As the name suggests, a solar water pump is a device that can convert solar power into mechanical work. The working of a water pump is straightforward as it pumps water as soon as you switch on the power.
There are two basic types of solar water pumps. One that has no energy storage capacity, while the other uses a battery to store the solar power and use it to operate the pump.
Irrespective of their types, though, solar water pumps are highly beneficial and cost-effective alternatives to mainstream water pumps that use electricity from the grid to operate.
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Besides, in rural areas, not everyone may have a direct connection from the grid. In such cases, solar water pumps make sense.
Solar pumps are increasingly being used to brighten up gardens. For eco-friendly homeowners, solar pumps are excellent alternatives to power fountains in a clean and, more importantly, a greenway.
Solar-powered fountains need a one-time investment in solar pumps. You’ll never have to spend more on electricity since the energy from the sun will power them.
Also, solar pumps are often easy to install and do not require special wiring, plumbing, or an electrical outlet. As long as the solar panels receive proper sunlight, your solar-powered fountain will continue to function with ease.
However, before jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon, it is, of course, essential to note that solar pumps rely on solar energy. If you live in a place where the sun doesn’t shine enough, you should reconsider your investment in solar pumps.
Let’s reviews some of the best solar pumps that you can buy today!
1. Ankway Solar fountain
The Ankway solar fountain comes equipped with a 5W panel, involving no batteries.
You will appreciate the wire length, too, as it measures 128 inches, more than enough to tuck away the solar panels out of sight. This also means that you don’t have to go looking for an extension for lengthy setups.
Since there are no batteries or storage units involved, it is pretty easy to set up the Ankway Solar Fountain Pump, which you can easily do by yourself!
Specifications of Ankway Solar Fountain
- Very simple setup
- Can pump 370 liters of water per hour
- Lengthy connection wire
- Compact size
- Easy to clean design
2. ASC Solar Water Pump Kit
The ASC solar water pump is a great option if you don’t want as much power as the Ankway Solar Fountain. It comes with a 2.5W solar panel that drives a 6v DC motor.
The smaller solar panel means that there will be less amount of water pumping through the system. If you don't want a powerful pump, then the ASC Solar water pump kit is the one you should choose.
Specifications of ASC Solar water pump kit
- Compact and lightweight
- Flow capacity at 180 liters per hour
- 10 feet long cable
- More than one type of fountain heads
3. Lewisia Solar Bird Bath Fountain Pump
The Lewisia Solar pump comes with additional accessories, along with the pump and the solar panel. These accessories are multiple spray heads, which you can swap with each other depending on the style you want.
Many would prefer the small form of the Lewisia solar pump, as the panel is just barely over 5 inches on each side. Even after you have connected the pump with a spray head, the whole contraption weighs less than a pound.
Don’t expect it to have a ton of performance as this product is aimed at light to medium applications.
Specifications of Lewisia Solar Bird Bath Fountain
- Additional spray heads for more versatility
- Flow capacity rated at 175 liters per hour
- Easy installations
- Ideal for birdbaths
4. Sunnydaze Outdoor Solar Pump
Sunnydaze Outdoor Solar Pump is the most powerful of the bunch as it comes with two solar panels, which are of 10W each. The products that we have discussed before work in direct sunlight and fail to power when it is dark — because they aren’t battery-powered.
However, the Sunnydaze Outdoor Solar Pump is different. It comes with its own battery pack, which powers the fountain in the dark.
Another impressive feature of this solar pump is that it has LEDs mounted on the base of the sprayer. When the fountain works at night, the LEDs switch own, illuminating the spray.
Specifications of Sunnydaze Outdoor solar pump
- Additional spray heads and LED lights
- Flow capacity rated at 1500 liters per hour
- Battery pack included for 4-hour spray after full charge
- 2 x 10watt solar panels
5. ECO-WORTHY Solar Powered Submersible Water Well Pump
Up until now, we reviewed solar pumps that are specifically designed for water fountains or other decorative purposes. The ECO-WORTHY Submersible solar pump finds its use in pumping water out of wells.
With a suitable solar panel, the pump can lift as high as 70 meters. Apart from the solar panels, the pump can also work using 24V battery systems.
A solar water well pump is a boon in remote places that do not have a connection to the grid.
Specifications of ECO-WORTHY Submersible Water Well Pump
- Flow capacity rated at 720 liters per hour
- Easy installation
- Maximum lift capacity at 70 meters
- Positive Displacement 3 Chamber Diaphragm Pump design
Conclusion
Solar power may not have top-notch efficiency right now, but like all technologies, it is certainly evolving. In a few years, we may have solar panels that can power heavy machinery, without breaking a sweat.
Solar pumps are great examples of how we can use renewable energy for decorative purposes, but also for pumping water without depending on the grid. Choose a product from our list, and you won’t be disappointed in your selection!
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