Solar Aeration, Solar Pumps & Solar Systems
Using solar power to aerate a pond and build a complete solar system.
DC & Battery Compressors for Solar Aeration

In my years of assisting pond owners with aeration systems I have constantly been asked if it is possible to use solar power to aerate a pond and my answer has always been: YES! Of course the technology exists to build a homemade aeration system from fairly cheap parts that works on solar power and the reason is because there are a number of suppliers who can provide solar systems not only for pond aeration but also to charge deep-cell batteries and even to power complete cabins by using full off-grid power systems.

While the idea of using renewable resources as the cheap power source is definitely sound the reality is that many companies offer solar systems that are costly and such systems are currently designed more for the do-it-yourself style of pond owner. Of course all of my clients ask me why this is the reality considering that solar powered systems have existed for decades and there are solar pumps that should be able to perform the job to feed compressed air into diffusers...so why is this type of configuration so darned expensive?

It is essential to understand that any solar aeration system will be more costly
than a standard AC electric aerator. If you have electric power within 100 feet
of the pond you might want to consider an electric system. Realize that all these
solar systems, pumps and compressors won't have the same life expectancy as a
similar electric system. Of course if you have no choice and are off the grid
or just don't have power then go for a solar system!

If you can't find what you're looking for there then you need to contact us to help.

Complete Solar Aeration Systems
The Best Real Solar Aerator: Includes air pump, solar panel, tubing, air diffusers, connectors and everything you need. If you want solar powered aeration this is the most affordable package...it's not a toy...it's about as cheap as you can get for a working solar aerator!

Complete Solar Powered Pond Aerator only $842

All our Solar Bubbler Pump Kits come complete with 12V DC submersible bubblers, anchoring
Solar Aerator with 2 year pump motor warranty
No wiring or outside electricity required Air powered bubbler pumps up to 4 liters per minute Available draft tube mixes at any pond depth Simply mount facing the sun and drop diffuser in water Charges and runs off battery for up to 3 days of cloudy weather

Pond Aerator is Solar Powered
Pond aerator improves water quality for aquaculture, water supply, and wastewater treatment. Solar powered pond aerator is 100% powered by the sun. Unit is designed for 24/7 operation using user supplied 12 volt marine battery.

Stock Tank Deicer and Solar Powered Aerator
PEC Oxygenaerator EKBS10 Kits. An easy way to aerate any pond or tank from the surface. Unit is designed for 24/7 outdoor use with integral 20 WATT SOLAR PANEL. Unit is 18x18x18, free standing or pole mounted at any level with built-in mount bracket. Aerator needs no priming, just drop diffuser hose in water. Oxygen transfer is sufficient to treat up to 1/2 acre of pond. EKBS10 Kit includes 20' of flex airline, weighted flex cap non-plugging coarse bubble mixing diffuser, and PEC S-10, linear air pump. Unit provides up to 2 liters per minute of compressed air.

Algae Busting Pond Aerator Eliminates Pond Algae
Application: 100,000 gals. maximum diffuser depth is 8 ft. without draft tube, no maximum depth when using draft tube (draft tube is sold separately). Description: 60 WATT POND AERATOR, CHARGE CONTROLLER, 12 VOLT, 8 LITER PER MINUTE, DIAPHRAGM PUMPS. SHIPPING WEIGHT 32 LBS. (use 3 of these units to meet Canadian Environment specs.)

12 Volt Air Pumps & 12 Volt Diaphragm Air Compressors for DIY Solar Aeration
Building a solar aerator or battery powered lake aerator using cheap solar air pumps and direct current oilless compressors. Battery powered DC air compressors give air anywhere!.

Over the years we have tested and evaluated the staying power and effectiveness of many DC 12V and 24 Volt pumps and one thing we've constantly noticed is that no matter what type of pump you buy, these 12V pumps are not going to give you years of service so buy a good cheap one! When I say cheap I don't mean some ebay special deal on a pump made in some far away country without care for product consistancy I mean buy a good qality pond pump that doesn't cost too much because you will be buying replacements every 3 to 9 months of continuos usage. If someone gives you a one year warranty then you might want to take a closer look because the pumps we use have a 3 month and 6 month warranty. That may not sound good...but that is the reality of solar dc systems as the current technology exists.

DC Air Pumps, Commercial-Grade
Finally a Long Lasting DC Air Pump
Up until now most DC air pumps and battery powered DC compressors had limited reliability. Most DC pumps we've seen offer a 3 to 6 month warranty and if you don't know exactly what you're doing as far as setting up your solar aeration system you can quickly burn out your motor.

