NRCS / EQIP Documentation for Solar Livestock Water Pumps

Many ranchers fund solar livestock watering through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This page explains how the process usually works and what we can provide for your file.

ROCKSOLAR is not affiliated with USDA or NRCS. Eligibility, practice standards and payment rates are set by NRCS and vary by state and county. Always confirm with your local NRCS office before you buy.

How EQIP cost-share usually works

1. Visit your local USDA Service Center. Tell the NRCS conservationist you want to improve livestock water or grazing distribution. They will help write a conservation plan.
2. Apply before the sign-up deadline. Most states rank applications in batches, often with fall and winter cut-off dates. Ask your office for the current date.
3. Wait for your contract before you buy or install. Work started before an EQIP contract is signed is generally not eligible for payment.
4. Install to the NRCS practice standard and keep your receipts and spec sheets.
5. NRCS certifies the practice and pays at the rate in your contract.

Practices that commonly apply to solar watering

• Pumping Plant (code 533): the solar pump, controller and panels
• Watering Facility (code 614): tanks and troughs
• Livestock Pipeline (code 516): pipe from the well to the tanks

Your conservationist decides which practices apply to your plan.

What we provide for your NRCS file

• Itemized quote on company letterhead, listing pump, controller, panels, combiner box and cable with part numbers
• Pump performance curve (flow versus total dynamic head) for the model you choose
• Spec sheets and user manuals for the pump, controller and solar panels
• Warranty statement: 5 years on the pump; panel warranty per manufacturer
• Sizing worksheet showing well depth, total dynamic head, daily gallons and recommended array size
• Itemized invoice after purchase, for your payment claim

Request your documentation pack

Call +1 (800) 858-4318 for a free pump sizing call, or request a quote online. Mention EQIP and tell us your well depth, static water level, herd size and county, and we'll send the quote and documents for your NRCS office.

Pumps ranchers use for livestock water

• 0.8 HP solar submersible pump kit: wells up to about 290 ft
• 0.8 HP hybrid solar/AC pump kit: generator backup for cloudy days
• 1.61 HP solar submersible pump kit: wells up to about 390 ft
• 2.41 HP solar submersible pump kit: very deep wells
• Solar pond and transfer pumps: moving water from ponds or creeks to tanks

Replacing a windmill? See windmill to solar conversion.