10 Best Solar Powered Water Pumps of 2024

Our Top Picks for Solar Powered Water Pumps

When you have to consider the features, versatility, quality, and durability of the many different types of pumps available, choosing the right pump for your project can be a challenge. In the sections to follow, we’ve done the research for you and have highlighted the top solar powered water pumps.

1. Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit

Solariver was born when a small landscaping company based in California decided to utilize the energy from the sun to power its projects. Its submersible water pump is non-toxic and offers the ideal eco-friendly option for your next backyard project. 

With three different fountain nozzle designs, this water pump is perfect for fish ponds, bird baths, small ponds, and off-grid solar projects.

Solar Water Features:

• 12 W, 20 W, or 35 W solar panel
• Available as 12 V or 18 V
• 160, 360 or 655+ GPH
• 20,000-hour lifespan
• 16 feet of cord length
• 6.5 feet maximum lift

Pros:

• Capability to move larger quantities of water
• Easy DIY installation
• 1-year warranty
• Dry run protection
• Pre-filter to prevent debris clogging

Cons:

• No battery, so it only works during the day

Why Buy: Between the included dry run protection and magnetic brushless motor, this solar water pump is built for lasting durability and reliability. The Solariver water pump kit is available on Amazon and comes with an automatic one-year warranty. 

2. Eco-Worthy Solar Fountain Water Pump Kits

Eco-Worthy has been manufacturing solar products since 2002 and continues to be a leader in the solar industry. Not only does this submersible water pump come with high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels, but it broadcasts easy installation for your backyard waterfall, garden fountain, greenhouse, and birdbath projects.

Solar Water Features:

• 5 W, 12 W, and 25 W solar panel options
• 20,000-hour lifespan
• 196 GPH max flow rate
• 5.6 feet maximum height
• 16 feet of cord length

Pros:

• 1-year warranty
• Easy DIY installation
• Lower price point
• Adjustable nozzles and spray pattern

Cons:

• No battery, so it only works during the day
• No dry run protection

Why Buy: The Eco-Worthy solar fountain water pump has a super adjustable nozzle that allows you to customize the spray heads on your fountain project. The company offers a one-year warranty should your solar panel or water pump have any issues so that you can enjoy your new fountain worry-free.

3. Viajero 3 Watt Solar Panel Fountain Pump

The Viajero 3W is the perfect solar panel fountain pump for smaller backyard projects. Designed specifically for bird baths of all sizes, this submersible pump has adjustable flow rates and spray heights that reach up to two feet in height.

The price for this pump is one of the lowest on the market, so it is perfect for DIYers looking to get a taste of what solar energy can do for their backyard. Plus, it comes with an 18-month warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee that allows you to get your full money back if it does not live up to your expectations.

Solar Water Features:

• 3W solar panel
• 0.66 GPH
• 16 to 24 inches of lift height
• 10,000 hours of run time
• 10 feet of cord length

Pros:

• 7 nozzles and spray heads
• 18-month warranty
• Low price point
• Easy installation
• Wall mounting, in-ground or floating option for mounting

Cons:

• Not suitable for larger projects
• No battery, so it only works during the day

4. SIYIBAEBY 3W Solar Water Pump

SIYIBAEBY offers yet another affordable solar powered water pump for smaller DIY backyard projects. This floating pump comes with six interchangeable nozzles so that users can customize their bird bath, fish tank, or aquarium project. 

Unlike some solar water pumps that are staked into the ground, this panel floats in the water and soaks up the sun from beneath the water’s surface. 

Solar Water Features:

• 3W/5V solar panel
• 27.5-inch maximum lift
• 47 GPH max flow rate
• 10,000-hour lifespan

Pros:

• 6 nozzles and spray heads
• 1200 mAh battery for night use
• Easy to install
• Low price point
• 30-day full refund policy
• 1-year warranty

Cons:

• Not suitable for larger projects

Why Buy: 

SIYIBAEBY’s 3W pump has a max flow rate of 47 GPH, an impressive figure for the size. In fact, it has more power capacity than most comparable products on the market.

Combined with a 1200mAh battery, the solar energy can keep this pump running on sunny days, cloudy days, and even at night. 

5. AEO 10W Solar Water Pump Kit

AEO is one of the most trusted brands for solar-powered water pumps. Ideal for fish ponds, hydroponics, and aquaponics, this 10W solar fountain pump has an excellent flow rate to power larger fountain projects. 

