Solar Pumping System in Zimbabwe
System Solution: 168KW solar irrigation
Application: 600m Center Pivot Irrigation
Water pump: 90kw
Solar Energy Storage system 15kw,10kwh battery for driving and controlling center pivotLocation: Homefiled Farm Banket Zimbabwe

Harvesting Sunshine: How a 90kW Solar-Powered Center Pivot Irrigation System is Transforming Agriculture at Homefield Farm, Banket, Zimbabwe

Nestled in the fertile plains of Banket, Zimbabwe, Homefield Farm has emerged as a beacon of sustainable agriculture innovation. Faced with erratic rainfall, rising energy costs, and unreliable grid power, the farm recently installed a 90kW solar-powered center pivot irrigation system, revolutionizing its approach to crop production. This project not only underscores the potential of renewable energy in agriculture but also serves as a model for Zimbabwean farmers grappling with climate uncertainty and economic challenges.

The Challenge: Climate, Costs, and Energy Instability

Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, the backbone of its economy, has long been vulnerable to climate variability. Banket, located in Mashonaland West Province, experiences prolonged dry spells interspersed with heavy rains,

making traditional rain-fed farming risky. For Homefield Farm, which grows maize, wheat, and high-value horticultural crops, reliance on diesel-powered generators for irrigation was financially unsustainable. Diesel costs consumed nearly 40% of operational expenses, while frequent power outages from the national grid further hampered productivity.

“We needed a solution that could guarantee water security without draining profits,” explains John Moyo, Homefield Farm’s manager. “Solar energy was the obvious choice—abundant, clean, and predictable.”

The Future: Scaling Solar Irrigation in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe aims to install 1,000 solar-powered irrigation systems by 2025 under its National Renewable Energy Policy. Homefield Farm’s model aligns with this vision, proving that solar energy can drive food security and economic growth. Innovations like mobile solar pumps and pay-as-you-go financing are further democratizing access.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Agriculture

Homefield Farm’s 90kW solar center pivot system is more than a technological upgrade—it’s a lifeline for a region battling climate change and energy poverty. By harnessing Zimbabwe’s abundant sunshine, the farm has secured its own prosperity while lighting the way for others. As droughts intensify and fossil fuels become cost-prohibitive, solar irrigation isn’t just an alternative; it’s the future of African agriculture.