Last Updated: 15 November 2024
Welcome to our post on the Best Solar-Powered Pond Pumps & Solar Fountain Pumps.
We realize that everyone has different requirements of a pond pump, some may want to simply use one for aesthetic purposes, as a water fountain, whereas others may want to use one for aeration benefits. We also understand that there are other important variables, as each reader will have a different size pond, located in a different outside environment, but most importantly… each reader will have a different budget.
Therefore, we’ve identified each pump based on the size pond that it’s suitable for, alongside the main functional uses that we would recommend that you use it for; Alongside this, we’ve ordered the list based on the budget requirement of purchasing that particular pond pump… Making the process of choosing the ideal solar pond pump easier for you!
Oh, not to forget. We’ve also featured an Editor’s recommendation for you readers with minimal time, and a section on technical specifications for each pond pump for you readers who want to learn more about the specifics of each pump.
So, let’s get to it!
Featured below are the top 10 solar-powered pond pumps:
Table of Contents
Top Solar Pond Pumps and Solar Fountain Pumps
| Image | Model | Max Power | Size Suitability | Price | Available on Amazon | Editor's Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | SOLARIVER Solar Pond Pump | 400+GPH - Multiple GPH Models Available | Up to Large Ponds | $$$$$ | Buy on Amazon | For value and high quality, this is our featured Editor's Recommendation. |
 | Sunnydaze Solar Pond Pump and Panel Fountain Kit | 396GPH | Up to Large Ponds | $$$$$ | Buy on Amazon | |
  | Eco-Worthy Solar Fountain Pump | 360 GPH | Up to Large Ponds | $$$$ | Buy on Amazon | |
  | PowerEZ Submersible Solar-Powered Pond Pump | 410 GPH | Up to Large Ponds | $$$$ | Buy on Amazon | |
 | Lewisia Solar Pond Pump Kit | 357GPH | Up to Large Ponds | $$$ | Buy on Amazon | |
  | AISITIN Solar Water Pump with Backup Battery | 105 GPH | Medium-Sized Ponds | $$ | Buy on Amazon | Fantastic Value, Includes Backup Battery (Runs when sunlight is not available) |
 | COSSCCI Solar Fountain Water Pump | 60 GPH | Small Ponds | $ | Buy on Amazon | |
 | Feelle Solar Bird Bath Fountain | 42 GPH | Birdbath/ Small Pond Fountain | $$ | Buy on Amazon | Features a Backup Battery |
 | SOONHUA Solar Powered Pump | 40 GPH | Birdbath/ Small Pond Fountain | $ | Not Currently Available | |
 | Solatec Solar Powered Fountain Pump | N/A | Birdbath/ Small Pond Fountain | $ | Buy on Amazon |
SOLARIVER Solar-Powered Water Pump – $$$$ – Editor’s Recommendation
Pond Size Suitability: Up to Large Ponds
Based on reviews of the 20-watt pond pump itself (Featured directly below), it’s clear that this pump is extremely versatile, with one reviewer (who also left a 5* review) stating that he/she used this pump continuously for 373 days in a 300-gallon koi pond, impressive!
Another reviewer talks about using the pump in their 12000-gallon swimming pool. Now although we probably wouldn’t recommend using this in a swimming pool, since you should really get a more powerful aeration pump for this, we do recommend the SolarRiver pump range is suitable for Small, Medium and Large sized ponds.
Pump Overview (Depends on the Model Chosen)
This pump is the perfect all-rounder. It’s truly built to last, with the brushless magnetic motor offering over 20,000 hours worth of low-noise operation. The advancements in technology in these magnetic driven pumps means that this new generation of pump can handle all-day operation, as opposed to the traditional Bilge pumps which were not designed for this.
The pump has a 20W polycrystalline solar panel, this is rather powerful and should be suitable for small/medium-sized ponds, whether or not you are using the pump for water circulation or more for an aesthetic purpose. The panel has a durable aluminum outer frame and includes a stake for placement.
The panel connects to the pump via a 16-foot lead, yes that’s right, a 16-foot wire! This means that you are given the freedom to place this in any position within your garden that gets the most sunlight, allowing for continuous operation. No wiring needed, all you need to do is plug in, set this panel in the sun and say goodbye to all of those expensive electricity bills! Sounds good!
In conclusion, whether you’re looking to buy a solar fountain for a large pond, or a small solar pond pump, you really cannot go wrong with any pump from the SolarRiver range, whatever the purpose.
Like we’ve shown, we’ve heard about people using this in their 12000-gallon swimming pools, whilst they holiday for three weeks, returning to a perfectly conditioned pool, all thanks to this Solariver pump operating perfectly; And there’s no risk as you get a 1-year manufacturers warranty.
Pump Overview
This submersible pump and 2 solar panel kit is ideal for outdoor use, in any size pond. The pump can push out a maximum of 396 gallons of water per hour, and can spray up to 120 inches high, and with the 2 different spray heads, SunnyDaze Decor has included a few options for that wonderful water feature effect. With this being said, this pump is a great allrounder, being able to sit deep within the pond and, thanks to the 16-inch cable length connecting the pump to the powering solar panels.