We have finally found a commercial-grade line of pumps that come with a one-year warranty and these diaphragm, linear air compressors are easy to service and provide long lasting battery or DC current performance.

These commercial-grade DC air compressors offer superb performance and durability. Typical applications include live fish transport on trucks or fishing boats; however, they can also be used in emergency or solar-powered situations. The simple design of these DC air pumps makes them easy to maintain and repair (oilless, easily accessible brushes and diaphragm).

Pigtail wires for connection to your battery or DC configuration included. 60 LPM and 100 LPM models include either plastic or steel housing cases and do not require additonal housing for outdoor use. 30 LPM unit has no housing and must be enclosed for outdoor use but this 30 LPM unit includes a lighter adaptor to fit into car lighter plugs as well as pigtail wires.

All units have a one-year warranty.

12V DC Air Compressor : 30 LPM
Model # PR-DC30LPM
1.2 CFM (cubic feet per minute) = 20 LPM (liters per minute) MAX 5 PSI (11 feet)
Includes car lighter adaptor plug!
1.2 CFM (20 Liters Per Minute) open flow. At max rated pressure of 5 PSI (11 feet) this pump delivers 0.25 CFM or 7 LPM. | 12V | Includes pigtail wiring for battery connection and car lighter plug for remote automobile use |
Recommended Max. Operating Depth = 8 feet.
Recommended Diffusers = 1 - 2 Diffusers with a min. combined CFM requirement of 0.5 - 1 CFM.

12V DC Air Compressor : 60 LPM
Model # PR-DC60LPM
2.4 CFM (cubic feet per minute) = 60 LPM (liters per minute) MAX 5 PSI
Includes Plastic Outdoor Case
2.4 CFM ( 60 Liters Per Minute) open flow. At max rated pressure of 5 PSI (11 feet) this pump delivers 1.5 CFM or 42 LPM. | Plastic Casing Suitable for Outdoor Use | 12V | Includes pigtail wiring for battery connection | Barbed outlet connector included for hose connections
Recommended Max. Operating Depth = 8 feet.
Recommended Diffusers = 1 - 4 Diffusers with a min. combined CFM requirement of 1 - 2.4 CFM.

12V DC Air Compressor : 100 LPM
. Model # PR-DC100LPM
3.5 CFM (cubic feet per minute) = 100 LPM (liters per minute) MAX 4 PSI
Includes Steel Outdoor Case
3.5 CFM open flow. At max rated pressure of 4 PSI (8 feet) this pump delivers 2.9 CFM or 82 LPM. | Steel Casing Suitable for Outdoor Use | 12V | Includes pigtail wiring for battery connection | Barbed outlet connector included for hose connections
Recommended Max. Operating Depth = 5 feet.
Recommended Diffusers = 1 - 5 Diffusers with a min. combined CFM requirement of 0.5 - 3.0 CFM.

After You Buy a DC or Battery Air Pump add diffusers & airline and you've got a homemade, diy aeration system!
Check the number of diffusers you need and choose the appropriate pump that can deliver the correct CFM. Measure the distance from the compressor to the diffusers and you have the length of weighted tubing needed. A few extra parts depending on your installation can be bought at your local plumbing supply store and you can save even more money!

Details Of Building Solar Aeration Systems
We all want to build a cheap solar aerator, solar bubbler or solar pond deicer...we also want to work less, make more and vacation 4 months of the year...we can't have everything!

The answer is that it doesn't have to be an expensive undertaking if someone really wants to add a solar fountain or a solar pump with a simple nozzle to create a spraying fountain-jet display or even a simple air diffuser system that operates with solar cells and direct current pumps. The problem is mainly the supply of such parts. Canadian solar supply companies are few and far between and even my clients in the USA have told me that buying solar panels and wiring kits anywhere in North America is not easy, especially if we are looking beyond the actual product but into the knowledge of installing solar power and building homemade solar aerators and fountains.

Before we look at the intrinsic difficulties of finding a local supplier of solar powered systems in Canada or North America for that matter let us first look at what exactly is involved for someone wanting to build a simple low-cost solar powered aeration system.

If you are like many of my existing clients you have toyed with the idea of aerating your pond without using expensive grid power. There are certain provinces and states that offer low cost electricity but even the most frugal electrical aeration systems can cost upward of 94 cents per day to operate and in higher cost markets these same systems can run up to 3 dollars per day in operating costs. It is no wonder that the question of self-sustained energy systems arises more often than talk about the weather!

