12 Best Solar Pond Pumps And Solar Fountain Pumps

Solar pond pumps make a great, environmentally-friendly addition to your outdoor spaces. The best solar fountain pond pumps come in a couple of different varieties, depending on your needs and visual goals for your pond. 

The first is a water pump, which is responsible for circulating water through your pond. The second is an aerator, which pumps in the air and creates an attractive environment for plants. Lastly, a solar pump can be used to create a fountain effect. They can be scoped down for small birdbaths. Or you could use solar-powered pond pumps for larger applications like koi ponds or swimming pools.

We put together a detailed review of the top 12 solar pond pumps and solar fountain pumps to help you make an informed purchase decision. These reviews factored in price, pump specs, and customer reviews.

Solariver Solar-Powered Water Pump Kit

The Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit is a versatile choice for the best solar pond pump, suitable for a variety of ponds. The Solariver Kit will work well for ponds from small to large, water features, waterfalls, streams, hydroponics, aquaponics, greenhouses, and pools.

Solariver lasts for more than 20,000 hours on average, or more than two years of use if run continuously and even longer if it runs on an intermittent schedule. The Solariver also features a filter that owners can remove to clear debris. The pump is also safe for fish and other pond-dwelling animals.

The Solariver Solar-Powered Water Pump Kit also features a long power cord. At 16 feet, the power cord length lets owners have more freedom in where they can place the pump and solar panel in more creative places around the pond without having to worry only about sun placement.

Solar Pump Pros

• Great for versatile use. This kit is excellent for pond owners who might want to explore new varieties of water features.
• At more than 20,000 hours, the Solariver Kit has years of operation.
• A 16-foot power cord allows for more versatile placement in the pond. You can place the solar panel and pump far away from each other.

Solar Pump Cons

• Can’t run at night. Because the Solariver Kit runs solely on the sun’s energy, it doesn’t have a backup store and won’t run at night.
• The solar power also affects the pump’s strength — when the sun is more robust, or the pump’s placement is in more direct sunlight, the water flow is more robust, and the fountain arcs more. This fact is also relevant for weak sunlight placement — if the solar panel is in shadow, the water flow will be weak, if operating at all.

Lewisia Solar Pond Pump Kit

The Lewisia Solar Pond Pump Kit is a 10-watt solar power system, making a higher-rated output than many of its competitors. This means that it has a higher water circulation and flow capability.

The Lewisia 10-watt kit also comes with a few different fountain heads, allowing users to change their ponds’ water flow patterns. This pump also features a 16.4 foot cord, which lets you reposition the solar panel to capture the most sunlight available without compromising the design of your fountain.

Solar Pump Pros

• Interchangeable fountain heads. The Lewisia kit comes with blossom, mushroom, and standard heads that let you experiment with fountain design and water flow in your pond.
• A 16.4 foot power cord lets you move the solar panel to capture the most sun throughout the day, even on large ponds.
• The solar panel comes with a stand mount or screws to stand on the ground or mount on the pond’s side.

Solar Pump Cons

• The power panel is susceptible to shadows and clouds, meaning that the pump might not work on overcast days.
• The pump can become clogged. Because of how the pump is structured, it can become clogged with dirt or debris and needs cleaning regularly.

Sunnydaze Solar Pump Kit

This Sunnydaze Solar-powered Fountain Kit sprays water up to 10 feet high, creating a powerful display for pond owners. The kit also moves nearly 400 gallons of water each hour, promoting water flow and circulation in your pond.

The kit features two solar panels, allowing the pump to capture as much sun as possible during the day and maximize your fountain’s output.

Likewise, this kit features a 16-foot power cord, meaning you can have more freedom in positioning your solar panels. The pump kit also comes with a filter system to clear out debris from the pump.

Solar Pump Pros

• It comes with two different fountain heads, allowing you to change the type of flow you want for your fountain.
• The fountain sprays up to 10 feet high, creating strong outputs for large ponds.
• Owners can use this kit in a variety of environments, from ponds to pools to birdbaths.

Solar Pump Cons

• It does not store solar power. If sunlight isn’t present, the pump will not work. This lack of any kind of energy store can be difficult for ponds in certain outdoor environments.
• Panels must be in direct sunlight. If sunlight is minimal, the pump may not work as well or not work at all.

Solatec Solar Fountain

The Solatec Solar Fountain is an all-in-one device, with the solar panel included in the fountain itself. This setup means that the Solatec Solar Fountain only requires a few seconds of setup once it’s out of the box; after placing the pump where you want it, it starts working right away.

