It depends on your location, wind conditions, waterbody size, depth and how much aeration you need.

Solar systems are particularly useful where there is good sunlight but limited access to mains power. Windmill aerators are well suited to exposed locations with reliable wind and have the advantage of being able to operate at night when wind conditions allow.

In some situations, a combination of solar and wind-powered aeration can provide a more consistent supply of aeration by making use of both available energy sources.

Solar panels generate electricity which is converted and controlled by the system to operate the aerator.

Depending on the system selected, solar power can operate a surface aerator, such as an Air-O-Lator Carnival, Professional or Commercial aerator, or a sub-surface aerator using a suitable solar conversion system.

Solar aeration is particularly useful for dams and lakes where there is plenty of sunlight but little or no mains power nearby.

Our windmill aerators work differently from traditional windmills that pump water. The wind turns the blades, which drive a diaphragm that pumps air down the tower and through diffusers positioned on the bottom of the dam.

As the air bubbles rise through the water, they create circulation and help transfer oxygen into the water.

This means the system doesn't need an electric motor or pump at the dam. It uses the wind itself to provide the energy for aeration.

The OWS windmill system can begin operating in wind speeds of around 5 to 8 km/h, although the amount of aeration increases as wind speed increases.

The location of the windmill is therefore important. An elevated, open position with good exposure to the wind is generally preferable. Trees, buildings, hills and other obstructions can reduce wind availability.

If your property is sheltered or doesn't receive reliable wind, solar aeration may be a more appropriate option.

There isn't a single size that applies to every dam. The appropriate aerator depends on factors including surface area, depth, shape, water quality, aeration method and local wind or solar conditions.

For example, our OWS windmill systems are available in configurations designed to aerate approximately ½ acre, 1 acre or 2 acres, while our solar-powered Air-O-Lator systems are available in different motor sizes to suit waterbodies up to 1 acre in size. You can also use multiple aerators to increase the surface area.

We can assess your waterbody and recommend an appropriate system.

Wind-powered aerators can, provided there is sufficient wind.

This is one of the main differences between the two systems. Solar panels don't generate electricity from sunlight at night, whereas a windmill can continue operating whenever there is enough wind. In a consistently windy location, this can provide more continuous aeration across both day and night.

No, 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.

Both systems are designed for relatively low-maintenance operation, but they still require periodic inspection.

For solar systems, maintenance can include checking the solar panels, electrical connections, controller and aerator itself, as well as keeping panels reasonably clear of dirt and debris.

For windmill systems, maintenance includes checking the windmill head, blades, diaphragm, tower and air lines. The air stations and diffusers should also be checked periodically.

One advantage of windmill aeration is that there is no electric motor or water pump at the dam. The windmill mechanically drives the diaphragm that supplies air to the diffusers.

A quality windmill aeration system is designed for long-term outdoor operation. The OWS systems we supply use a galvanised steel tower and BalCam II windmill head, and are designed for demanding outdoor conditions.

The service life of the system will depend on factors such as wind exposure, installation, operating conditions and maintenance. Components such as the diaphragm are replaceable as part of normal servicing.

Some systems can be installed by capable property owners, particularly where the installation is straightforward.

Windmill systems are supplied in a way that allows them to be transported and assembled on site, although the tower, foundations, air lines and diffusers need to be installed correctly, and you’ll need at least four able-bodied people to get the tower up.

Solar systems also require correct positioning of the panels, electrical equipment and aerator. We offer installation as a service to customers in the Melbourne area. We are happy to provide phone assistance.

Yes. In fact, sub-surface aeration can be particularly effective in deeper waterbodies because the diffusers are positioned lower in the dam and the rising bubbles create circulation through the water column.

Our Matala and Vertex sub-surface systems can operate at depths of up to around 12 m, while the OWS windmill system is designed for waterbodies up to approximately 9 m deep.

The appropriate system depends on the depth, shape and size of your dam.

Aeration can help improve water quality by increasing oxygen availability and circulating the water.

Adequate oxygen supports aerobic microorganisms and helps reduce the conditions associated with stagnant, oxygen-depleted water. Aeration can also help address problems associated with stratification, odours and nutrient-rich bottom water.

Aeration isn't a standalone solution for every water-quality problem, however. For dams with significant nutrient loads, algae, weeds or sludge, we often recommend combining aeration with appropriate biological treatments such as Biostim.

Yes. In some situations, combining solar and wind aeration can provide a useful off-grid solution.

The two systems use different energy sources, so when sunlight is unavailable, a windmill may still operate if wind conditions are suitable. We have previously recommended combined solar and wind systems where additional aeration is required and mains power isn't available.

The right combination depends on the size and condition of the waterbody and the local solar and wind conditions.

Solar and wind systems generally have a higher upfront cost than a comparable mains-powered system because they require additional equipment such as solar panels, controllers, mounting systems or windmill infrastructure.

However, they can be an excellent option where mains power isn't available or where running electrical infrastructure to the waterbody would be impractical. In some situations, a mains-powered aerator can also be installed remotely, with the aerator located up to around 200m from the power source and air delivered to the waterbody through buried air hose.