meet our

Solar Aerators

We have solar options available for both surface aeration and sub-surface aeration

our range

Choose from the following Solar Aerators

Carnival

Air-O-Lator (USA)

Professional

Air-O-Lator (USA)

Commercial

Air-O-Lator (USA)

Matala

Matala (Taiwan)

Vertex

Vertex (USA)

Watch a 1hp Solar Carnival Aerator in action

what's in a solar kit?

Surface Aerators

The surface aerators above (Carnival, Professional and Commercial) are available in solar. The solar kits look very similar to the mains-powered motor kits. The big difference is the control box included is DC operating which allows you to connect it directly to your solar panels. For specifics on what's included in the kit, select an aerator and view the 'what's in the kit?' section.

what's in a solar kit?

Sub-Surface Aerators

For sub-surface solar options, we can make any Matala or Vertex aeration kit solar powered by adding our USA manufactured solar drive, which is purpose-built for these types of compressors. The drive connects directly to your solar panels and incorporates an inverter, VFD, MPPT controller, phase initiator and voltage booster. Visit the Matala or Vertex aerator pages for more info.

Remote setup available

Have mains power within 200m of your waterbody? It's worth noting that Matala and Vertex aeration systems can be installed in a remote setup where a mains-powered motor is positioned near the AC outlet and air is pumped through hose buried in a shallow trench.

Watch a remote setup for a Matala install

(30 secs in)

expert Advice

Need help? I'm Scotty Tucker and I offer FREE advice

I'm happy to take a look at your dam [on Google Maps] and provide FREE advice on the right type of aerator, motor size and placement. I can also answer any questions you have on improving water quality.

How does aeration improve water quality?

Customer Story

Eradicating blue-green algae and aquatic weeds in 6 weeks with a solar aerator

Watch video

Avalon Nursery near Ballarat was having a problem with red azolla and blue-green algae in one of their irrigation dams. 

We recommended installing a 1.5hp solar-powered Air-O-Lator Carnival Aerating Fountain. Within days of installing the aerator, the weeds and blue-green algae began to retreat. After just 6 weeks, the weeds and algae were completely gone. The smell had disappeared too.

HELP

FAQs: Answers from Scotty Tucker

We offer solar aerators in ¼hp, ⅓hp, ½hp, ¾hp, 1hp, 1.5hp and 3hp. They run off typical domestic size solar panels. Below is a rough gauge of the number of solar panels needed.

  • ¼hp to ¾hp = 2 to 6 solar panels
  • 1hp = 2 to 4 solar panels
  • 1.5hp = 6 to 8 solar panels
  • 3hp = 8 to 10 solar panels

Yes we do, or you can supply your own as long as they're compatible with our aerators.

Yes, we do. This is typically for customers close to Melbourne but we do travel for project work. We may also be able to refer you to a local installer, if we know of one in your area. Please reference this in your enquiry and we can provide an idea of the cost. We also have installation videos for those who want to go it alone. 

Solar aeration is a form of aeration that uses power generated from sunlight rather than a mains electrical connection.

Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, which powers the aeration system. Depending on the system, this can operate a surface aerator that sprays water into the air or a sub-surface aerator that pumps air through diffusers positioned near the bottom of the waterbody.

The aeration process increases oxygen levels and circulates the water, helping to prevent stratification and stagnant, oxygen-depleted conditions.

Solar aeration is particularly useful where mains power isn't available or practical to run to the waterbody. It provides a way to aerate remote and off-grid dams without having to install a conventional electrical connection.

Australia's generally strong sunlight also makes solar a practical option for many rural and remote waterbodies.

Solar aeration can be provided through both surface and sub-surface aeration systems.

Surface aerators, such as Air-O-Lator systems, move and spray large volumes of water into the air, providing oxygenation and circulation.

Sub-surface systems use a compressor to pump air through diffusers positioned underwater. The rising bubbles draw water upwards and circulate the water column without creating a fountain or surface spray.

The best option depends on the size, depth and shape of your dam and what you're trying to achieve.

The amount of aeration available from a solar system depends on the amount of energy being generated by the solar panels. That means when the sun isn’t out, the aerator isn’t running. 

The good news is that you need the aerator least when the sun isn’t out because everything slows down. That's why ponds and dams look healthy in winter; because all life slows down when the sunlight hours shorten. Biological activity (including algae and weeds) need sunlight to grow. That means whenever conditions are suitable for them to have a run at it, your aerator is running.