Because the Solatec kit is so small, it provides a more versatile possibility for owners and may be your choice for the best solar pond pump. You can place it in pools, fountains, ponds, or birdbaths and have it running in seconds.

Solar Pump Pros

• It comes with four different nozzle heads. You can change out the flow and spray of your fountain.
• All-in-one. The Solatec kit sets up right out of the box in seconds because the solar panels are on the pump itself. Once in the water and direct sunlight, the pump will start working immediately.

Solar Pump Cons

• Fountain spray only comes up to about a foot or 18 inches, which is not a large fountain spray. While this kit is easy to use, all-in-one fountains often have much less power and a smaller fountain spray.
• Because the Solatec is all-in-one, that means that the fountain has to be in direct sunlight, limiting location possibilities for your fountain pump.

AEO Solar Pond Aerator Pump

This AEO Solar Pump Kit is an aerator, meaning that its primary purpose is to introduce air into the environment you place it in. Rather than functioning as the other pumps on this list, it helps raise the oxygen levels in small ponds by pumping in more air.

Solar Pump Pros

• While this product is a little niche for pond owners, it comes very highly rated and recommended. It includes two air hoses and air stones.
• Easy set up. Because of the AEO pump’s small size, it’s easy to use and set up right out of the box. Place the solar panels via the stakes or your other preferred method, and the aerator will start running.

Solar Pump Cons

• Small size. At 1.5 volts, this pump only works for smaller environments, like small ponds and other similar environments.
• This is an aerator, not a regular pump. This means it only introduces air into the water environment. Unlike the other products on this list, it doesn’t pump or circulate water throughout the pond.

Aquaplancton MNP Fish Pond Pump

The Aquaplancton MNP Fish Pond Pump makes an exciting pick for one of the best solar pond pumps. Unlike the other options on this list, it includes a great waterfall or filtration option, with 16 feet of plastic hose to connect your solar pond pump.

This Aquaplancton kit also features a smart water detection mechanism. If there is not enough water in the pond or pool, or the water is getting low, the pump will automatically shut off to protect the motor and any aquatic life present.

This solar pond pump also circulates almost 900 gallons of water per hour, making it an excellent choice for large ponds or pools. It also features a locked rotor protection system that helps to stop debris from cutting off water.

Solar Pump Pros

• High volume. The Aquaplancton pump is capable of circulating nearly 900 gallons of water per hour.
• Can connect to a waterfall. This pump can connect to a waterfall or filtration system and includes 16 feet of hose to connect.
• Dry run cut off. The pump will cut off when the water is running low, saving the motor and saving water for the animals in your pond.

Solar Pump Cons

• Sensitive to lack of sunlight. The solar panels are still a little sensitive to any lack of sunlight, including shadows or cloud cover. Some reviewers have indicated that the Aquaplancton is particularly sensitive to shadows and will stop running once there is any cover.

Anself High-Power Solar Pump

The Anself High-Power Solar Pump comes with three interchangeable fountain heads and starts with only three seconds of startup needed. The pump starts right out of the box with minimal setup, making it a popular choice for pond owners.

Solar Pump Pros

• Six fountain heads. The Anself fountain kit offers owners a choice of six different fountain heads for versatility in size, shape, and water flow.
• The quick startup. The pump only takes about three seconds to set up and start running right out of the box.

Solar Pump Cons

• Smaller choice. Water spray only gets up to under seven feet, which is plenty of height but a little shorter than some of the other bigger displays on this list.
• Smaller circulation. The Anself circulates under 400 gallons of water per hour, which is a fine choice for smaller water features or ponds but circulates less water than pumps on this list for others. 

Eco-Worthy Solar Fountain Water Pump

The Eco-Worthy Solar Fountain Water Pump Kit has a maximum flow rate of almost 360 gallons per hour, providing excellent water flow for ponds of all sizes. The fountain also has a lift rate of nearly seven feet, creating an excellent display for your pond or pool.

This kit also has a 16-foot cord, making moving and positioning the solar panel easy for water displays of all sizes. Additionally, the Eco-Worthy Solar Fountain is rated for up to 20,000 hours of use, giving it years of use and a one-year warranty.

Solar Pump Pros

• Up to 20,000 hours of use. This kit can run for years with little maintenance.
• It has a water flow of almost 360 gallons per hour, making it an excellent fit for ponds or pools of any size.
• Versatile use. This kit is excellent for water features to pools, offering a range of options to owners.

