Wind vs Solar vs Grid Pond Aeration Systems

The choice between solar, wind and electric grid aeration depends on various factors like your location, energy needs, budget, and environmental goals. Both wind and solar options are renewable, but they work in different ways and have their advantages and disadvantages.

Solar Aeration:

How it works: Solar aeration systems use solar panels to power an air pump, which then pushes air into a pond or water body to increase oxygen levels, helping fish and plant life.  Solar aeration still works when light clouds are overhead at a slower speed, and air output is reduced.  To maximize total hours of aeration, you can ask for additional solar panels.  Solar aeration systems work great in non-eutrophic ponds that do not have low dissolved oxygen problems at night.  If your pond is Eutrophic, talk to the Pond Pro staff for solutions to improve water quality to make the pond a better fit for Solar Aeration. 

Pros:

1. Low Operating Costs: Once installed, solar systems typically have little to no operational cost. Solar energy is free!
2. Eco-Friendly: Solar is a clean, renewable energy source with minimal environmental impact.
   
   
3. Low Maintenance: Solar systems are relatively simple with fewer moving parts, so they usually require less maintenance than wind systems.
   
   
4. Ideal for Remote areas: Solar systems are perfect for ponds in locations far from the power grid, where running electric lines would be expensive or impractical
   
   
5. Less Affected by Location: Solar can work in most regions, as long as there's sun exposure.
6. Can operate deep:  Pond Pro’s Newer Solar aeration systems can operate in water as deep as 60 feet, so pressure is not a limiting factor for these systems.
7. Easy parts: Pond Pro Solar aeration systems are very similar to our electric aeration systems, so parts are easy to get and often in stock!
   
   

Cons:

1. Weather Dependent: Solar energy is most effective in sunny areas, but performance can decrease on cloudy days or during the winter months. In the winter, the panels must be brushed off to keep snow from accumulating.
2. Large Footprint: Depending on the size of the aeration system needed, multiple large panels and racking systems are required, which take up a large amount of space.
   
   
3. Initial Setup Cost: Solar panels can be expensive to install, though the cost has been decreasing over time.
4. Variable Output: Solar aeration can fluctuate based on the time of day and seasonal changes in sunlight.
   
   

Wind Aeration:

How it works: Wind aeration systems use wind energy to power diaphragm compressors with blades that push air into the water body.  Windmills are best used when you have consistent wind between 20 and 70 kph.  Consider purchasing a higher windmill to maximize available wind and mitigate the slower, turbulent wind speeds near the ground.  It is also essential to minimize structures within 500m in the direction of the prevailing winds.

Pros:

1. Effective in Windy Areas: Wind aeration is a great choice if you're in an area with consistent winds, such as coastal regions or open fields.
   
   
2. 24/7 Operation: Wind can blow day or night, meaning aeration can continue even when the sun isn’t shining.
   
   
3. No Fuel Costs: Like solar, wind power is free once the system is installed.
   
   

Cons:

1. Location-Dependent: Wind systems are only effective in areas with enough wind. In calm areas, they might not work as well.
   
   
2. Noise: Windmills can be noisy, which might be a concern if you’re near residential areas.
   
   
3. Maintenance: Wind systems generally require more maintenance, as they have more moving parts compared to solar aerators.
4. Fixed air output: Wind aeration systems typically have a fixed air output, and you can’t pick a larger pump.  As the depth of the diffuser increases, the minimum wind required to start pumping increases.  
5. Maximum diffuser depth: Most windmills have a maximum functional pond depth of between 15 and 18 feet.  
6. Water Quality: Windmill aeration systems can cause algae blooms in Eutrophic ponds.  The bottom of the pond goes anaerobic after several days with no wind.  Phosphates are released at the bottom.  When Wind Aeration starts up again, the nutrient-rich water is pumped to the surface.
   
   
   

Electric-Grid Aeration

How it works: Electric aeration systems rely on the local power grid to supply continuous electricity to an aeration pump.  Often, the aeration system can be run on a timer to operate for 12 to 18 hours a day, saving on power costs.  Dissolved oxygen levels are lowest at night and in the morning for most ponds.  Electric systems are ideal because you can set them to go on during these hours.  Pond Pro compressors are very efficient, made in North America and provide a lower cost of ownership.  A one diffuser system can run on as low as 276 watts, while a four diffuser system uses around 480 watts.  

Pros:

1. Consistent Power: Electric grid systems provide continuous, reliable aeration, day or night, regardless of weather or time of year.  Because aeration is needed at night, electric grid-tied aeration systems are better for improving water quality.
   
   
2. High Capacity: Electric aerators tend to be more powerful and better suited for large ponds or bodies of water that need substantial aeration.
   
   
3. More Control: You can control the aeration system more easily, as it isn’t impacted by weather conditions (such as cloudy days or winter).
   
   
4. Lower Initial Cost: Electric grid aeration systems tend to be less expensive to install compared to solar systems, especially for smaller ponds.
   
   

Cons:

1. Ongoing Electricity Costs: You will have to pay for the electricity used by the system, which can add up over time, especially for larger systems that need to run continuously.
   
   
2. Dependence on the Grid: If there’s a power outage or a problem with the grid, the aeration system will stop working, potentially harming pond health.
   
   
3. Environmental Impact: Electric grid aeration systems rely on fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions unless the grid uses renewable energy sources.
   
   
4. Power Access: If your pond is located in a remote area without easy access to the grid, installing electric aeration may be costly and impractical.
   
   

Which is better?

A calendar year has 8760 hours.  The run time of Electric, Solar and Wind Aeration systems varies.

Electric aeration systems run time is dictated by the user.  This system can run during any of the 8760 hours in a year. 

Solar Aeration systems:  At our Edmonton AB location, we average 2299 bright hours of sunlight per year so the Pond Pro solar aeration will run around that many hours with no battery backup, leaving us with aeration about 26% of the time.

Wind Aeration systems: start pumping air at 10 - 25 kph wind speed. For areas with consistent wind (like coastal or open fields).  Typical windmills require wind speeds between 50 - 70 kph to get advertised air flow.   

 Solar Aeration is better if:

• You want a renewable, eco-friendly solution.
  
  
• You have a smaller pond or a pond in a remote location where access to the power grid is difficult or expensive.
  
  
• You don’t mind a higher upfront cost in exchange for no ongoing electricity bills.
  
  
• The pond is in a sunny area with enough sunlight for consistent performance.
  
  

• Electric Grid Aeration is better if:
  
  
• You need a system that provides reliable, continuous power and consistent aeration.
  
  
• You have a larger pond or need higher aeration capacity.
  
  
• You’re located near a power source and don’t want to worry about variable performance due to weather.
  
  
• You prefer a lower upfront cost and don’t mind paying for electricity over time.
  
  
  
• Windmill Aeration may be a good choice if:
• It's installed in areas with consistent 30 - 70 kph wind.
• Your pond is shallower than 15 ft
  
  

Note: It is highly recommended that you use a larger, more efficient diffuser to maximize aeration efficiency and reduce the number of windmills required for your pond. Larger ponds need more than one diffuser.  Talk with the Pond Pro staff to ensure you size the system right.