Solar Pond Pump Info

Have you ever wondered about using a solar pond pump for your garden pond? With alternative energy sources gaining popularity, and more and more homeowners worried about the rising cost of electricity, solar pond pumps are becoming a much more attractive and requested option for many pond owners. They are the only viable alternatives to pond pumps on mains power on the market today.

These pumps can be an ideal green energy and cost saving solution for certain landscape ponds. Though the initial investment can be expensive, the cost savings in electricity can pay off the initial expense in the long run. To see if a solar water pump is right for a pond, it is important for the owner to measure the water volume of the pond and also the height and distance planned for the water to travel when powered by the pump. Because this type of pump is typically 12v, much lower voltage than a traditional pump, it is important to make sure that the volume of water one wishes to move can be adequately handled by the pump. The size of the solar panel array needed will also depend on how much water the pump needs to move. This means that a solar water pump will often be more ideal for small ponds and water features instead of large ponds and rapid waterfalls.

Before installing a solar powered pond pump, one must also consider the location of the pond and whether or not that location receives an adequate amount of sunlight. The strength of the pump is directly dependent on the amount of solar energy received. Consequently, the pump will run vigorously while its solar panels are receiving direct and strong sunlight, more quietly on an overcast day, and will turn off altogether at night. While some may not mind the pump being turned off at night, those that wish to avoid this will need to consider buying a battery unit to store the energy collected by the solar panels during the day. These pond pumps can then run off the batteries at night.

Once a pump is decided on, there are still many choices for installation. Thankfully as more and more consumers become interested in alternative energy, technology and improvements in this area are rapidly advancing resulting in more choices for customers. Complete solar kits, including all the components for a complete solar powered pond pumping system, ranging from a couple hundred pounds to several thousand, are available. Or, if the consumer wishes, individual parts, including the solar panel array, a mounting kit for the solar panel, electric cables, 12v pond pump, and if one wishes, a battery unit, can be purchased separately for a custom solution.

Those who are looking into powering their ponds with solar energy, may also want to consider enhancing their pond with a solar water feature. Completely self-powered floating water fountains and similar items are increasingly available at very minimal cost, and, just like a solar water pump, will cost nothing in electricity bills to run!