A solar pond can actually refer to two different things. The first is a reference to green technology where a solar pond is a type of collection and storage device of solar energy and the second is a solar garden pond. There is a growing interest in solar garden ponds, and the reason is twofold. A solar pond not only adds interest and attraction to a garden or landscape, but when powered by solar energy, is an energy-efficient and simple way to upgrade a backyard garden.
One of the primary reasons a solar pond is preferable to an electric-powered garden pond is due to the source of power. It can be tedious and costly to run electric power to a desired location in a backyard or garden, but to be complete, a garden pond needs an energy source to power a pump and lights. Without a pump, a backyard garden pond would simply be stagnant water, which provides a place for mosquitoes to breed and multiply. A solar powered pump provides the filtration and circulation necessary to maintain healthy water quality and enables the addition of fish, if desired.
No solar pond would be complete without the addition of solar powered lights. Serving as both accent and ambient lighting, solar powered lights eliminate the need for electrical wiring and are powered by a free, renewable energy source. Strategic placement of lights around a pond will result in a polished appearance, both during the day and at night.
While a solar pond is a cost and energy efficient choice for a landscape and garden upgrade, there is one drawback to implementing solar power over electric. The pump and lights must be able to absorb the solar energy from the sun. Placing a pond in direct sunlight increases algae growth in the summer months, but placing the pond in shade or partial shade may not generate enough solar energy to keep the pump running. Though it will require extra care and maintenance to keep algae to a minimum, sunlight is essential for a solar pump to function.
If you’ve considered the possibility of adding a water feature to your garden or backyard landscape, be sure to investigate solar pond options, such as pumps, fountains, spitters, and lights. Not only do solar pond accessories eliminate the need for electrical wiring, they are energy efficient and environmentally sound options. Solar pond pumps begin at around $20 US Dollars for smaller ponds and increase in price according to circulation capacity, making them an affordable alternative to electric.