Solar Pond Pump Pros And Cons

Pond surrounded by seating and colorful plants
  • 1-5 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 20-200

Solar pond pumps are one of the three types of pumps used for ponds—the other two being submersible pumps and external pumps.

Solar pond pumps were initially built for use in remote areas of countries with limited access to the power grid. Until recently, solar pumps were neither as popular nor as extensively used as the other two pumps.

However, solar pond pumps are now being widely accepted and used by people all over the world. Solar pond pumps have many advantages and disadvantages.

The Advantages of Solar Pond Pumps

Container pond with small turtles on a rock

Energy-Efficient

The biggest advantage to using solar pond pumps is energy efficiency. The solar pump works by using energy radiated by the sun. It can heat up an entire pond by using a minimal amount of energy.

Accordingly, the pump is advantageous in countries where people cannot rely on electricity. People in Africa, India, and the Middle East use the pump to make use of heat produced by high temperatures.

Eco-Friendly

In today’s world, where global warming is a major problem, solar pond pumps are a great way to help preserve the environment because they do not rely on non-renewable energy. Also the pumps do not emit poisonous chemicals.

Economically-Viable

Solar pond pumps are more affordable than submersible and external pumps. Solar pond pumps can be easily installed without the aid of a professional and require no electrical power.

Drawbacks of Solar Pond Pumps

solar panel

Small Solar Panels

The solar pumps have very small panels which are often insufficient to meet the heating needs of the entire pond.

Lack of Energy Retention

Most solar pond pumps cannot store energy for later use and can pump water only when the sun shines brightly. This can prevent someone from using the pump in a country where there is little sunshine.

However, the solar pump technology is advancing every day, and energy storing capacity may become a widely-available feature.