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Solar-powered water pumps and fountain pumps not only save energy (and money), but they’re also incredibly cost-effective ways to keep your outdoor pond fresh and clean.
It’s for these reasons that many people are considering moving from a standard pump to a pump powered by solar and battery power. That means you aren’t only going to find these pumps in secluded gardens. You’re also going to see them in upscale ponds near the house.
Whatever you need a solar-powered water pump or fountain pump for, finding the right one for your specific requirements can be challenging to do.Best Solar Pond Pump Reviews
Finding the best solar pond pump or best solar-powered fountain pump can be difficult because there are so many different options available. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another.
That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you. We have compiled a list of the ten best solar-powered pumps along with a helpful buying guide, so you understand preci1. Solariver Solar Water Pump Kitsely what to look for, which models are better than others, and our recommendation for the best.
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1. Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit - Durable and efficient
Check Offer PricesHighlights
The Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit is a 400 gallon-per-hour pump that is one of the most powerful pumps on our list. It’s a submersible pump that operates between 12V to 24V and utilizes a 10 watt or 20-watt panel.
Depending on the panel you’re using, the pump can move water up to 10.5 feet into the air and features different spray pattern heads you can switch out. It is sufficient for use in a 1,000-gallon pond.
Read What Other Owners SayDid You Know?
Solar-powered pumps, when maintained properly, can outlive their hardwired electrical pump counterparts by upwards of 5 to 10 years.
2. SIEGES Mini Solar Power Water Pump Kit - Adjustable water flow rate
Highlights
The SIEGES Mini Solar Power Pump Kit is a 60 gallon-per-hour pump that works best in small ponds for circulation and aesthetics. The pump is submersible and operates at 9 volts and can move water upwards of 2.5 feet into the air.
The kit includes four different spray patter heads and is designed to be durable. The brushless motor is low maintenance, and the low-profile construction makes it perfect for birdbaths and small fish ponds.Did You Know?
All you need to maintain your solar-powered pump and panels is a bucket of soapy water and a soft sponge.
3. LEDGLE 5W Solar Water Garden Pump - small and powerful
Highlights
The LEDGLE 5W Solar Powered Garden Pump is a 5-watt 100 gallon-per-hour pump that operates between 6-volts and 12-volts. The kit includes seven different spray nozzle heads to give you a wide range of adjustability.
The pump is capable of moving water up to 4 feet into the air at the highest power settings. It is easy to maintain because the design makes it easy to dismantle and reassemble. For longevity, you will want to consider using a mesh filter over the pump’s inlet.Did You Know?
Fish ponds require stronger pumps that flow more gallons-per-hour than water features and water gardens do.
4. OUSI Solar Water Pond Pump Kit - Great solar pump
Highlights
The OUSI Solar Water Pond Pump is a dual-mode pump that features a high-quality panel constructed from silicon that has been proven to provide better efficiency. Silicon panels have also been shown to provide a longer lifespan than other types of panels.
The separate panel uses a 16-foot power cord to allow you plenty of lengths to place the panel wherever you want. The pump operates at 2 watts between 5-volts and 12-volts in dual-mode operation. You can swap between solar and USB power, depending on your needs.Did You Know?
Pond pumps are typically more powerful than fountain pumps because they maintain your filtration, aeration, and circulation.
5. Supmovo Solar Birdbath Pump & Fountain Kit - powerful mini fountain
Highlights
The Supmovo Solar Birdbath Pump is a 42 gallon-per-hour pump that operates at 1.4-watts using a total of 5-volts of power. The pump is capable of moving water up to 1.5 feet into the air and includes four different spray heads to give you a wide range of flow patterns.
Even though this isn’t necessarily the most powerful pump we’ve featured, the quality makes it a great choice. The panel and spray head are separate, so you do not have to worry about a mess of wires hanging around.Did You Know?
Solar-powered pumps and kits are simple to install. Place your pump into your pond or garden, wire it to the panels, attach your backup battery, and turn it on.
Best Solar-Powered Fountain Pump Reviews
1. Solatec Solar Fountain - Gentle and effective
Highlights
The Solatec is one of the best solar-powered fountain pumps that we’ve found. It is priced to be attractive to a wide range of people and can be easily installed into ponds, birdbaths, water features, water gardens, and other areas.
The pump that you get can move water up to 1.6-feet into the air and includes a line that lets you anchor the pump to the bottom of your water feature. This prevents it from moving around throughout the day.Did You Know?
Fountain pumps use less energy than aeration and circulation pumps, so they do not need to be as large (or as expensive).
2. Rophie Upgraded Solar Fountain Pump - high flexible
Highlights
The Rophie Upgraded Solar Fountain Pump operates on 1.4-watts of power and can move water up to 1.5-feet into the air. The height is determined by the spray nozzle you attach and the amount of sunlight the panel is receiving.
