Irrigate with sunshine, not diesel
Water is needed most when the sun shines brightest — solar power and irrigation are a natural fit. Dankoff surface pumps move up to 50,000 gallons a day from ponds, canals and shallow wells, with zero fuel costs and minimal maintenance.
Request Crop Irrigation Sizing & Quote
Specify your acreage, water volume (GPM), and suction source for a matched solar surface pump system.
50,000gallons per day from a single SunCentric pump — in worldwide use since 1989
- 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 irrigation lineup
High-volume transfer for flood irrigation, or pressure for drip lines — matched to your water source and acreage.
Find Your Pump
Five steps from your numbers to the right model — free engineering review included.
SunCentric Pump
Centrifugal design moving up to 50,000 gallons/day from ponds, canals and shallow wells.
SolarForce Piston Pump
Positive-displacement piston delivering up to 9 GPM and 230 ft head for pressurized drip lines.
Solar vs. utility and generator irrigation
| Evaluation Factor | Dankoff Solar System | Grid extension / Diesel engine |
|---|---|---|
| Operating cost | $0 / month fuel or electric bills | Rising diesel prices or monthly utility demand fees |
| Summer alignment | Pumps maximum volume during hot dry spells | Fixed utility tiers / high generator run hours |
| Service life | 15-20 years with regular maintenance | Frequent engine rebuilds and fuel hauling |
| Automation | Auto starts with sunlight, shuts off on tank full | Manual generator pull starts and monitoring |
Data verified from Dankoff Solar sizing manuals and field application studies.
“The SunCentric handles our pond irrigation flawlessly through the hottest summer months without a drop of fuel.”
— Grower, California Central Valley
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.
+1 505-471-346901Can solar pumps run pressurized drip irrigation systems?
Yes. Positive-displacement pumps like the SolarForce and SolaRam deliver the steady high pressure (40 to 100+ PSI) required to push through drip line filters and pressure-compensating emitters.
02How many gallons per minute can I pump with solar?
Depending on your total dynamic head and solar array size, Dankoff pumps range from 1 GPM for deep lift up to 70+ GPM for high-volume surface irrigation.
03What happens on overcast days?
Solar-direct pumps produce water proportionally to solar irradiance. Sizing your system with 20-30% solar array oversizing or incorporating an elevated storage pond ensures consistent irrigation yield.