Solar aeration is viable across a wide range of climates, but it is particularly well suited to regions with good and consistent solar exposure.

Australia is an excellent environment for solar-powered aeration, including remote areas where mains electricity isn't readily available.

As a general guide, the region between approximately 35° north and 35° south latitude is often referred to as the world's solar belt. However, solar aeration can be viable outside these areas too, depending on local solar conditions and the system design.

The right system depends on more than just the size of the dam. We consider the surface area, depth, shape, water quality, intended use and available sunlight, as well as whether you want surface or sub-surface aeration.

We can then recommend an appropriately sized system and solar configuration.

For larger or unusual waterbodies, multiple aerators or aeration stations may be required.

Yes. Aeration increases oxygen availability and circulates the water, helping create healthier conditions for aerobic biological activity.

It can help address problems associated with low oxygen, stratification, stagnant water and odour. Aeration is not a standalone treatment for every water-quality problem, however. Where algae, weeds or excess nutrients are present, additional water-quality treatments, such as Biostim, may be required.

Yes. Stratification occurs when water forms distinct temperature and density layers, reducing natural mixing between the surface and deeper water.

Aeration creates circulation through the water column, helping to break down these layers and improve oxygen distribution.

Sub-surface aeration can be particularly useful for this purpose because the diffusers can be positioned towards the bottom of the dam.

Solar panels are generally very low maintenance. They should be periodically inspected for damage, dirt, debris and problems with the cabling or connections.

Maintenance of the aeration equipment depends on the system. For sub-surface aeration, common tasks include checking and replacing air filters, clearing debris from compressors and cleaning biofilm from diffusers.

Surface aerators require their own routine checks, including inspection of the motor, intake, propeller and float.

Regular maintenance helps maintain aeration performance and extends the life of the equipment.

The lifespan depends on the individual components and the conditions in which the system operates.

Solar panels are generally designed for a service life of 20 years or more, provided they aren't damaged by factors such as severe weather, wind-blown debris or other external impacts.

Aerators, compressors, controllers, and other components have different service lives and may require replacement or servicing during the life of the overall system.

Warranty coverage depends on the specific solar panels, aerator, controller and other equipment supplied.

Rather than applying one warranty period to the entire system, we can provide the applicable manufacturer's warranty details when quoting your solar aeration system.

Yes. Solar aeration can be configured as a completely off-grid system, making it particularly useful for remote dams and ponds where there is no mains electricity.

Keep in mind, however, our systems do not store energy in batteries. The aerators only run when the energy source is active. So, when the wind is moving the turbine or the sun is shining on the solar panels. 

For sites where mains power is available, a hybrid AC/DC system can also provide additional flexibility.

Yes. Solar power can be used with both types of aeration.

Surface aerators use solar-generated electricity to drive a motor that moves water into the air, while sub-surface systems use solar power to operate a compressor that pumps air through underwater diffusers.

The choice between the two depends on your waterbody and the type of circulation and oxygenation required.

Solar isn't necessarily better — it is an alternative power source with particular advantages.

It is especially useful where a dam is remote or off-grid, or where installing mains electrical infrastructure would be difficult or expensive. Where mains power is already available close to the waterbody, a mains-powered system may be simpler.

We can assess the site and compare the available options rather than assuming solar is always the right answer.

"Since WQS installed the aerator, we've not had a single algae problem. In our smaller ponds that are too small for aerators we used Biostim pellets on their own and have noticed a huge reduction in algae.”

Andy Hart

Horticultural Curator—Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Adelaide

“We had a nutrient-rich stormwater lake that was having continuous problems with algae. We were previously treating the nutrients with a liquid solution that would just end up getting flushed away with the outgoing water. Scott recommended we switch to Biostim pellets which were exactly what we needed.”

Giles Pickard

Environment Project Officer, City of Subiaco

“Visiting ducks and our pet geese were continuously fouling the dam. WQS recommended a number of systems to improve the water quality. We are very happy with our final choice, the windmill aeration system. This combined with the Biostim pellets and liquid are cleaning up the dirty dam. Everything WQS said would happen has happened!”

Greg Lewis

Canterbury, Victoria

“We had an urgent problem—our old irrigation system had blockages from weeds. Our dam was also riddled with black sludge. Scott recommended both aeration and biologicals and within six weeks the dam became so clear I could see to the bottom of it for the first time in years! I was chuffed that we could fix the issue without the use of chemicals.”

