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11 Best Solar Pond Pumps and Fountains

Aaron Boyd June 24, 2023

Solar power is a potential power source for water features and pumps in any garden pond.

By using these pre-made kits you can avoid a lot of the hassle that comes with using other power sources.

Possibly their biggest advantage is that you do not need to connect them to the mains power.

They are fully autonomous units, that draw their energy from the supplied solar panel, convert that to electrical energy, and use that energy to power a pump or motor.

This means you don’t need to mess around with electrical connections, and what’s more, they are great for off-grid applications where you might not have a convenient power supply.

Of course, there are some disadvantages with solar sets, and not all pumps and solar panels are made equal.

But in this fully comprehensive article I will discuss all these issues and explore the strengths and drawbacks of various different models.

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OKMEE Solar Fountain Upgraded 4-in-1 Nozzle

[amazon box=”B0836KW4LP”]

This solar panel features a very sleek, unique design that few competitors will be able to match. It takes much of the traditional design commonly seen in solar powered pumps, and it turns it on its head.

This is an all-in-one design that is suitable for use in shallow water bodies such as ponds, pools or even bird tables.

One of the most attractive things about this design is that the solar panel is clever incorporated into the main body of the fountain.

You don’t need to find a place for a separate solar panel, which can be unsightly and inconvenient. Instead the water pump, solar panel and fountain base are all attached in one attractive polymer casing.

Other Benefits

That’s not where the advantages end. Another thing that sets this product apart from its competitors is the coverage of the solar panel.

Traditional designs allow for 70-80% coverage of the fountain table with solar panels, but this product uses the full area of the exposed table for the purposes of capturing as much solar energy as possible.

This greatly increases the efficiency of the design.

One of the main attractions of this product is undoubtedly the 4-in-1 nozzle. As any fountain owner will conclude, one of the main annoyances with fountains is missing nozzles.

We have all been there. You want to change up the water feature, and you go to change the nozzle, but you can’t find the replacement nozzle!

Well with this clever design you can avoid that hassle. Simply rotating the built-in nozzle allows you to change the water spray, allowing up to four different patterns.

Combine these clever design features with 2W of power, a decent built-in filtration system and a good build quality, and it’s easy to see why this one of the best solar pond pump and fountain kits on the market.

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Video: “OKMEE SOLAR POWERED WATER FOUNTAIN”

Sunlitic Solar Fountain with Panel Water Pump

[amazon box=”B07V7JR7T9″]

This is another great, all-inclusive kit that is ideal for small ponds, trickling water fountains or bird tables.

Be aware that you won’t get roaring power with this model, but you will get a long-lasting and reliable flow of water that is suitable for many small-scale situations.

Unlike the previous model, the solar panel in this case is detached from the pump and nozzle body.

This means that you can place the solar panel away from the water feature (up to the length of the supplied cable), while leaving the pump submerged.

This can have advantages and disadvantages.

On the one hand it can be an eyesore for the garden owner, but on the other hand it allows you to take full advantage of the sun by placing your solar panel in the most sunlight part of the garden, which may be away from the water feature.

This design features a reliable and long-lasting brushless motor, which guarantees up to 20,000 hours of service.

Although the solar panel produces slightly less power than the previous model (1.8 W under optimum conditions), it should be enough to produce a low but steady water flow.

The kit comes with 4 different nozzle attachments, so you can choose the spray pattern which you like best.

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Aistin 2.5 W Solar Pump

[amazon box=”B07S2RTBJ4″]

It can easily be argued that this is one of the best solar pond pump and fountain models out on the market right now. Despite its modest price tag, this solar pond kit comes with a host of fancy features and clever adaptations.

This model provides more power than most solar powered features. With 2.5 W of power, you can run a stronger pump, which allows you to pump more water, and to a higher height.

This still cannot match the pumping power of a mains-connected pump, but it should still provide a stimulating water feature.

One of the unique selling points of this integrated pump kit is the built-in battery. Of course, it is well known that solar panels can only harness energy when the sun is shining.

But by using a large capacity battery, this model can harness the energy during the day, store the excess energy, and release this during the nights so that your pond stays trickling even when it is dark.

Now that is real innovation!

This batter can store up to 1200 mAh of energy, which should be more than enough for overnight service. What’s more, this battery is conveniently tucked away into the body of the fountain, so you won’t even know it’s there.

The other min advantage is that it comes with 6 different nozzle attachments. This allows you to customize your water feature however you like.

You can choose from narrow ‘trumpet’ streams to wide-spraying, v-shaped displays. There is also a built-in filter in this model, which is easy to remove for regular cleaning.