Both solar panels are connected together by one 24-inch cable, and these panels must be in direct sunlight to operate at their optimal capacity. These panels do not store solar power.
Eco-Worthy Solar Fountain Pump – $$$$
Pond Size Suitability: Up to Large Ponds
Pump Overview
This pond pump by Eco-Worthy is a fully submersible, easy-to-use unit, suitable for use in pond fountains or fish ponds.
It’s a 20W unit, and has a maximum flow rate of 360 GPH, making it extremely capable of dealing with larger fountains/ponds. It comes with a 16ft (5m) cord, to connect the pump with the supplied solar panel.
It has an impressive lifespan of 20,000+ hours, and provides a maximum water lift height of approximately 6.9ft (2.1m).
Overall, this product has got fantastic reviews, averaging a near 5* product rating, and is perfect for larger-sized fountains, water features, ponds, etc.
It also comes with a 1-year manufacturers warranty
Note: Eco-Worthy also provides a 10W version within this Amazon listing, alongside the ability to buy another cable, and an additional pond pump, if the customer feels that they may want a backup.
- Eco-Worthy 10 W Version – Link to product
PowerEZ Submersible Solar-Powered Pond Pump – $$$$
Pond Size Suitability: Up to Large Ponds
Pump Overview
This submersible pump by PowerEZ is a 20W, solar-powered unit which can support up to 410 GPH of water displacement. The pump itself comes with 2 spray head options, helping to provide a few more visual options when it comes to using this as a pond fountain pump.
Additionally, because it can pump quite a significant amount of water, it’s great for aerating your pond.
The manufacturer states that the pump has more than 20,000 hours of operation in its lifespan, and this is partly due to its brushless motor, which helps it provide a longer service life, with lower energy consumption.
Not only this, but it also comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Note: This kit is also available with a 30W solar panel, in case you’re looking for additional power.
- PowerEZ 30 W Version – Link to product
Lewisia Solar Pond Pump Kit – $$$
Pond Size Suitability: Up to Large Ponds
Pump Overview
The Lewisia brushless pump is a 10w pond solar fountain pump that is capable of a water flow capacity of up to 357 GPH. When taking into consideration the price of this pump, this demonstrates extraordinary value for money.
The pump comes with a wide range of fountain spray nozzles, so not only does it provide a good amount of aeration within the pond, but it also provides the capability to achieve multiple water patterns.
Overall, this is a very good, extremely affordable, solar powered water fountain kit, and hence if you’re on a budget, this is certainly a solution.
However, in direct comparison to our equivalent editor’s recommendation [SolarRiver Solar Pump – 10 Watt with Solar Panel ($99.99) – Buy on Amazon], although the Lewisia pump is $30 cheaper, it does not include the same 1-year manufacturer’s warranty and does not have as good customer reviews.
AISITIN Solar Water Pump with Backup Battery – $$
Pond Size Suitability – Medium-Sized Ponds
Pump Overview
The AISITIN pump is designed primarily to be used within medium ponds/fountains. It has a 5W solar panel that has a built-in 1000mAh battery, which is able to store solar energy to be used when natural light is beginning to fade, leaving it operating for approximately 1.5-2 hours without additional light.
It comes with 6 different nozzles, to help personalize the water spray.
A nice feature of this unit is that it has an automatic power-off function, to protect users in case the pump leaves the water.
Overall, it has some great customer reviews, and is the ideal unit for someone looking at buying a solar fountain pump with backup battery.
COSSCCI Solar Fountain Water Pump – $
Pond Size Suitability – Small Ponds
Pump Overview
This pump is perfect for operation in shallow waters, i.e a very small pond or birdbath. As we’ve found out from people who own this pump, it only works in direct sunlight, any cloud will diminish the UV signals received by the photocell, which means that the pump will not work to its optimal level. Considering the inexpensive price of this pump, it’s a great little addition to your birdbath or shallow pond.
Feelle Solar Fountain Pump with Battery Backup – $$
Pond Size Suitability – Small Ponds
Pump Overview
For those of you looking for a very small solar pond/fountain pump with a battery, this is the one for you! The battery is charged by the photocell, which simultaneously powers the pump. Once sunlight has gone, the pump will begin to use the stored battery power it has accumulated throughout the day… meaning even when the sun goes down, your pond pump will still be functioning!
I must reiterate, this is a very small pump, and if you have a medium/large pond and are thinking about getting this over one of the more powerful pumps, I suggest that you don’t! The large pumps shown above will better aerate a larger pond, even despite not being on during the night.
However, if you have a medium/large pond and are only looking for a small visual fountain, this is a nice option!
SOONHUA Solar-Powered Fountain Pump – $
Not Currently Available – Jan 2021
Pond Size Suitability – Small Ponds
Technical Specs
- Solar powered pond & fountain pump
- Solar Panel power : 9V 360mA
- Brushless Water Pump Power: 12V 210mA
- Maximum Flow: 200L/H
- Solar Panel Size: 19.1 x 17 x 2.4cm
Pump Overview
This solar powered pond & fountain pump comes with an external solar panel and stand. The pump is able to keep small/medium ponds well oxygenated which is a must if you have plants in the pond. Quick and easy setup and the company even offers a huge 24-month warranty!