During my paid consultations I typically go over the same ground again and again so I will do it once again here so more of you can benefit from my knowledge. Of course I do not pretend to be an expert in solar power but for many people who come to me in search of information on Canadian pond supplies I have helped many save several hundred dollars just by being honest and explaining what works and what doesn't work.

While I have been asked about everything from solar cabin kits and power system to full on solar powered fountains I will attempt to discuss some of the myths and impossibilites of using solar cells as a form of energy; the facts are that while solar power is a viable green technology it is also limited in that the initial setup costs are high and currently the ability to drive high powered pumps and solar powered compressors is limited. I much prefer an electrical system on a thermostat control or a timer compared to a solar aerator but the reasons are merely based on a desire for efficiency! If a system that was driven by sun power, or even wind power, could compare to the sheer power and control of an electric system I would be none too happy to switch!

But still, I have never discouraged anyone who has their heart set on using solar panels for aerating their ponds from doing so, in fact their are ways to achieve this sort of cost-saving measure...well...it is cost saving in the long run but solar power is always more expensive as an initial investment so that is something everyone should understand who contemplates using this sort of system.

Because I deal primarily with aeration projects, let's look at a typical inexpensive, cheap, homemade solar aerator:

The basic solar system requires a solar panel which is often a 60 Watt Uni-Solar Panel or a series of one or more 50 Watt Kyocera Solar Panels running together. These panels are mounted together in what is called a solar array on a pole and usually face towards the sun by manual positioning or in the case of more sophisticated systems an autmoatic solar tracking system.

An air compressor is needed to create compressed air that is pumped to the air diffusers in the pond and there are a few varieties of pond pumps that will correctly do the job; usually in a solar direct system you will need a direct current DC compressor such as a Thomas pumps.

I have found that the Thomas line of solar pumps offer an adequate mix of PSI and CFM which, while not as strong as the electric versions, still can offer good aeration in fairly small ponds with depths not exceeding 10 feet. I have built systems using a rotary vane compressors feeding two or more diffuser discs using direct solar power but again these are packages that are recommended mainly as a last resort when there is no electrical supply within 500 feet of the pond.

Buying Solar Pumps & Aeration System Approximate Cost
64-watt solar panels at some solar stores can retail from $600 - $2000
We recommend the following for the best value in Cheap Solar Panels
15 Watts Solar Panel:$129, 30 Watt Solar Panel:$260, 75 Watt Solar Panel:$350
For larger scale pumping, off-grid systems and cabin power systems we use the larger 165 watt solar panels: 165 WATT Mitsubishi Solar Panels

220-amp hour 6-volt battery $130 -$360 depending on quaility
Air compressor $300 - $2500 depending on durability and included componants
Control regulator and LVD $250 - $800 depending on quality and durabilty
1/2 inch air line (weighted) $120 - $250 depending on length and flexibilty and memory of material
Air diffuser $65-$500 depends on size and water volume moved

Of course, the mountings for panels, enclosures for batteries and compressor can be purchased from your local dealer. The system can be permanently located at the site or mounted on a trailer for easy relocation if livestock or cattle or involved. While pond aeration systems are usually maintained on site the winer watering systems are known for being moved from pond to pond.

A linear current booster is required to combine the solar direct power from the panels to the DC powered pump and this is usually a simple system that can be picked up at a local supplier of parts designed for alternative power sources.

Your typical aerator includes a bubble diffuser whic can be a HDPE type disc diffuser of nine or twelve in diameter membrane diffuser or an airstone or any manner of diffuser tubing also known as bubble tubing. While many systems can include a lenth of airline, often 100 feet, there is the self sinking weighted tubing variety of airline that makles installation much easier. Standard airline will float and it is rare that one of my clients will decide to buy regular poly plastic tubing instead of the weighted tubing because it makes installation so much simpler. Still, if saving money is a priority you should use floating airline availbe for about 30 cents per foot at the local hardware store instead of self-sinking tubing that costs from $1.15 TO $2.25 per foot.

For those of you who want to go beyond the solar direct system there exists many retailers who specialize in solar pond systems that include deep cell battery operated systems that can provide continuous aeration over 8 to 12 hours per day due to their deep cycle battery systems. Fundamentallt these solar pumps are the same but instead of operating only when sunlight hits the solar panels they have the ability to charge deep cell batteries during the sunny hours of the day and can operate the pump during times when there is no light which is often preferable as aeration systems an their best will function only during the evning hours when their is no chance for aquatic plants to contribute oxygen due to photosynthesis.