Solar Pump Cons

• It does not have a backup battery or power supply — if it’s not in the sun, it won’t run.
• Some users have indicated that the motor dies before the warranty — and 20,000 hours — is up.

Aisitin Solar Water Pump

The Aisitin Solar Water Pump is a floating water pump and an easy-to-use choice for best solar pond pump. One of the main advantages of the Aisitin Solar Water Pump over other similar products is that it has 5.5 watts of solar power, meaning that it still works even with weak sunlight.

Additionally, the Aisitin offers an extreme advantage over competitors — it has a 1500 mAh battery and solar energy store. Even if the sun is not out, you can still run your Aisitin Solar Water Pump. 

The 1500 mAh battery allows the pump to run for between one and a half to two hours without sun.

The Aisitin kit also comes with six different nozzles of jet size and shape, including traditional fountain spray up to a single nozzle. The nozzles also range from quick sprays up to nearly six feet in height.

Solar Pump Pros

• Backup battery and energy store. Unlike most other solar panels that run water pumps, the Aisitin comes with a backup battery that can operate for up to two hours without sunlight.
• 5.5 watts of solar power. With this level of battery power, the pump can still run even in weak sunlight, unlike most of the other pumps on the list that are dependent on full, strong sunlight at all times.
• Six different nozzles. The pump kit comes with six different nozzles, allowing owners to change up the height, shape, and flow of their fountain to meet the needs of their pond or pool.

Solar Pump Cons

• Sensitive solar panel. While the Aisitin kit comes with a backup battery and solar energy store, the solar panels are still susceptible. Even a leaf in the way could lower the power of the pump’s flow.
• Small size. The water pump is versatile but is relatively small. The fountain’s maximum height can reach under six feet, making it the right choice for small areas but less useful for large ponds.

PowerEZ Solar Water Pump Kit

The PowerEZ Solar Water Pump Kit offers two fountain heads and a one-year warranty. It also has the ability to connect to a separate battery to keep the pump running without sunlight. This kit has a built-in brushless motor, which lowers energy consumption over time.

PowerEZ also offers a 20,000-hour lifespan, offering years of use to consumers.

Solar Pump Pros

• Offers the option to attach an external battery. You can attach a 12-volt to 24-volt battery to the pump.
• Backup battery and energy store. Unlike most other solar panels that run water pumps, the PowerEZ comes with a backup battery that can operate for up to two hours without sunlight.
• Works for up to 20,000 hours. The PowerEZ Solar Water Pump Kit works for up to 20,000 hours, offering years of use.

Solar Pump Cons

• Solar panels are susceptible. The PowerEZ solar panels are sensitive to leaf and shadow cover. If shadows impede the solar panel in any way, it will impact how the pump runs and its power.
• Requires a lot of cleaning — this particular pump is sensitive to dirt and debris. It requires the water to be changed for best use, the panel to be cleaned, and the pump and spray caps also need frequent cleaning.

COSSCCI Solar Fountain Water Pump

The COSSCCI Solar Fountain Water Pump is a compact choice for pond owners looking for the best solar pond pump for a water feature for a small pond, a birdbath, or a garden. This solar fountain pump sprays at 27.6 inches in height. This makes it an excellent option for small areas but could be difficult for larger areas.

This pump offers 20,000 hours of use and has a brushless motor. This allows the pump to have lower energy consumption and longer runtime.

Solar Pump Pros

• Great for versatile use — excellent for pond owners who might want to explore new varieties of water features.
• At more than 20,000 hours, the Solariver Kit has years of operation.
• A 16-foot power cord allows for more versatile placement in the pond. You can place the solar panel and pump far away from each other.

Solar Pump Cons

• The cord is a little shorter than some of its competitors. At 9.5 feet, the cord is still relatively long. But almost half the length of other solar panel water pumps.
• Compact. At just over two feet of spray height, this solar fountain is suitable for small water areas. But it will be small for any other body of water.

Feelle Solar Fountain Pump

The Feelle Solar Fountain Pump is another all-in-one option where the pump and the solar panel are together. The solar panel is the top surface of the fountain. The pump is free-floating but also includes a suction cup to keep the pump in place if desired.

The fountain takes only seconds to set up, but it requires full sunlight at all times. It doesn’t allow the flexibility that solar pumps with separate solar panels and pumps allow owners to place the pump or fountain in a shady area and the solar panel in a sunny area.

