You could probably run a 3hp 230Vac 3 phase motor from 8 panels in 2 strings if you did it correctly, but it may not be cheap.
ABB is releasing their Solar Pump Drive in the USA next month, and it's not as bad as you may think, price wise.
I've had the pleasure of corresponding with their Engineers over the past few weeks, and they filled in the fog.
Still need to learn more tho.