Beyond the need for aeration I am also asked constantly about solar pumps for fountains. Most floating founatins or even fixed base submersible fountains require large horsepower pumps to drive thick columns of water through brass nozzles to create dramatic effects and to create a large display such as a crown and geyser display using a solar pump is not finincially feasible. Of course there are pumps that can be simply placed into a pond or dugout and with the addition of a brass fountain nozzle can create dramatic displays of height but the limitations of amperage inherent in solar pumps means that only smaller water bodies like water gardens can even entertain the concept of a solar fountain.

Solar fountains just don't have the power to push water beyond more than a few feet above the water level unless they are large scale and typically expensive systems.

Even when I visit a eutrophic pond in need of major treatment I inevitably come upon the question of solar systems designed to power cottages or country homes. There are cttage and complete solar systems that retailers create that include homemade packaged photovoltaic power systems from 50 to over 2000 watts that are perfect for providing full power for small cottages and vacation homes. These store bought systems usually come complete with cutting edge solar modules, controllers, mounting hardware, batteries, wiring and installation guides. Basically all you need is a few basic tools and a few hours to build your solar installation. Most of these systems are expandable especially if you consult a local solar dealer for tips and ideas on building a do it yourself solar system! You can always add on more solar modules at a later time or improve your system with a windmill or a micro-hydro turbine if you have running water on your property.

If you are thinking of adding more solar modules in the future it may be wise to select a pole-mounting structure capable of holding additional solar panels and choosing a voltage controller capable of handling the additional power. There are standby-grid-tie systems that not only allow you to feed power back to the grid, but it will also offer you the security of back-up power in the event of a power failure. During sunny days the solar array mounted on your roof for example, will feed extra electrical power back to the utility grid. In many provinces and states you may be able to sell your excess electricity to them via the hydro electric lines. During a blackout or major ice storm or even a terrorist attack the systems deep cell battery bank will provide you with the electricity to run multiple loads including furnaces, refrigerators, lighting, computers, televisions and phones for homes cottages and small businesses.

Where can solar aeration be used?
Most Solar aeration systems are custom-built for ponds and lakes when AC power or an air line from a AC powered system is not practical. The Solar panels can be designed and sized easily to supply power to a water pump or a combination bubbler and water pump.

Designing a solar aeration system
Designing a solar powered system can be done quite easily. For example, a pond of 2,400,000 litres or 650 000 gallons can be properly aerated with a minimum of 0.5 - 1.0 CFM (cubic feet per minute) at a minimum but if we can provide up to 4 CFM we can create multiple aeration zones by using multiple diffusers. Again, the limitations of the DC compresor are the key variable. For proper solar system design, the compressor size and combined power requirements should be calculated for correct aeration. Once these mathematics are calculated, the precise number of solar panels, wattage and batteries can be determined and implemented.

I have designed a standard indication showing the approximate component costs for a solar powered aeration system.

The following formula is often used to determine the number of solar panels required.
Example: (based on Canadian summer use) An average Canadian summer day will provide about 6.0-6.5 hours of charging time equalling a 12-volt compressor rated load of 3.8 amps (45.6 W) per hour.

To determine the number of panels using the formula, the following is calculated. 12v x 3.8amps x 24hr x 1.1bf = 1,204 Watt/hrs Based on this initial calculation, three solar panels will be required. This assumes use of 64-watt panels, which produce (64 watts x 6 hrs) 384 Watt-hrs per day. Therefore, (1,204 ÷ 384) = 3.1, round to three panels.

When installing a solar powered aeration or watering system, one should determine the number of batteries needed or calculate how much deep charge battery power is required during cloudy periods or if the panels are disconnected. This calculation will depend largely on how often the system is inspected and I recommend a battery storage capacity of three to five days.

In this generic example, if four days of storage are required and a six-volt 220-amp hour battery is being used, then you should calculate the number of batteries needed using the following formula: Load: volts multiplied by amps (Watts) Duty cycle: running time percent Run time: length of time required To determine the number of batteries using the formula, the following is calculated: 45.6w x 1.0 x 96 hours = 4377.6 Watt/hrs The number of 220 A/hr batteries required is 3.32, rounded up to four. This is achieved because a 220 A/hr battery holds (220 A/ hr x 6v) 1320 Watt/hrs, which, when divided into reserve capacity equals 3.32 batteries to get four days of reserve capacity.

