Phase 1 Begins: Solar Pump Installation Underway
April 10, 2025 · Operations
Exwick Farm's first major infrastructure investment is now in motion — a solar-powered irrigation pump that will transform how we manage water across the entire property.
Why Solar?
Zimbabwe's energy grid remains unreliable, and diesel-powered pumps carry ongoing fuel costs that erode margins. By going solar from day one, we eliminate that dependency entirely and secure a 20-year infrastructure asset that appreciates, not depreciates, with time.
The system has been engineered to supply sufficient water pressure to irrigate the full blueberry and strawberry zones simultaneously, with reserve capacity for the vegetable plots and livestock troughs.
What We Installed
- 6kW solar array — high-efficiency mono-crystalline panels, locally sourced
- Submersible pump — rated for the borehole depth at Exwick
- 72-hour storage tank — 10,000L holding capacity ensures continuity through cloudy periods
- Automated drip lines — timed and sensor-triggered to prevent waste
What's Next
With irrigation secured, Phase 1 moves to fencing and site preparation for the piggery rehabilitation. We expect both to be fully operational by Q3 2025, ahead of the first blueberry planting window.
Follow our progress — more updates coming as we hit each Phase 1 milestone.