Solar Pump or Generator? Compare the Real Cost
Quick answer: A generator pump is cheaper to buy but costs money every day in fuel and service. A solar pump costs more up front but has no fuel bill. Payback = extra cost of solar ÷ monthly generator running cost. If you pump for a few hours every day, solar often pays back within months; for rare, heavy pumping a generator may suit better.
Key facts
- Generator: low price, daily fuel and service
- Solar: higher price, no fuel
- Payback = extra solar cost ÷ monthly running cost
- Daily pumping favours solar
On this page
Solar vs Generator Calculator
Example figures only: replace them with your own. Results update as you type.
Generator running cost per month–
Generator running cost per year–
Solar extra cost paid back in (months)–
Other Things to Weigh
| Solar pump | Generator pump | |
|---|---|---|
| Running cost | Almost none | Fuel every hour |
| Pumps at night | Only with batteries or a storage tank | Yes |
| Maintenance | Clean panels | Oil, plugs, filters, repairs |
| Theft risk | Panels need securing | Generator needs securing |
Pump into a raised tank during the day so you have water at night: tank size calculator.
Solar Pumps and Generators
DAYLIFF DDPS60 DC Solar PumpKSh 18,230
DAYLIFF SUNFLO-S 300 Stainless Solar PumpKSh 28,880
DAYLIFF SUNFLO-B2 400C3 Solar Pump SystemKSh 33,080
DAYLIFF SUNFLO-B2 800C3 Solar Pump SystemKSh 38,250
DAYLIFF DG1200S 1 kVA Petrol GensetKSh 26,100
DAYLIFF DG3800ST 2.8 kVA Petrol GensetKSh 50,370| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| DAYLIFF DDPS60 DC Solar Pump | KSh 18,230 |
| DAYLIFF SUNFLO-S 300 Stainless Solar Pump | KSh 28,880 |
| DAYLIFF SUNFLO-B2 400C3 Solar Pump System | KSh 33,080 |
| DAYLIFF SUNFLO-B2 800C3 Solar Pump System | KSh 38,250 |
| DAYLIFF DG1200S 1 kVA Petrol Genset | KSh 26,100 |
| DAYLIFF DG3800ST 2.8 kVA Petrol Genset | KSh 50,370 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 4 October 2026).
More: solar water pumps for farms.
Frequently asked questions
Is a solar water pump cheaper than a generator?
More expensive to buy, but with no fuel cost it is often cheaper over time if you pump daily.
How long does a solar pump take to pay back?
Extra solar cost divided by the generator's monthly running cost; use the calculator.
Can a solar pump work at night?
Only with batteries or by pumping into a storage tank during the day.