Green is the new fashion. We all want to move to a more sustainable world, and the only way to do this is to be kinder to our environment and use eco-friendly energy sources. By making some minor household changes, you can make a huge impact on this course.
For instance, you can shift to using solar powered pond pumps instead of the ones that use electricity or gas. Apart from being environmentally friendly, these pumps are also affordable in the long run.
This article will look at why you need to make this change and recommend some of the best solar-powered pumps available in the market.
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How Do Solar Powered Pond Pumps Work?
First things first, let’s look at how these pumps work? It’s not that complicated. You see, there are two main types of solar pumps. Ones that pumps air into the pump and others that move water around the pond. Regardless of which one you go for, the mechanism is the same.
The solar panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity and either charge a battery or even power the pump directly. They use photovoltaic panels to convert energy from the sun into electricity.
However, the most common ones charge a battery enabling you to use them even when it’s not that sunny. After charging the battery, the pump does its job.
Benefits of Solar Powered Pond Pumps
Low to zero operational cost:
One of the main benefits of these pumps is that they will save you a ton of money. You don’t have to worry about monthly electricity bills.
Due to its simple design, it will take you less time adjusting, maintaining, or repairing the different components.
Environmentally Friendly:
Another benefit is that it is great for the environment. Solar energy is 100% clean. This is because it does not produce any harmful emissions, unlike oil or natural gas. Grid electricity is also a significant contributor to air pollution in the U.S. It produces more CO2 than any other sector.
When you compare this to the abundant power that the sun can provide without harming the environment, you can clearly see which energy source is more sustainable.
Simple Installation:
You no longer have to worry about laying or insulating or wiring or power lines with solar pumps. Solar-powered pond pumps come fully equipped, so you won’t have to do much tweaking to have them up and running.
Silent:
The whole process of converting the sun’s energy into electricity is silent since there are no running ‘engines.’ Also, these pumps are small and come with few moving parts; thus, no noise can be produced.
Durable:
Solar-powered pumps have a longer operational lifespan as compared to other models. This is because their design is simple with few moving parts. Also, unlike a doomsday event happens, we are not likely to lose the sun anytime soon.
Apart from the long lifespan, these pumps require little to none maintenance. Thus you get to use them for a long with no tussle.
Overview of the best solar powered pond pumps
Now that you know some of the benefits that come with owning a solar-powered pump let’s look at some of the best products you can get on the market.
Best Overall: AEO Solar Powered Water Pump KIT: D.C. Brushless Submersible Water Pump 410GpH
AEO has known the world over for its excellent water solutions. This pump is perfect if you have a medium or large garden pond or a big water feature. It will help you create a powerful and consistent fountain. Another thing we like about this pump is that it is very versatile. It can even be used to set up your hydroponics system, which is quite popular nowadays.
Now on to the technical features. This pump comes with a 20-watt polycrystalline solar panel. With such a higher power output, you can be sure of amazing water features that will impress any person that sees your backyard. For additional safety, the polycrystalline panel is fitted with a durable aluminum frame.
This will protect your panel from the elements. As we had mentioned, solar-powered pumps require little to no maintenance cost. This is because it comes with few components, and those that are there do not require any lubricating. Besides, it has a brushless motor that is designed to operate 24/7.
The package comes with the water pump, solar panel, 4 extension nozzles, and 3 spray patterns. Connecting them is easy and will only take you a few minutes to have it up and to run. Just follow the manual, and you are good to go. One last thing, ensure you clean the filter every two weeks to avoid clogging.
Most powerful: Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit – 900GPH Submersible Water Pump
Now we move to some heavy-duty stuff. This is one of the most powerful solar-powered pumps available in the market. However, if you don’t intend to move large volumes of water, this might not be the product for you. This is because it comes with two 35 watt solar panels that are ideal for large fountains, water features, pond streams, aquaponics, greenhouses, natural pools, hydroponics, and even waterfalls.
When you are moving such large volumes of water, it cannot be sustainable to use electricity. Your power bills will go over the roof.
The submersible brushless magnetic pump has a long life of more than 20,000 hours. One of the safety features includes dry-run protection. This is important because some pumps can get damaged if the water flow is disrupted, and it is still running.
Besides, it has a removable pre-filter, which helps prevent debris from clogging in the impeller. Since it can be used in commercial ponds and aquafarms, it does not release any toxic substances. One other safety feature is that both the solar panels come fitted with a durable aluminum frame.
The panels also come with an extra 16 feet extension cord to allow you to place them as far away from the pump as possible.
Finally, the manufacturer provides a 1-year warranty, and in case the pump kit does not meet your expectations, you get a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Best suited for small ponds: AEO Solar Water Pump KIT.
When compared to the Solariver, this pump is significantly less massive. However, if you do not need the firepower of the solariver and you have a small fountain, aquarium, or fish pond, this is the perfect fit. It is also cheaper. Due to its size, it is safe for fish but still powerful enough to create an amazing fountain.
It comes with 10 watts polycrystalline solar panel, which is powerful enough to accommodate 196 GpH. If you don’t know what GpH is- it just stands for gallons per hour. Similar to the other products, the panel is also fitted with a durable aluminum frame.
Another thing we like is the brushless motor, which is designed to operate 24/7 for more than 20,000 hours. Also, the panel comes with a 16.4 feet cable to ensure that the pump is as far as possible. When you buy this unit, you will get the water pump, solar panel, 4 extension nozzles, and 3 spray patterns.
This is an ideal kit for most average household use- it is affordable but also functional.
Best Bargain: Solar Fountain Water Pump Kit
While it might not be the cheapest unit on this list, the features it packs makes it an easy sell. It is especially great for medium to large fountains, ponds, aeration, and garden decoration. It comes with an impressive 30 watt, 12-volt working voltage (D.C. Power) solar panel that is powerful to lift water up to 8.5 feet.
Additionally, it can accommodate a maximum flow rate of 360 GpH. And the brushless motor can last for more than 20,000 hours- which is like the industry standard.
Another great thing about this pump is that it comes with a 2600 mAh battery and a 1.2m charging cable. The battery has a lifespan of more than 5 years, and it can cycle more than 2000 times. Installing this unit is seamless. There is no wiring needed- pull it out of the box, plug it together, and let the sun do the rest.
What is even better is that once it is plugged in, it will only take 3 seconds to start pumping as long as it is exposed to enough sunlight. Given its reasonable price and the features it has, we highly recommend this unit.
Budget-Friendly: Lewisia Battery Backup Solar Fountain Pump
If you are on a budget, this is the pump for you. It might not have all the impressive features, especially when it comes to power and quantity of water flow. In particular, it comes with an 8-watt solar panel that can only accommodate a maximum flow of 53 gallons per hour. Nonetheless, given its price, we can’t complain.
If you are going to buy this pump, just be aware that it can’t handle heavy-duty stuff. However, it is enough for a small garden koi pond or a birdbath. Another great feature is the built-in battery that has the capability of working at night or on cloudy days as long as it had been sufficiently exposed to the sun.
Another cool feature is the LED lights to add a touch of color to your fountain at night. If you are on a budget, and also have a small pond, this is the best kit you can get.
Conclusion
If you want to reduce your operational cost while still being environmentally friendly, you have to switch to a solar-powered pond pump.
All the products that we have recommended are tried and tested, and you can be sure that they will meet all your needs.