Solatec Solar Powered Fountain Pump – $
Pond Size Suitability – Small Ponds
Technical Specs
- 1.4 Watt Solar-powered small pond/water fountain pump
- Comes with 4 different water nozzle heads
- Maximum water height: 0.7 meter
Pump Overview
A nice addition to your small pond/birdbath for aesthetics only. Has been chosen by Amazon as their ‘Amazon Choice’ considering the 4.5* average overall rating from over 1075 customers! You cannot go wrong purchasing this solar pond kit.
What is a solar pond pump?
A solar pond pump is an environmentally-friendly alternative to a battery/mains powered pond pump, used to pump water around the pond, keeping it aerated and suitable for plants, etc. These pumps usually sit on a pond ledge or shelf, upon the pond liner itself. They are usually more expensive than conventional mains powered pumps due to the additional solar panel cost. However, are known to be considerably cheaper to run in the long term.
Pond pumps can also be used to aesthetically enhance a pond, if you’re looking for solar fountain pumps, this page has more suitable recommendations, especially for readers with smaller ponds/bird baths.
Solar Pond Pumps collect solar energy from the sun. This is absorbed through the pumps attached photovoltaic panels, also known as solar panels. The pump’s solar panel(s) are usually connected to the pump system via wires, or are in-built to the pump system.
For the pond pump to operate consistently, the solar panel must be placed in direct view of the sun and angled correctly, to prevent reflection. This is extremely important, as the power of the pump itself will vary, being solely dependent on the amount of solar energy transferred from the panel, to the pump, per second.
Therefore, it’s important to consider the availability and strength of sunlight that’s available in your garden. Notice, I did not say your pond. This is because the solar panel can be attached via a long line of wire, offering up to 15 foot of an extension, enough to place in an area of the garden which gets the most sunlight.
Features of Solar Pond Pumps
Solar Pond Pumps are a popular alternative to the classic, mains powered pond pump for several reasons. These include
- They are easy to set up
- They can be easily moved
- They do not require any running costs
- Are environmentally friendly, using a renewable energy source
- They are typically not as noisy
- Typically they have an in-built pond filter, to prevent small debris from entering; Although some pumps need to be cleaned regularly.
There are however a few disadvantages with using solar-powered pond pumps, as opposed to mains powered, these include
- They provide less power output & subsequently lower water flow
- More ideal for small/medium sized ponds, not suitable for large ponds
- Cloudy & overcast days can block Solar Panels from absorbing energy needed to effectively power the pump
- They are usually more expensive to purchase
How can I find the best solar pond pump for my pond?
There are several important factors and criteria that you should use to find the most suited solar pond pump for your garden. On a more general level, this includes weighing up the pumps functionality and ability to be able to pump the required amount of water, alongside the visual aesthetic of the pump and water effects it produces. We realize that readers will have their own unique priority and biases towards their situation and assuming you have a set budget in mind, the factor (functionality, aesthetics) which they could be able to potentially compromise on,
Going into more detail, there are some more specific factors that should be considered before making the final decision to which pump is right for your pond, these include..
Water Flow & Power Output
Generally speaking, the higher the power output, the more powerful and effective the pump will be. This power rating is determined by the unit of Wattage (W). The level of power will have a direct impact on the amount of water that the pump can handle, at capacity level, and the distance to which it can be projected into the air.
The majority of Solar Pond Pumps have a variable flow rate. This is dependent on the strength of the sun combined with the directional position of the solar panel.
This combination of factors will impact on the pump’s performance, especially on cloudy days.
Therefore it’s very important to consider the position of the pump within your garden, and place it a particular spot that gets the most continual sunlight over the day, only this will impact on its power.
Regarding pump water flow, despite having a similar output wattage, not all pond pumps provide the same strength of water flow, due to different internal hardware causing efficiencies and inefficiencies. Therefore some are more powerful than others, despite the same apparent wattage. Therefore it’s extremely important to look at photo and video footage of the pump in action, alongside customer reviews.
Regarding the solar-powered pond pumps that we are recommending readers to consider, we have featured this information, alongside links to follow to purchase the product.
If you happen to be looking for a pump with a single purpose, to function as a pond aerator and oxygenate the pond, we advise looking at our recommendations of Solar Pond Aerators. We’ve featured an extremely popular one below.
Beckett Pump
- 1.5 watt solar panel
- Power cord -9.8’
- Nominal Voltage-7.68 V, Nominal current-195mA
This device is simply a solar aerator, therefore if your single purpose is to boost oxygen levels within your pond, this is a great solution. The relatively modest wattage of the solar panel (1.5w) indicates that it is only suitable for small/medium sized ponds. We’ve heard of people using it in 300 Gallon KOI ponds, and with its 4-star overall rating, it seems to be very reliable.