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Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit

[amazon box=”B01F4MKBBG”]

This is undoubtedly another kit that merits inclusion in a list of the best solar pond pump and fountain kits. This contains many of the same attachments, parts and features that are common to other solar pump kits.

For example, it includes a solar panel (detached), a dc motor with a small capacity coupled pump, and a number of different nozzle attachments.

However, the scale of this kit is very different to the products I discussed previously. The large and sturdy solar panel in this kit can provide up to 20 W of power.

This allows it to power a much stronger pump, and thereby achieve much more impressive flow rates.

For instance, this product can produce a rated flow rate of 350 GPH (Gallons per hour). This is on a par with many traditional, grid-connected pumps, and is more than sufficient for most small garden ponds.

This can create an impressive water display (thanks to a collection of different nozzles), but it can also help to aerate the water.

This increases the level of dissolved oxygen in the water, therefore increasing the overall health and well-being of the ecosystem.

This setup can provide you with much more lift than smaller solar systems. Under optimum conditions, this can provide over 6 feet of lift.

Also, for added peace of mind, the pump comes with a one-year guarantee as standard.

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Solatec Solar Fountain

[amazon box=”B077215M1R”]

Buying a solar powered pump comes with a litany of perks. One of the biggest is that it is an environmentally friendly decision. You will not be using mains electricity.

Not only is this good for your carbon-footprint, but it’s also good for your pocket, as you won’t have to pay expensive monthly running costs.

This fountain from Solatec allows you to take advantage of this, by offering a sleek and efficient design that is well suited for bird-tables, small ponds, or stand-alone water features.

Unlike the previous product, this is better suited for small water features, because it only provides low flow and lift. Depending on your choice of nozzle attachment, the water lift can be between 30 and 50 cm.

This is not as impressive as some models, but it is still enough to add some of the magic and tranquility of running water to your space.

The sleek, circular black design is the perfect match for a modern garden. It only works in full, direct sunlight, so you need to pay careful consideration to your choice of placement.

What’s more, because this solar panel does not give full coverage, the wasted space increases inefficient compared to some other models.

These are some of the things you need to consider before you purchase.

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Eco-Worthy Solar Fountain Water Pump Kit

[amazon box=”B07QG1PCJL”]

This is another product on the larger end of the spectrum when it comes to solar powered models.

It promises up to 25 Watts of power, which is enough to provide strong flow rates and considerable lift. This is not the kind of kit you waste on a lowly bird table or trickling water feature!

This kit is easy to set up and install. The pump is submersible, with a long life and can be easily connected to the solar panel via a single wire.

The panel itself is sturdy and can be driven into the ground with an attached stake, for extra stability.

The 16-foot power cord means you can locate the solar panel at a considerable distance from the pump and nozzle. Speaking of nozzles, this kit comes with two options, a mushroom or blossom head.

Multiple 12 V solar panel options are available. These range from small 5-Watt panels at the lower end of the spectrum, to powerful, 38-Watt beasts at the larger end.

So, no matter what project you’re working on, there is probably a solar powered option to suit you.

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Video: “ECO-WORTHY Solar Fountain Water Pump Kit”

Smart Solar 21372R01 Ceramic Solar Koi Fountain

[amazon box=”B003BEA3SG”]

This is a very different product to the others featured on this list of the best solar pond pump and fountain kits. Unlike the other products, this is an all-inclusive decorative feature.

So not only is the solar panel and other electrical and mechanical equipment included, but so is the bowl and the nozzle.

This means it is ultra-convenient for the owner, and ready to use straight out of the box.

This might be very attractive to some people who don’t want to worry about assembling or installing equipment.

Other people, who like the flexibility and ability to customize that the other kits provide, might not be so taken with this product.

The aesthetics of this solar fountain might be equally divisive. The bowl is a glossy ceramic, painted blue, and the water emerges from the top of the bowl through the mouth of an elaborately carved koi fish.

This would probably suit a more traditional garden, rather than a modern one. You will need to make a personal decision about whether or not you like the style.

This product does come with an integrated filter, but there is no battery capacity, meaning it will not run at night or in periods of low sunlight (such as on cloudy days).

It is also not suitable for use in regions where freezing conditions occur, as the freezing water could put a strain on the pump, or even crack the ceramic bowl.

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Video: “Smart Solar Ceramic Solar Koi Fountain”

Mademax Solar Bird Bath Fountain Pump

[amazon box=”B085C5LQN3″]

This is another easy to install, convenient option if you’re looking to add bit more of a splash to your bird feeding table. The running water and graceful fall will surely attract all kind of birds, to drink and bathe in the water.

By many standards, this is a pretty normal solar powered bath fountain pump. The solar panel is built directly into the fountain body and will produce 1.4 Watts in direct sunlight.

