Solar Aerators

Improve your dam, lake or pond with one of our solar aerators, designed to enhance water quality, promote a healthy dam ecosystem, and do it all sustainably.

Often the dam or lake we want to aerate is a good distance away from the nearest power source. This is where solar aerators come into play, they can bring aeration to even the most remote areas. We stock various solar aerators, and a wind powered aerator, that harness the power of renewable energy to enrich your water feature. Whether it’s a dam, lake or pond, our products can protect your water body for the long term.

Wind Aerators

What are solar aerators?

Solar aerators are devices that enhance water quality and ecosystem health through the use of solar energy. These innovative systems harness sunlight and convert it into electrical power to drive aeration processes. 

At the heart of solar aerators lies a photovoltaic (PV) panel, which captures sunlight and transforms it into direct current (DC) electricity. This energy is fed into a compressor, creating a steady compressed air stream. In the case of sub-surface aerators, the air is released into the water body through diffusers, causing bubbles to rise to the surface and encouraging oxygenation. 

Aeration is important because it increases oxygen saturation in dams and ponds. This process protects aquatic life and reduces algae, leading to clearer, better quality water.

Is solar aeration right for me?

1) The first thing to consider is that solar aerators cost significantly more than mains powered aerators. Typically our mains powered aerators are 2/3 the cost of an identical solar aerator. Of course, once they’re up and running there’s no monthly power bill for solar aerators, but be prepared for a higher upfront cost.

If the higher cost does put you off, you may still be able to use a mains powered aerator. Some of our sub-surface aerators can be setup in a remote setup up to 200m from mains power. So if your dam is less than 200m from a power source, powered aerators are still an option for you.

2) The second thing to consider is that solar aerators only operate when the sun is around. That means they’re off at night and often slow, and sometimes stop, when clouds come in.

The good news is we account for all of these measures when we recommend a solar aerator. By choosing the right sized aerator, even if it operates for just 6-8 hours a day, it can still provide enough aeration for your dam.

How big of an aerator (and how many solar panels) do I need?

The size of your solar aeration unit is determined by the water body you’re aerating. This means considering the depth, surface acreage, shape, location, seasonal shift (e.g. water rise/drop), ecology and purpose of the dam (e.g. fishing, swimming, livestock).

Choosing the right aerator is a bit of an art. If the unit is too small, the motor can burn out from working too hard (i.e. trying to push too much water and tiring out). The same thing can happen if the motor is too big, it can burn out from generating too much pace. This is because aerator motors are designed to require resistance. When there isn’t enough resistance (e.g. the aerator isn’t placed deep enough in a dam) the motor can get too fast and tends to have a shorter lifespan.

I know the above is a frustrating answer, so here are some tangibles: we offer solar aerators in 1/4hp, 1/3hp, ½hp, ¾hp, 1hp, 1.5hp and 3hp. And typically, up to 1.5hp = 2 to 6 x 275W+ solar panels while 3hp needs 8 x 275w+ solar panels.

Can I use my own solar panels with your solar aerators?

Yes, but only approved models. We’re serious about this. If you connect the wrong panels, you can immediately break the motor on your aerator. Talk to us first and we’ll happily provide advice on which panels you can and can’t use.

Environmental benefits of solar aerators

Solar aerators offer many environmental benefits. 

• Enhancing aquatic life: Solar aerators create a conducive environment for diverse marine species by improving water circulation. Having enough dissolved oxygen levels supports various fish, invertebrates and other aquatic organisms. In turn, your water feature will have more ecological balance.  

• Promoting fish habitat: The oxygen-rich environment created by a dam or pond aerator (solar) creates a thriving habitat for fish populations. Improved fish habitats can attract migratory species and sustain existing populations in the long term. 

• Reducing waterborne diseases: Efficient aeration prevents the accumulation of stagnant water, reducing the chance of disease-carrying pathogens and harmful anerobic bacteria. This protection helps maintain the quality of your water feature, ensuring safe and clean water resources.

Maintenance and operational considerations of solar aeration 

Proper maintenance and operational practice ensure the optimum performance of solar aerators. Consider some of our usage tips below.

Routine inspection and cleaning procedures

We recommend you regularly inspect the solar panels on the aerator for dirt or dust since residue can negatively impact its efficiency. Clean the panels with warm water and a soft brush to maintain their optimal output. 

In terms of the diffusers themselves, check for any blockages or damage. You may need to replace them if a blockage has disrupted the airflow. At our e-store Love My Dam, we have bubble air discs to keep your aeration in the best shape and air stations to support your water feature needs.  

Troubleshooting and maintenance tips

Invest in a reliable battery storage system for areas with limited sunlight or extended cloudy periods to ensure continuous operation even without direct solar energy.