I recommend using six volt batteries because they provide the best storage life. For a 12-volt system, the batteries must be used in increments of two in series equalling 12 volts; and for a 24- volt system, increments of four in series that equal 24 volts are required. Cost of Solar Aeration Depending on the system components used, pond solar aeration can vary from as low as $1,900 (solar direct - with no battery storage) to $18,500 for 24-hour aeration using mulitple diffusers or shallow linear aeration diffuser tubing.


Some interesting links on solar power and solar aeration

1. Solar-Powered Dugout Aeration
"Solar Poer (Photovoltaic, PV) Photovoltaic, known as PV, relates to the production of electric current at the junction of two substances exposed to light. Photovoltaic systems consist of solar arrays (solar panel) that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, which can be used directly or stored in batteries.

Most DC systems are 6, 12 or 24 volts, or by using an invertor can be converted to alternating current (AC). Solar panels consist of silicon cells, which have no moving parts, are durable and have a life expectancy of 25 years or more. Most solar arrays begin delivering power or charging batteries with as little as 10% of sunlight with each cell of the array converting approximately 14% of the available energy to DC power. "
Government issued information: www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/water/solardugout_e.htm

2. Solar Pond Aeration and pond aeration.
"Turnkey solar power pond aeration systems are a good alternative to a windmill pond aeration system. SC Solar has been providing solar pond aeration systems for years. Solar lake bed aeration is extremely important to the health of isolated ponds. Golf course pond and farm pond stagnation problems are eliminated with our solar pond aeration systems.

We also use the aeration system for the hog waste industry problems to increase the decomposition of swine and other livestock waste issues. Call to discuss your hog waste lagoon options. SC solar may have the answer that you have been looking for. ."
Solar supply store: www.scsolar.com/Solar_Pond_Aeration.html


3. Solar Water Pumps, Solar Fountains & Solar Waterfalls
"Solar fountain pumps can be used to create solar powered waterfall, pond and well projects. Crucial to the appearance of a well-designed garden is the lighting system and water features selected to enhance it. Silicon Solar is the proud manufacturer of a variety of solar fountains and solar water pumps.

Below you will find wholesale, manufacture-direct prices on solar powered pumps & fountain kit sets. We also carry a large selection of cascading fountains and many other complete fountain kits. With our unique solar fountains, we provide a wide selection of water pumps and other items that can be used in creating waterfalls in many landscape projects."

4. Solar Pond Bubbler Works At Night
"The solar panel activates the pump automatically and provides nearly continuous aeration. Our Solar Bubbler Pump Kits come complete with 0.09 cfm submersible bubbler, anchoring attachments, 16 feet of air tubing and a 0.5 amp, 18 V solar panel. A standard 12 volt car battery (not included) is also required. Yep, it works at night! The battery is charged (continuous operation requires 4 hours/day of direct unfiltered sunshine, 40 watt/hrs) by the built-in solar panel while allowing the pump to run continuously for up to *2 weeks of cloudy days (rainy days provide more oxygen/mixing than many aerators) and indefinitely through the evenings on sunny days.

That's right our unit is designed to maximize the use of the built-in solar panel to charge your standard 12 volt car battery while operating the bubbler. Other units on the market do not operate at night or require you to buy several additional solar panels and elaborate battery stacks and control systems that cost thousands of dollars to do what we do with every single unit. They just don't get it, you need our aeration that operates 24/7, not theirs that only operates during the daylight hours."
Solar System Retail Outlet: http://www.solaraerator.com

5. Solar Power Kits For Your Dream Cabin
"We definitely understand the need of many to have a small off-grid solar powered cabin away from the cities and tucked away where you can escape the worries of everyday living. You probably built it yourself or played a major part in it's construction and whether it's made of straw bale, brick, wood, or some other form of alternative construction, it would probably be just a little homier with a little sunshine generated electricity. Well, we can sure help there... What you see here is a just a few of the entry level solar cabin kits we offer. We are happy to offer free quotes on solar cabin and solar home power systems of any size. "
Government issued information: http://www.azsolar.com/page/page/1496815.htm

6. Residential Solar Energy Systems
""This pilot project is an exciting next step in solar energy becoming a mainstream technology in Canada," said ARISE President Ian MacLellan. "Last year in Japan, there were more than 25,000 solar homes built and more than 100,000 systems have been installed since 1994.

This project will show in the Canadian context that solar energy can also make a significant contribution to the environment, reduce consumers' expenses and increase home comfort." ."
Government issued information: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/media/archives/newsreleases/2002/200248_e.htm