Solar power technology has been improving by leaps and bounds over the past decade. If you are looking for a green energy solution to running your backyard pond, you are in the right place. Enjoying all that nature has to offer without leaving a heavy carbon footprint.
Understanding that everyones’ situation is different. Whether you want to add a fountain for aesthetics, or need to circulate water through your filtration system. These solar pump kits make it possible to pump water in remote locations. We are here to help you make an informed decision.
We set up our Top 10 List in the following way:
The first 5 are at a similar price point. They are for water circulation and are suitable for larger ponds, or fountains.
The last 5 in the list are at a similar price point. These are perfect for fountain applications and smaller ponds.
Top 10 Solar Powered Pond Pumps and Fountain Kits (2020) Quick Navigation
- Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit
- Sunnydaze Solar Pump Fountain Kit 396 GPH with Battery Pack and LED Light
- AQUAPLANCTON MNP SF100 Solar Powered Waterfall/Filtration Kit
- Sunnydaze Outdoor Solar Pump Kit 132 GPH with Battery Pack and LED Light
- AEO WP50SP20 Solar Panel Kit
- Ankway Solar Fountain Pump
- LUXJET 5W Solar Fountain Pump
- HEYSTOP 5.0W Solar Fountain Pump
- Ntsevsun Solar Fountain Pump
- AISITIN 6W Solar Fountain Pump
Advantages of Using A Solar Powered Pond Pump
One of the biggest advantages of using a solar pond pump is the fact that you can place your pond just about anywhere. You aren’t tied to the location of any utility.
Here are some of the advantages to using solar energy
- Renewable energy source
- Low maintenance
- Low cost
- Clean energy
- Point of use is not defined by utilities
- Your water feature will be completely self reliant, making its own energy.
In this article we will go over the 5 best options for both circulation pumps, and fountain pumps. By the end of this article you will be able to make an informed decision. when it comes to choosing what solar powered pump kit will work best for you.
First we’ll share the features and benefits that you’ll find useful. Next, we’ll take a look at the drawbacks you might need to know about. Finally we’ll compare the large kits and the small kits.
Sound good? Then let’s get started!
Features Table of Contents
Features and Benefits
Let’s break down and explain some features that are found on these kits. What to look for, and how they will benefit you.
What is a Solar Panel
When placed in direct sunlight a solar panel converts the energy from the sun into useable electricity. This electricity can be used directly or stored in the form of a battery for later use.
As a result of relying on solar power, these pumps have what is known as a variable flow rate. This means that the amount of water they are able to pump depends on the amount of sunlight they receive.
The effectiveness of the pump depends on the amount of power it receives from the solar panels. Panels need to be placed in direct sunlight to get the most out of these pumps. Solar pump kits that come with two panels can be strategically placed to catch the full sun in the morning while the second will catch the full afternoon sun.
Solar Panels
Key features to look for when it comes to solar panels. There are two basic types. Film solar panels. This kind of solar panel is relatively inexpensive and has a life expectancy of approximately 2 to 5 years. Crystalline solar panels are a bit more costly. However they pay off with their longevity with an expected life of 20 to 25 years.
Batteries
One of the most important things to look for is if the kit includes a battery. If you plan on running your solar powered pump longer than only the daylight hours, you will need to have a battery. Even with a battery, these pumps will only run for an additional 4 hours or so after the sun goes down.
Many of the kits do not come with a battery. If this is an important feature for you then be sure to “read the fine print” before making your decision.
Head Height and Water Flow
Other features to pay attention to are, head height and water flow. Water flow is the measure of water in gallons that can be pumped in an hours time. This is known as gallons per hour or gph.
Head height is the ability of the pump to push water above its location. For instance if you have a pump 12 inches deep in your pond and wanted to fill a spillover reservoir for a waterfall, 12 inches above your pond, you would need a pump with a head height of 24 inches.
Solar Pump Size
The pumps listed on the high end claim fairly high water flow. For our guide the selected solar pump kits fall closely into the same price range. This is so we are comparing like products. Generally the larger pump kits are used for circulation, while the smaller kits are for fountains and aeration (link to our article on pond aeration).
You will find that most of the solar pumps are perfect for water circulation and fountains.
Keep Your Water Moving
Whether you’re keeping the water in your pond moving with a pump, or using a fountain, motion will keep your ecosystem healthy.
Just to clarify, our list is set up as follows #1 - #5 have a significant gph and can be used for water circulation in larger ponds and water features. Some of them do come with attachments to use for a fountain application. Either way these kits are versatile. Numbers 6 - 10 are perfect for fountain applications and smaller ponds.
Top 10 Solar Pumps For Water Features and Fountains
Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit
Features
What we like about this solar pump kit - With the addition of another cord, the solar panel can be placed up to 32 feet from the pump. This gives you lots of room to acquire the perfect location for maximum sun. with 20 watts of power and high volume gph, this kit is sure to fit all your water circulation needs.
Drawbacks - No battery
Sunnydaze Solar Pump Fountain Kit
Features
What we like about this kit - The solar panels are framed in aluminum making them durable enough to stand up to the elements. High flow rate and having 2 solar panels adds to the effectiveness of the system.
Drawbacks - Having more powerful solar panels would have been nice to have in this system.