The Rophie pump is easy to assemble, and the panels are simple to maintain. The included user manual helps you get the pump up and running within a few minutes. Like the Solatec, this kit consists of an anchor line to keep your fountain from moving around, too.Did You Know?
Avoid buying more pump than you need by paying attention to the lift height and gallon-per-hour rating on the pumps you’re thinking about buying.
3. KeHOME Upgraded Solar Powered Water Fountain - easy to set
Highlights
The Kehome Upgraded Solar-Powered Water Fountain is a timeless design that is constructed from steel, rather than plastic like most other pumps. The internal brushless motor is simple to maintain and provides some of the highest flow rates in this list.
The pump is capable of moving water up to 2.3-feet into the air with the right amount of sunlight.
This kit works great in larger birdbaths and water ponds because it can move water further than other pumps we’ve featured on our list.Did You Know?
Solar-powered pumps and panels can be installed in remote parts of your property and areas where electrical power cannot be obtained.
4. Ankway Solar Fountain Water Pump - low maintenance
Highlights
The Ankway Solar Fountain Water Pump is a 1.4-watt brushless submersible system that flows just over 40 gallons-per-hour. You get a variety of fountain spray nozzles to choose the perfect flow pattern for your setup.
The pump requires a minimum of 2” of water to function correctly. Built-in suction cups help you keep the pump and fountain secured to the bottom of your pond or birdbath. Because the system does not use an external battery, cloudy days could keep it from operating correctly.Did You Know?
With people becoming more aware of their carbon footprint, solar-powered systems are becoming even more popular.
5. ROADTEC Floating Solar Fountain Pump - small but powerful
Highlights
The ROADTEC Floating Solar Fountain Pump is a 1.6-watt brushless pump that features a unique flower-shaped design. This is one of the more decorative pumps that we have featured on our list.
The ROADTEC also features a wide variety of fountainhead nozzles so you can choose the perfect spray pattern. If you want backup power, you will need to purchase an external battery you can use to keep the system running.Did You Know?
Solar-powered pumps and panels are easier to maintain and less expensive to install than hardwired electrical pumps.
How To Buy A Solar Powered Pond Pump
Many people see solar-powered pumps as being too complicated and too expensive to purchase for their aquascape or water garden. However, that sentiment couldn’t be any further away from the realities we have today.
Solar-powered pumps are straightforward to install and use a simple system that’s also easier to maintain than most pumps. While the initial installation may be a bit more involved, the way that solar-powered pumps operate makes them simpler to install.
Rather than running electrical wiring or needing to hire an electrical contractor to do the work for you, solar-powered pumps and fountains can be installed by most weekend warriors.
Solar-powered pumps operate by tapping the sun’s light and converting that energy into useable power for your pump. The excess power is stored in an external battery that can be used when your panels are not in direct sunlight.
This means your electric bill will be significantly lower, and the cost of the solar-powered pump begins to offset itself. Even though the pump may be more expensive than a hardwired pump, the prices are substantially outweighed the longer you own the pump, and it uses no electricity.Benefits Of Solar Powered Fountain Pumps
One of the most significant benefits of solar-powered pumps is that you can operate a fountain or outdoor pond and water garden in remote areas.
However, there are quite a few more benefits that are making these pumps more attractive to prospective buyers than standard electrical pumps.
Some of these benefits include:easy to install
Provide uninterrupted water supply
remote installation possible
incredibly cost-effective
longer lifespan
friendly on the environment
At first glance, a solar pump may be difficult to install. However, most manufacturers will include the proper instructions to help you set up your system within a few hours after receiving it.
The hardest part of installing your new pump is deciding where you want each of the components. You will need to choose a place for your panels and a safe place to store your battery. Then, you can install your wiring, hoses, and place your pump into the pond.
From there, you can sit back and enjoy your “hard” work.A common misconception is that a solar-powered pump is unable to operate when the sun isn’t shining directly on the panels. This misconception is usually being spread by people who do not understand how the systems work and prefer electrical pumps.
However, solar-powered pumps can provide an uninterrupted water supply because of the way they are built. While the sun is shining, the panels will directly power your pump. Then, at night and on cloudy days, the battery will take over and deliver power to the pump.
This means your fountain and aeration system can operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week.Since solar-powered pond and fountain pumps do not require you to hardwire an electrical connection, you can install them anywhere you want. That means you can place them on parts of your property that are too far away from an electrical box.
You can also install them on the property that does not have access to electricity at all. This allows you to connect your outdoor garden or fish pond in very remote areas where grid power can be inconsistent or even completely unavailable.
The installation options for solar-powered pump systems make them incredibly versatile.The most significant expense when you’re investing in a solar-powered pump for your water garden or aquascape is the initial cost of your equipment. After that, the only costs you should incur are necessary maintenance costs.
Compare this to the cost of a hardwired electrical pump, the electrical contractor’s fee for installing the wiring, and the amount of electricity you use each month, and the solar-powered system becomes even more attractive.
