Hand Pump vs Solar Water Pump — Which Should You Donate?
HNCO offers two main water pump types: a manual hand water pump at £150 and a solar-powered water pump at £1,800. Both provide clean drinking water as sadaqah jariyah, but they differ in scale, capacity, and community impact. This guide helps you choose the right option for your donation.
Quick Comparison
Hand Water Pump
£150
A manually operated pump serving a small cluster of households. Ideal for individual donors who want to fund a complete installation.
- Complete installation for £150
- Installed within 2-3 weeks
- Your name on the plaque
- Full completion report
Solar Water Pump
£1,800
A solar-powered system with multiple taps serving an entire village. Ideal for donors seeking maximum community impact.
- Serves ~100 people
- 20+ year lifespan
- 8 taps, no manual effort
- Full completion report
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hand Pump | Solar Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £150 | £1,800 |
| Serves | 3-4 families (~15 people) | ~100 people with 8 taps |
| Water Depth | 10-30 metres | Varies by location |
| Installation Time | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 months |
| Lifespan | 10+ years | 20+ years |
| Maintenance | Basic, community-managed | Professional support provided |
| Power Source | Manual pumping | Solar panels, no effort |
| Annual Operating Cost | Minimal | Minimal (free solar power) |
| Best For | Small clusters of families | Entire villages & communities |
| Completion Report | Yes, with photos | Yes, with photos |
When to Choose a Hand Water Pump
A hand water pump is the right choice when:
- You want to fund a complete water pump with a single donation
- You want your name (or a dedication) on the plaque as the sole donor
- You prefer a lower-cost installation at £150
- Your budget is £150 and you don't want to contribute towards a pooled project
Hand pumps are particularly effective for small village clusters where 3-4 families live close together. HNCO positions hand pumps between houses for easy access.
When to Choose a Solar Water Pump
A solar water pump is the right choice when:
- You want maximum impact — serving ~100 people with a single installation
- You want the longest-lasting sadaqah jariyah (20+ years)
- You can donate £1,800 or want to contribute towards a pooled solar pump
- You're donating during Ramadan or Muharram for multiplied reward
Solar pumps are installed in village centres, schools, and mosques — high-traffic locations where many people benefit. The 8-tap system eliminates queuing and the solar power means no manual pumping effort.
Can't Decide? Contribute from £25
Donors who want to support a solar water pump but can't donate £1,800 can contribute from £25. Multiple contributions are pooled to fund a single solar installation. Every contributor shares in the reward of the completed pump.
This option is also popular for monthly giving, where donors contribute regularly towards larger water projects.
Cost Efficiency Comparison
Both pump types offer excellent value, but the solar pump has a lower cost per person served due to its larger capacity:
Hand Pump
£37.50
per person served (4 families)
Solar Pump
£18
per person served (~100 people)
View the full water pump donation cost breakdown to see what your donation covers.
Make Your Choice
Both options provide clean water and earn sadaqah jariyah reward. Choose based on your budget and desired impact.