0.75 kW to 1.5 kW per hour when the pump is in use. Depending on your water usage and the pump's size, the system might only run for a few minutes a day — not enough to spike your utility bill in a major way.
That said, commercial or agricultural systems that move higher volumes of water can naturally consume more electricity — which is where energy efficiency becomes crucial.
What Affects a Borehole’s Electricity Usage?
Here are the main factors that influence how much electricity your borehole uses:
- Pump Type: Submersible pumps are more efficient than surface pumps for deep boreholes.
- Depth of the Borehole: The deeper the water source, the harder your pump has to work.
- Water Volume Needed: The more you use, the more your pump runs.
- Pump Efficiency & Quality: A high-quality, properly sized pump uses less energy to do the same job.
- Automation & Pressure Systems: Systems with pressure tanks or automatic controllers can reduce energy waste by preventing the pump from turning on and off unnecessarily.
The Solar-Powered Game Changer
If your goal is to reduce electricity usage or go completely off-grid, solar borehole pumps are a total game changer.
These systems use solar panels to generate power for your pump, storing energy in batteries or running directly off solar during the day. While the upfront cost may be higher than a basic electric pump, the long-term savings on your electricity bill — not to mention the peace of mind of being energy independent — make it well worth the investment.
At LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions, we specialize in solar borehole pumps for residential, commercial, and agricultural needs. Whether you're looking to cut your monthly utility costs or you want a reliable water system during load shedding, solar is the smart, sustainable choice.
Why Choose Energy-Efficient or Solar Borehole Systems?
Here’s why more South Africans are making the switch:
- ✅ Save on electricity bills
- ✅ Reduce your reliance on municipal water and Eskom
- ✅ Keep your system running during power outages
- ✅ Protect the environment with renewable energy
- ✅ Increase your property’s value
Final Thoughts
So, do boreholes use a lot of electricity? Not necessarily. With the right setup — and especially with a solar-powered system — you can enjoy all the benefits of a borehole without worrying about high energy costs.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an old system, LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions offers tailored, energy-efficient water systems to meet your needs. Our expert team can help you find the right balance between performance and power savings — and even get you off-grid with a solar solution that’s built to last.