AQUAPLANCTON MNP SF100 Solar Powered Waterfall/Filtration Kit
Features
What we like about this kit - One word says it all power. With the highest gph on our list at 1,268 this pump will bring your water feature to life. Perfect for adding a waterfall to a remote location where getting power is out of the question. The dry run feature is an added bonus, keeping your equipment from burning itself out.
Drawbacks - No battery, really takes away from this amazing solar pump kit.Sunnydaze Outdoor Solar Pump Kit 132 GPH with Battery Pack and LED Light
Features
What we like about this solar fountain pump kit - Although the 132 gph may not be the highest on our list, the fact that this system will run after the sun goes down is a huge benefit. The included LED light is just icing on the cake.
Drawbacks - Only has one solar panel
AEO WP50SP20 Solar Panel Kit
Features
What we like about this kit - Not only is the gph on point, but this kit doesn’t try to be anything other than a fountain. The high fountain attachment is sure to turn heads when the sun fires this thing into action.
Drawbacks - This kit is only set up to use as a fountain.
Large Solar Power Pump Kits Compared
Product Name | GPH | Power | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit | 360 | 20 W | No |
Sunnydaze Solar Pump Fountain Kit | 396 | 20 W | Yes |
AQUAPLANCTON MNP SF100 | 1,268 | 100 W | No |
Sunnydaze Outdoor Solar Pump Kit | 132 | 10W | Yes |
AEO WP50SP20 Solar Panel Kit | 350 | 20 W | No |
Ankway 5 watt Solar Fountain Pump
Features
What we like about this solar fountain kit - The brackets on the solar panel mount can tilt, making it easy to aim for optimal sun. having the flexibility to place the solar panel up to ten feet away from the plus adds to the versatility of this kit.
Drawback - No battery
LUXJET 5W Solar Pump Fountain Kit
Features
What we like about this kit - The 100 gph flow rate is perfect for smaller water features. The fact that it can easily be moved is another perk.
Drawback - No battery
HEYSTOP Floating Solar Fountain Pump With Built-in Battery
Features
What we like about this kit - The floating pump makes this kit adaptable to just about any situation. Between the variety of fountain heads and the battery backup for cloudy days, this is a great choice for smaller ponds and water features.
Ntsevsun Solar Fountain Pump
Features
What we like about this solar kit - Not only does this kit come with 4 different fountain heads, you also have the option to use it for filling up a spill over reservoir. The 7.2 watt solar panel is the most powerful of #6 - #10 on our list. Create beautiful fountains with cascading water that never need to be plugged in.
AISITIN Floating Solar Fountain Pump With Built-in Battery
Features
What we like about this solar pump kit - The variety of fountain heads is a plus making this kit extremely versatile. The fact that such an inexpensive kit has a battery built in make this a welcome addition to any small pond or fountain. The automatic power off feature gives you piece of mind that the pump won't burn itself out running dry.
Small Fountain Pump Kits Compared
Product Name | # of Nozzels | Power | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
Ankway 5 watt Solar Fountain Pump | 3 | 5 W | No |
Sunnydaze Solar Pump Fountain Kit | 2 | 5 W | No |
AQUAPLANCTON MNP SF100 | 4 | 5 W | Yes |
Sunnydaze Outdoor Solar Pump Kit | 4 | 7.2 W | No |
AEO WP50SP20 Solar Panel Kit | 6 | 6 W | Yes |
Our Pick For the Best Solar Pump Kit (2020)
AQUAPLANCTON MNP SF100 Solar Powered Waterfall/Filtration Kit
It was difficult to choose between power and run time. The AQUAPLANCTON MNP SF100 Solar Powered Waterfall/Filtration Kit comes out on top. The lack of battery power is the only down side.
The flow rate of this kit is phenomenal when compared to others on this list. That's the purpose of a pump and this one doesn't disappoint!
If your application only needs your pump to run during the day this is your best option.
The raw power of this kit pushed it to the top of our list, making it our recommended best solar pond pump kit moving into 2020.
Don't just take our word for it... here is what others have to say about this solar kit.
This kit was worth every penny. I was on the fence for about 2 months before buying it and I am glad I did!
A. R.
Love it. Perfect for my small pond waterfall. It's a large pump and large solar panels; plenty of power.
L. W.
Awesome pump. Strong. easy to put together
T. M.
Runner up
Sunnydaze Solar Pump and Panel Fountain Kit - It has everything you could ask for in a solar powered pond pump kit. The fact that there are two solar panels really helps to capture the sun throughout the day. Although they are both 10 watts, and other kits have more power, having the ability to arrange them in such a way to capture more of the suns’ rays make them much more effective.
None of the kits with batteries on our list allowed for 24/7 continuous use. That being said, the battery will allow the pump to run into the night, or supplement power on cloudy days.
Honorable Mention
AISITIN Floating Solar Fountain Pump - If you aren’t ready to dive in and take the plunge with one of the larger kits. Dip your toe into the water with the AISITIN Floating Solar Fountain Pump. Of all the smaller kits, it is the one with the most power and a battery backup. The automatic shut off feature is an added bonus. At this price point it’s worth a try.
Conclusion
These kits are a welcome addition to any landscape. If you have a pond already, adding a small fountain will only add interest to the space. Let your creative side out, these kits can be used just about anywhere.
If you have a pond of your own or are looking for the perfect gift for the outdoor lover in your life. These kits make great gifts.
Download our Ultimate Pond Building Guide for FREE. Over 40 pages of specific “how-to” step by step with pictures. Helping you create the backyard you deserve with professional results.
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