Compiled from a year of incoming calls. If yours isn't here, the answer is the phone, (928) 348-9652, Mon–Fri.
Buying & sizing
9 questions
Call us. We need four things: (1) TDH, your total dynamic head, which is the static water level in your well plus any additional lift, like into a tank up a hill or mountain, (2) your daily water demand, (3) what you're trying to do (livestock, irrigation, home, etc.), and (4) your location. 15 minutes on the phone gets you a sized spec, or run our Pump Finder online and we'll review the result.
For 90% of livestock and irrigation jobs, no. Solar-direct works because cows drink during the day and tanks store overnight. Add batteries only if you need flow at 3am, usually that's home water.
Sun Pumps has four solar pump lines: SDS is our Solar Diaphragm submersible pump. SCS is our Solar Centrifugal submersible pump. SCB is our Solar Centrifugal Booster pump, which is a surface pump. HR is our Helical Rotor line. The right line for you depends on your TDH, daily water demand, and what the system is for, give us a call and we'll spec it.
Depends on the line and your water. SDS pumps typically run 3–5 years between rebuilds. SCS, SCB, and HR run 5+ years. With clean water and a properly sized system, we've got customers still running pumps from the 1990s. When it's time, rebuild yours with our service kit, or send it back to Safford for a refurbished exchange.
SDS series: 2 business days. SCS / SCB: 5–7 days. Custom-build systems: 2–4 weeks. NRCS-routed orders prioritized once your approval letter clears.
Yes. Currently active in 7 countries. Mexico, Canada, Australia, Chile, and parts of East Africa are most common. Email spsales@sunpumps.com with your country and we'll route accordingly.
Both are fine. Direct from Safford is most common for off-grid homeowners. A dealer is usually faster for installs because they can pull the pump, wire panels, and trench pipe.
30 days, unopened. Custom-spec systems are non-returnable but we will buy back unused panels and controllers from canceled jobs.
We don't directly. NRCS EQIP cost-share covers 50–75%. We can recommend ag-friendly lenders for the rest.
Installation
6 questions
Yes. About 65% of our customers install themselves. SDS submersible systems are the easiest: 4 hours, 2 people, hand tools. Submersibles in deep wells benefit from a well driller for the pull.
For SDS: pipe wrench, crimper, multimeter, drill. For submersibles, add a derrick or boom-truck for lowering. Full tool list ships with every pump.
Open run is fine. Pole mount or ground rack.
Up to 200 ft on standard 12 AWG without significant loss. Beyond that, step up to 10 AWG or 8 AWG. Our controller manuals have full distance/wire-size tables.
Depends on jurisdiction. Off-grid solar pumps usually don't require electrical permits because they're low-voltage DC. Well work is governed by your state water authority.
We've coached thousands of first-time installers. Most "mistakes" are easy fixes.
Service & repair
5 questions
80% of "broken" pumps are dirty connectors, blown panels, or float-switch issues, not the pump itself.
Stamped on the pump body near the discharge port for surface units, on the motor housing for submersibles. If unreadable, photograph the whole pump and email it to us.
Mailed-in: 5–7 business days from receipt. On-site dealer service: same week in season. DIY rebuild: 30 min to 2 hours depending on the pump.
Yes — most of the time. We stock surface-pump parts back to 2002 and machine custom replacements for older units in 2–3 weeks. Email a photo + serial number.
2-year manufacturer's warranty is standard. Beyond that, we offer a 5-year extended warranty for $185/pump that covers parts + labor on most internal failures.
NRCS & funding
5 questions
Most do. Practice 533 covers solar pumping plants. Practice 614 covers troughs and watering facilities. Practice 516 covers livestock pipeline. We've documented 600+ approved applications.
Typically 50–75% of equipment + install cost. Rates vary by state, year, and "historically underserved" status. Check current FY26 payment schedules at farmers.gov.
6–14 months from first office visit to reimbursement check. The longest wait is usually between application and ranking — installation itself is fast.
Not the application itself. That's between you, your TSP, and your local NRCS office. What we provide: a CPA-52 equipment list, Practice 533 spec sheet, solar array sizing memo, warranty letter, and itemized invoice. Your TSP submits.
Call your local Service Center first, even if you're ready to buy.
Dealers & B2B
4 questions
Submit the dealer application on our /dealers page. We respond within 2 business days. Most dealers are existing well drillers, ag retailers, or solar installers.
4 systems sold per year for the 20% Dealer tier. No annual fees, no inventory requirement, no exclusivity demands.
Once you've sold 4 systems in a year, your county is yours — we route customer leads to you and don't pursue them ourselves.
3-day hands-on dealer training every October in Safford, AZ. $895/seat, refunded against your first $5K wholesale order.
