Stop hauling fuel: replace your generator with solar pumping
Diesel and gas generators require constant fuel runs, oil changes, and unpredictable pull starts. Dankoff solar surface pumps pay for themselves in fuel savings while providing silent, automated water delivery every sunny day.
Calculate Generator Replacement ROI & Sizing
Tell us your current fuel costs and daily run hours — see your payback and get a zero-fuel solar quote.
64%average 5-year cost savings when replacing a diesel pumping generator with Dankoff solar
- Made in the USA since 1983 — the world's first solar pump manufacturer
- 15-20 year life expectancy with regular maintenance and user-replaceable wear parts
- Free system design: our engineers confirm every sizing before you buy
Why Growers & Ranchers Choose Dankoff Solar
Manufactured in the USA since 1983 — built for remote off-grid independence.
Zero Fuel & Power Bills
Operates 100% on direct sunshine with no batteries required for standard stock and irrigation setups.
Water When Needed Most
Sun-synchronous delivery ensures peak water volume during the hottest, driest months of the year.
Field Serviceable in Minutes
Solid cast iron and brass bodies with user-replaceable wear parts. No disposable plastic throwaways.
Certified Factory Sizing
Our engineers calculate pipe friction, total dynamic head, and exact PV array size free of charge.
Calculate Your System Requirements in 10 Seconds
Select your state and estimated daily gallons to see local peak sun hours and recommended pump model.
Size it in ten seconds
The generator-free solar setup
Ground-mounted solar panels connect directly to high-efficiency DC surface pumps, eliminating generator maintenance, fuel hauling, and high startup surges.
SunCentric Pump
Replaces high-volume generator transfer pumps — moves up to 50,000 GPD on direct solar.
SolarForce Piston Pump
Ultra-efficient positive-displacement pump delivering up to 9 GPM at 230 ft head with zero fuel.
Find Your Pump
Calculate your fuel savings and determine the exact solar array size to replace your generator.
5-Year total cost: Dankoff Solar vs. Generator
| Evaluation Factor | Dankoff Solar System | Gasoline / Diesel Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel cost (5 yrs) | $0 (sunlight is free) | $6,000–$18,000+ in fuel and hauling time |
| Maintenance requirements | Simple periodic inspection | Oil changes every 100 hrs; spark plugs; carburetor rebuilds |
| Noise and emissions | 100% silent; zero exhaust fumes | Loud engine noise and toxic exhaust in wildlife areas |
| Expected lifespan | 15-20 years with regular maintenance | 2,000–4,000 hours before total engine failure |
Financial comparison based on $4.00/gal fuel and 4 hours daily generator runtime.
“We used to spend every weekend driving fuel cans out to the pasture generator. Switching to a Dankoff SolarForce paid for itself in less than two years.”
— Ranch Owner, New Mexico
Common Questions & Technical Answers
Direct engineering answers to the sizing, installation, and field reliability questions we receive daily from ranchers and solar installers.
Have an unlisted question or complex site?
Our engineers in Santa Fe, NM and Frederick, OK calculate total dynamic head and friction loss for your exact setup.
+1 505-471-346901How fast will a solar pumping system pay for itself?
Most off-grid ranchers see a complete return on investment within 18 to 36 months solely from eliminated fuel purchases, oil changes, and maintenance trips.
02Can a solar pump match the water volume of my generator pump?
Yes. By sizing your solar array to pump continuously across 5 to 7 peak sun hours, a solar pump frequently delivers more total daily water than running a generator for 2 to 3 hours.