While this won’t lift your water very high, it will provide a healthy splash. The compact, all-in-one nature of the product is bound to attract people who don’t like the idea of a detached solar panel cluttering their garden.

This pump is quick to operate and efficient. Once it senses sunlight, the motor will begin to spin with 3 seconds, pumping the water through the nozzle to a height of about 50 cm.

There are 4 nozzle styles included in the pack, which can guarantee you the freedom and flexibility to choose a pattern you like.

The manufacturers of this product are so confident that you’ll like it, that they offer a free 30-day refund policy, and a one-year warranty on all the parts.

This should give you more confidence when you go to buy.

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Smart Solar 21410R01 SunJet 150

[amazon box=”B000AKVRMK”]

This is yet another miniature water pump that merits inclusion on this list of the best solar pond pump and fountain equipment.

This is a one stop shop for all you need to set up a solar powered water feature. Keep in mind that the flow rates are very low, this device will just about hit 40 GPH.

Nevertheless, this is suitable for small ponds or water features. One nice feature of this product is that the sleek solar panel can be mounted directly into the ground by a stake and can be located separately to the pump.

Also, there are a number of options for how the nozzle and pump can be fitted. It can freely float, it can be submerged, or it can be attached to a surface by suction cups.

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LEDGLE 5W Solar Fountain 2 Pumps

[amazon box=”B07QYVFZ1F”]

Almost uniquely among the best solar pond pump and fountain kits, this product actually comes with 2 pumps included.

This is ideal if you want to design a ‘whole-garden’ water set-up. Also, the attached solar panel can produce up to 5 W of power on sunny days.

Even though this power is split between two motors, it is still enough to provide more than 300 L of flow per hour and lift your water to more than 50 cm in height.

The modest dimensions and easy installation are even more of an attraction.

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Feeke New Upgraded Mini Solar Powered Bird Bath Fountain Pump

[amazon box=”B08394RV7W”]

This has a similar design to many of the other circular, integrated solar panels we saw earlier, that are perfect for sitting in shallow bird baths.

However, this product boasts considerably more power than the other pumps of this type.

This solar panel can generate up to 2.5 Watts of power, which, with a well-designed and efficient pump, is enough to launch a graceful pattern of water up to 75 cm in the air.

This model also comes with 6 different types of nozzle and promises more than 10,000 hours of reliable use. What’s more, the suction pads make it a cinch to install.

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Benefits Of Solar Pond And Fountain Kits

There are lots of good reasons to consider installing the best solar pond pump and fountain kit in place of a conventional, mains connected pump.

Of course, this may be out of necessity, because you simply do not have access to a mains line.

But you might also want to avoid unsightly cables running through your garden or avoid high recurring costs due to the electricity drain of a pump running all the time.

A solar powered pump is also a good idea if you are eco-conscious, as it causes no pollution and is a fully renewable resource.

Solar powered pumps are usually best suited to low power applications. For example, they are often used in trickling water features, to provide water for bird baths, or as a small bubbler in a pond.

Usually they will not pack enough punch to power the really impressive, high flow pumps or fountains in moderate sized ponds.

You might want to combine them with a pump run directly from the grid.

For example, they are not usually suited for pumps whose main purpose is filtration or circulation, as often they cannot run throughout the night.

If this impacted the health of the pond and its ecosystem, then another type of pump should be considered.

Aeration and Circulation

But even small fountains or waterfalls, powered by the sun, can bring a lot of benefits. Beyond the obvious aesthetic benefits, these pumps can also help to improve aeration and circulation in the water.

Aeration involves mixing more oxygen into the water. Fish and other aquatic creatures need dissolved oxygen in the water to survive.

By increasing the concentration of this precious resource in the water, you can directly improve the health, resilience and longevity of your fish.

It also allows your pond to support more life and biodiversity. Circulation serves a similar purpose. Helping to mix water, distribute resources, and generally keep the ecosystem in a good condition.

On top of all this, the image of gently running water can bring a real sense of peace and tranquility to your garden, and it’s hard to put a price on that.

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Conclusion

Solar powered pond equipment is becoming more and more popular with every year. There are very good reasons for this trend, as I have pointed out above.

If you’re looking for the best solar pond pump and fountain kits, then the models outlined in this article are a good place to start.

There’s lots of things you should look for. Consider the power of the solar panel, and whether it is directly attached, or can be located remotely.

Also, you should check whether there is any energy storage capacity in the system, to allow the pump to function in hours of darkness.

This may be more important for some applications than others.

You should also check the efficiency of the pump, what kind of flow rates it can handle, and what depth of water it needs to run properly.

As always, make sure that device will match your garden, and that the seller is reputable.