Michael Grant

Owner, Grant’s Citrus Farm
HELP

Get FREE advice on improving your dam, lake or lagoon

If you have a dam, you need a solar aeration system. Go back a few years, and you might not see many solar pond aerators. But these days, they’re everywhere! Why? Well, aerating your pond in general is absolutely crucial if you want to protect your water quality, but solar pond aeration systems are a great option for a whole host of reasons.

Want to learn more about solar aerators?

Why Do You Need Pond Aeration?

Oxygen is life. All living things need ample oxygen levels to survive, and this even includes the living beings in your dam. A dam aeration system provides the right environment for your pond, whether you have fish or not. But of course, helping your fish and plants thrive isn’t the only reason to consider hybrid solar aerators.

Control Algae and Aquatic Weed

Algae isn’t pretty, so chances are you don’t want a dam filled with the stuff. Solar pond aerators continuously circulate the water, ensuring that the aerobic bacteria–the good kind that sits at the bottom of your dam–can outcompete the algae.

Meanwhile, anaerobic bacteria thrive in low-oxygen levels, so increasing the oxygen through solar aeration keeps their levels down.

Nobody wants a dam filled with sludge and gunk. Aerating the water is the simplest way to ensure that beneficial bacteria can thrive, doing the hard work of keeping sludge at bay.

Keep Dam Water Mixed and Circulated

Yes, your dam is still water. But it still needs movement and circulation to keep it clean. Otherwise, it can end up stagnant, releasing bad odours. If you don’t aerate your dam, the layers of water separate in a process called stratification; when the temperature changes, these layers flip. This can lead to fish kills and other problems.

Solar aeration, on the other hand, can keep the water moving, ensuring that you have a clean, healthy, and nice-smelling dam.

Reduce Pests

Do you know who does love stagnant water? Mosquitos! Pests are attracted to stagnant dams, so you can keep them away by circulating the water. Solar pond aerators can get rid of the mozzies by keeping your water quality up; it’s like a natural form of pest control.

The Benefits of Solar Dam Aerators

You can reap the above benefits from any dam aeration system. So why bother with solar pond aerators? What do they offer beyond the traditional outdoor water solutions? Well, primarily, they use solar panels to power them, which means you don’t need to rely on traditional electricity. Here are some of the benefits of solar aeration.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

For many dam owners, sustainability is a key issue. Solar-powered pond aerators are much more environmentally-friendly than their traditional counterparts because they are powered by renewable energy from the sun. This means that choosing solar aeration can reduce your carbon footprint.

Plus, solar aeration systems are arguably more efficient. The energy is transported over less distance, which reduces energy loss.

Remote Access

Solar pond aeration systems are fully self-contained systems. They don’t require any external support, which has a couple of benefits. Firstly, they’re ideal for producers who need to prioritize their power consumption, or those with irrigation dams using a pumping process that takes up all your power.

However, it’s also beneficial for those living in rural areas. The solar panel system means you don’t have to rely on external power supplies as long as you have sunlight. And if you have a battery backup, you can be entirely off-grid.

Cost Savings

Since you’re not connected to the grid, solar aeration can save you money on your electricity costs. And, in some areas, there may be grants and assistance schemes that save money as you switch to renewable energy. So, there are even more benefits to embracing a solar pond!

How Does Sub-Surface Solar Pond Aeration Work?

Sub-surface solar pond aeration systems are very similar to any normal aeration system. They have bubblers under the water, and a compressor that pushes air through a tube to a diffuser. This diffuser has a membrane over it, which forms the air into bubbles. These bubbles mix air into the water, breaking up temperature layers in the pond and pushing them toward the surface.

The main difference is that solar-powered pond aerators use the power of the sun. So, rather than getting energy from the grid, a solar aerator converts sunlight into electricity that it uses to power the pump.

This is the general gist, but there are different types of solar aeration systems.

Surface vs. Sub-Surface Solar Aerators

Depending on your needs, there are a few different forms of solar aerator that you can get. This includes surface aerators and solar aerating fountains, which can improve both your water quality and aesthetic.

Or, you can get a sub-surface aerator that improves oxygen levels without creating surface disturbances.

The type you choose is up to you! But whatever you’re looking for, you can find it at Water Quality Solutions.