Solar Powered Boreholes

Photovoltaic technology has evolved over the last 20 years, with the reliability and efficiency of systems improving significantly. Despite this, there remain many solar borehole systems in disrepair across Africa, due to a lack of regular maintenance in the communities, which often have troubles to afford repairs.
When installed appropriately, with reliable maintenance structures, training and the creation of formal water committees, solar boreholes are suitable for low-income communities due to their durability and minimal day-to-day running costs. 

Solar water pumps enable remote, off-grid communities access to safe water with no fuel input. Photovoltaic panels use solar energy to power a submersible pump and are as such useful in areas where grid electricity is unavailable, like in much of Africa.

This pump, working with gravity and pressure, pumps water into a storage tank, which can be used to supply multiple community taps. Powered by daylight, storage tanks ensure a steady supply, allowing water to be used during peak demand times, at night or during period of intense cloud cover.