However, the lack of battery backup makes this pump less suitable for more overcast states. 

Solar Water Features:

• 10W/18V solar panel
• 196 GPH max flow rate
• 20,000 operation hours
• 5.6 feet max pump head
• 16.4 feet of cable length

Pros:

• Competitive price point
• Great for small ponds, hydroponics, and aquaponics
• Easy installation
• 1-year warranty

Cons:

• No battery, so it only works during the day
• No dry run protection

Why Buy: 

This solar water pump kit comes with four extension nozzles and three unique spray patterns, which makes it perfect for customizing your backyard projects. The brushless motor ensures that this system runs flawlessly when exposed to direct sunlight.

6. PWS Solar Powered Swimming Pool Pump

The PWS solar-powered swimming pool pump is a heavy-duty tool used for both home and industry purposes. Made to keep swimming pools, thermal springs, larger fish ponds, and irrigation systems in top shape, it is worth it to spend the extra money on this high-quality pump.

Solar Water Features:

• 72V/1200W 
• 136 GPM max flow rate
• 62 ft max head

Pros:

• 3-year warranty
• Suitable for saltwater
• Quiet brushless motor
• Suitable for larger projects
• Made from stainless steel

Cons:

• Does not come with solar panels
• Expensive upfront cost

Why Buy: 

Even though you do have to purchase the solar panel separately, this system is designed to ultimately save you money. Unlike some of the other pumps listed, the PWS comes with an MPPT controller that makes sure the pump is operating at maximum efficiency under every light condition. 

7. AISITIN 5.5W Solar Fountain Pump

The AISITIN 5.5W solar fountain pump is a great budget-friendly option for anyone looking to add some decoration to their garden. 

This is a smaller water pump, so it’s perfect for bird baths, fish tanks, small ponds and improving water circulation. In addition, it’s super easy to install and AISITIN includes detailed instructions for setting up your pump.

Solar Water Features:

• 5.5W/10V solar panel
• 40-inch max spray height
• 10,000-hour lifespan
• 1500mAh battery backup

Pros:

• 1-year warranty
• 6 interchangeable nozzles
• Low price point
• Battery backup
• Dry run protection

Cons:

• Not suitable for larger projects
• No pre-filter to catch debris

Why Buy:

While this pump system can power itself on sunny days, the built-in backup battery can keep the water flowing when the sky is more overcast. Adding to the quality, this pump is made from high-grade ABS material which makes this a durable option.

8. Biling Solar Water Fountain Pump

Certain affordable solar panels can save you just as much energy as expensive ones. As the most affordable solar fountain on this list, the Biling solar water fountain pump is perfect for DIYers on a budget. 

 It offers two types of installation methods. Users can choose to either stake the solar panel in the ground or mount it to the wall. This allows you to place the solar panel in a location that gets more direct sunlight. Not only does this pump come with a brushless motor, but it also includes four different nozzles. 

Solar Water Features:

• 2W solar panel
• 10,000-hour lifespan
• 23 to 28-inch max spray height
• 42 GPH max flow rate

Pros:

• Low price point
• Brushless pump
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 1-year warranty

Cons:

• No battery backup, so no night running

Why Buy: 

With its small solar panel and motor, the Biling pump is an effective option for fish tanks, small bird baths, and garden fountains. In addition to the low price point, Billing offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and even a one-year warranty. 

Benefits of Using Solar Water Pumps

As is the case with switching any of your power sources to a renewable one, there are many pros and cons to using solar energy. Many homeowners benefit from using solar panels because it cuts down on their energy costs, but there are even more advantages to solar powered products like solar water pumps, including:

• Solar energy is a renewable resource
• No long electrical extension cords
• Increased mobility because you are not tied to an electrical outlet
• Low or no maintenance required
• If set up indoors, they can double as a humidifier
• Brushless motors maximize power and pumping efficiency

If you’re interested in whole-home solar in addition to solar powered water pumps, you can use the button below to connect with a vetted solar installation company in your area. 

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What Is a Solar Powered Water Pump?

A solar-powered water pump is an eco-friendly water pump that is powered by the energy of the sun. It uses photovoltaic (PV) panels to capture the sun’s energy, which it uses as the power to pump water. 