As time goes on, your solar-powered pump will become even cheaper to own and operate.Because of their nature (and voltages), hardwired electric pumps tend to wear out sooner than a solar-powered pump will. That means that, even though a solar-powered pump may be more expensive up front, you will need to replace a hardwired pump far more often.
The average life span of a solar-powered pump can be anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on how well you maintain it. Hardwired pumps, while providing more power, are known to wear out every 3 to 5 years.
The cost of replacing the hardwired pump (and the added maintenance costs) begin to skyrocket as you have to replace them more often.With a considerable portion of the world’s population looking for more sustainable sources of energy, harnessing the power of the sun is only growing in popularity. Since a solar pump relies entirely on converting the power generated by the sun, your power supply is, essentially, endless.
Not only does this save you money on your electric bills, but it also helps you lessen the impact that you’re having on the environment. Reducing your carbon footprint is a wise idea as societies around the world are advancing to renewable sources of energy.How To Choose The Right Solar Powered Water Pump
Before you put down any of your hard-earned money on new aeration or filtration systems for your outdoor pond or water garden, you’ll want to first think about exactly what you need.
Once you know the specific requirements of the pump, you can begin to sort through the different models available. To start, we’ll help you understand the two most common types of pond pumps that are currently being sold.
The first is a fountain pump. The second is a pond pump.
Fountain pumps are, as the name implies, typically used to power a water fountain inside of your water garden or water feature. These types of pumps are best used in small to medium ponds. Some of the higher-end fountain pumps can be used in larger ponds or pools, though.
The most significant distinction for fountain pumps is that they are designed to move water in a vertical plane. That means they will typically have more power than a standard pump or aeration system.
A pond pump, on the other hand, is designed to provide far more suction and power than a fountain pump. Pond pumps are better for ponds that are deeper or larger than a standard pond or pool.
A pond pump is able to provide significantly more water movement, and aeration than a fountain pump can deliver. You can also move water further distances when you equip a pond pump with a nozzle or control tip.
Besides the type of pump you’re going to use, the way that you’re planning to use it helps you determine which type and size of pump is right for you.
If you are looking for a pump for your pond with fish in it, for instance, you should think about purchasing a system that runs throughout the day without interruption. That makes solar-powered pumps the perfect solution.
Your fish will require constant aeration, circulation of the water, and a viable filtration system that works as one. If you lose aeration, your fish lose oxygen. If you lose flow, your fish’s waste begins to accumulate. If your filtration stops, harmful bacteria begin to grow.
Your solar panels will provide direct power to your pump during the day. Any excess power generated will be supplied to an external battery. Then, at night, your battery backup will continue to provide power to the pump.
However, if you do not have fish in your pond and do not need a pump running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you do not necessarily need to purchase a battery backup. You can, instead, buy a kit that includes the bare minimum required to provide solar power to the pump.
A backup battery isn’t necessary for applications, such as:
- Aquascapes and water gardens.
- Water elements in your landscape.
- Maintaining a birdbath or water feature.
- To provide background noise or visual appeal.
When you are thinking about buying a fountain pump, you will want to look at the different lift heights that are being advertised.
The lift height helps you determine how high the water will be propelled into the air by the nozzle and pump combination that’s included with your setup. The flow rate and power help determine the amount of water that will be moved through the nozzle head.
For smaller water features, such as a birdbath, a smaller pump with a lower lift height, and less power will be more than sufficient. For more significant features, though, you will want a pump with a tall lift height and a higher gallon-per-hour rating.
The flow rate is listed as gallons-per-hour, and it refers to, as you guessed it, the number of gallons that the pump can efficiently move each hour. The flow rate can be affected by the amount of electrical wiring between the source and the pump.
While this isn’t a major concern with solar-powered systems, you will want to keep it in mind to avoid having your power source stored too far away from the pump itself.How To Maintain Your Solar Powered Fountain Pump
Because of their design, a solar-powered pump typically requires very little maintenance.
However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to maintain your equipment. You will be required to perform routine maintenance if you want to ensure that the equipment you’ve invested in lasts for years instead of giving you problems every few months.
The most significant source of maintenance comes with cleaning your solar panels. Clean panels generate electricity more efficiently. If you live in high-dust areas or areas where dirt and grime are continually getting on the panels, your maintenance levels will be more involved.
Outside of running a damp sponge and soapy water over your solar panels, the only maintenance that you will need to do is regular visual inspection.
Ensuring, from time to time, that your equipment is operating as it should help you get ahead of issues that could become more significant problems down the road.What’s The Best Solar-Powered Fountain Pump?
The best solar pond pump in 2019 is the Solariver Solar-Powered Water Pump. If you are looking for a fountain kit, the best solar-powered fountain pump is the Solartec Solar Fountain System.Top Editor's Choice on Solar Pond Pump
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