The advantage that the Feelle Solar Fountain Pump offers is that it has a backup battery. While full sunlight must be available for the pump to work, the pump won’t immediately stop working if there is cloud cover.

The kit also has a water monitoring system that keeps track of the amount of water in the pond; if the water is too low, the pump shuts off. This mechanism keeps the motor from running out and being damaged if there’s not enough water.

Solar Pump Pros

• All-in-one. The all-in-one nature of the Feelle Solar Fountain Pump kit makes it easy to set up straight out of the box. There is no need to connect to any external solar panels or pieces.
• Backup battery. The Feelle kit also includes a backup battery within the body of the pump. While in sunlight, the solar pump charges the backup battery for future use. And in the event of cloud cover or overcast weather, the backup battery provides the charge for the pump.
• Water monitoring system. The pump includes a smart water monitoring system that automatically stops the pump from running if the water is too low. When this happens, the pump will also charge the backup battery.

Solar Pump Cons

• Sensitive panels. While the solar pump includes the advantage of a backup battery, the solar panels are relatively sensitive. And their performance is affected immediately by any cloud cover or shadows.
• No setup flexibility. Other pumps on this list that have external solar panels allow owners to place the pump or fountain almost anywhere. This includes shady areas, without having to worry about performance being affected because the panels are in the sun. With an all-in-one pump kit, the pump itself must be placed in the sun and offers no flexibility in placement.

Best Solar Pumps For Ponds

Solar-powered pond pumps and solar fountain pumps work like typical battery-powered pumps or pumps that run on a power grid, with the one primary difference being their power source. 

Solar pumps work on solar energy and require a specific placement in the pond to generate enough power to keep the pump running.

Solar-powered Pump Features

Solar pumps often feature a large solar panel separate from the pump itself attached with a cord. Some solar pumps also function as all-in-one pumps. The solar panels are on the fountain pump’s face instead of as a separate unit.

Some of the features of a solar pond pump or solar fountain pump include:

• They run on a renewable energy source — no need to purchase extra batteries.
• They typically only take seconds to set up. As soon as the solar panels are in the sun, most units will start working right away.
• Many solar pump kits include a filter to trap and remove debris.

There are a few drawbacks to solar pond pumps that you should consider when you’re thinking about purchasing a solar pump.

These potential negatives include:

• Solar panel sensitivity — some solar panels included in these kits are susceptible to shadows and cloud cover. Even a leaf blocking part of a solar panel could affect how the pump runs.
• Lower power. Solar-powered pumps typically have less power output than battery or electrical pond pumps or fountain pumps. This means that the height or flow will typically be weaker than standard pumps.
• Typically work better in smaller ponds. These types of pumps are often meant for smaller ponds or pools. They typically do not work in larger bodies of water.

Of course, the best solar pond pump kit counters all of these negatives. Some solar pump kits offer backup batteries or solar energy storage to account for the sensitivity of their solar panels or areas with less sun availability.

Shopping for Best Solar Pond Pumps

When shopping for the best solar pond pump, be sure to keep in mind the size of the area where you want to put the pump. If the fountain is large, you’ll want to purchase a pump that can cycle through a large amount of water. 

Some solar pond pumps can get a flow of almost 1,000 gallons per hour. This is a great flow rate for larger ponds.

Also, think about whether you’d prefer an all-in-one kit or a solar pond pump kit with separate solar panels. An all-in-one kit works right out of the box, but these kits are often even more sensitive to sunlight.

Tips for Using a Solar Pond Pump

The best solar pond pump kits are easy to use right out of the box. But they still require a little maintenance to keep them running.

• Keep the pump clear of debris. Most pumps are sensitive to dirt and leaves and will stop working if they encounter any disruptions. Some kits include filters or covers that help protect debris. But it’s still a good idea to clean the pump out regularly.
• Make sure the area has plenty of sunlight. While this tip may seem obvious, many solar pond pumps are susceptible to any types of disruption in sunlight. This could include shadows from leaves and cloud cover.

Conclusion

There are many options for pond owners seeking an environmentally-friendly alternative to the typical electrical pumps available for ponds and pools. These options start with small, easy to set up all-in-one pumps. And they go all the way up to kits that include multiple large solar panels.

Any one of these options will make an excellent choice for the best solar pond pump. It works for your outdoor area of any size, from small ponds or birdbaths, all the way up to pools.