Some solar fountain pumps are used as yard decorations while others serve the critical role of delivering water to crops, livestock, and even humans. They can also be used to pump water to:

• Swimming pools
• Water fountains
• Fish ponds
• Fish tanks
• Garden fountains
• Bird baths
• Irrigation systems
• Livestock
• Well water and storage tanks
• Water for human consumption

How Do Solar Powered Water Pumps Work?

Solar powered water pumps are efficient water pump systems that are powered by the energy collected by solar panels. As the solar panels come in contact with the sun’s rays, the solar system will collect that energy and convert it into a form that the water pump can use to operate. 

Want more information on how solar panels work? Check out our page here!

What Features to Consider for Your Solar Pump System

When you’re shopping for a solar water pump system, the project that you’re undertaking will determine the features you need. 

You need to first decide if you need a surface or submersible pump, determine how much water you plan on moving and measure how far the water has to travel from its source. Besides these questions, you’ll also want to be aware of the top brands for solar fountain pumps.

Type of Water Pump

Just like there are several types of solar panels, there are two main types of eco-friendly water pumps: surface water pumps and submersible water pumps. 

Whereas surface pumps are placed in line with the water level, submersible pumps must be placed completely underwater to operate optimally. Surface water pumps are typically used more for irrigation and small ponds, but submersible pumps are best suited for deep wells.

Maximum Vertical Head

The maximum vertical head (MVH) is how far the pump is capable of pushing water upwards. Even though MVH might not be as important for bird baths or a fish tank, the vertical height does matter if your water pump is at the bottom of a fish pond or placed in a deep well. 

Both surface and submersible water pumps must be placed to account for MVH, otherwise, the water will not reach as high as you want. For instance, if your garden pond is six feet deep and your solar pond pump can only reach two feet of height, then you will not have enough water power to even make a ripple.

Maximum Flow Rate

The maximum flow rate (MF) capacity is the amount of water that a solar-powered fountain pump can move within a certain amount of time. Commonly measured in gallons per hour (GPH) or gallons per minute (GPM), the max flow rate becomes important if you need a lot of water flow. If a pump runs too slowly, for example, you might not be able to keep a tank full or store enough water.

Even so, not every project needs a powerful pump. If you have a smaller project in mind, such as a birdbath or small pond, you likely don’t need as much water flow as an irrigation or sprinkler system.

Solar Panel and Inverter Size

If you don’t have a solar panel system that’s big enough to generate the power needed to run your water pump, then you’re bound to run into some problems. This is especially true if you are using solar panels to run a larger, more powerful pump for larger volumes of water flow. You will need to make sure you can generate enough wattage for the job. 

Similar to solar panel size, you’ll also need to consider your inverter size. The solar inverter is responsible for converting the solar panel’s electricity into a usable form for your pumps and fountain heads, so it’s important to make sure your inverter is compatible with your solar panel’s output. 

Solar Energy Storage

Although some solar systems rely solely on only the rays of the sun to power their systems, more advanced solar-powered water pumps have batteries that store energy for use overnight or during cloudy weather. 

If you need a water pump that will continually function rain or shine, be sure to choose one that comes with a battery for solar energy storage.

Power Type: Direct Current Vs. Alternating Current

There are two types of power that are used for water pumps: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). 

Direct current power is often used for smaller projects as it is typically less expensive than alternating current power. DC power is best for smaller projects such as water fountains, bird baths, and small ponds. These pumps are the most common type of solar water pump, are generally sold as complete pump sets, and usually have easy installation. 

Alternating current power, on the other hand, is better for larger agricultural and industrial projects. AC power pumps have a higher maximum flow rate and can supply a lot more power. Unless you are installing a deep well pump or any other large-scale project, you probably do not need to spend the extra money for an AC power solar unit.

Size of Water System

Homeowners may not need to worry as much about the size of the water system as much as those who are using the water pump system for agricultural or industrial purposes. 

If you are sizing a solar water pump for crops and livestock, the gallons needed per day (GPD) becomes important. The best systems will have tanks with a capacity to store three to four days’ worth of water. This is important for cloudy days when the pump may be inactive without battery backup.

Warranty Programs

The features and functionality of your solar powered water pump are important to consider, but the warranty program for your pump is also critical. If you buy a new water pump and it breaks after installation, some companies may not replace the pump. 

Instead, make sure you buy your solar pump from a reputable company that offers at least a one-year warranty. Luckily, many of our top brands and companies do offer good after-sale programs so that you can feel confident in your new solar system.