The Best Solar Rain Barrel Pumps

Solar rain barrel pumps are one of the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective ways to supply water to your pond, gardens, and fish tanks. There are several different systems on the market, so to help you make a good choice, we’ve researched which ones are the best. We’ll also tell you everything you need to know about how they work and whether they may be right for you.

What Are Solar Rain Barrel Pumps?

Solar rain barrel pumps harness the power of the sun to run a pump system, so you don’t need to rely on grid power. The pump moves collected rainwater from a barrel or tank to where it’s needed. It may also connect to an external battery, which helps the system keep working when sunlight is limited.

Installing a solar rain barrel pump can save you money on water and electric bills. They’re eco-friendly, run quietly, and don’t need much maintenance. They can also boost your property value.

These are some of the ways homeowners use solar rain barrel pumps:

• Garden irrigation: You can connect the system to a sprinkler or drip irrigation system underneath your garden beds. Rainwater is chemical-free, so it can be healthier for your plants.
• Pond and water feature maintenance: A solar rain barrel pump can help you keep your water features clean. Fish and plants thrive more when water circulates, not stagnates. 
• Household water supply: You can sometimes use harvested rainwater for non-potable household needs, such as laundry and toilet flushing. Rain barrels can easily integrate with your existing plumbing system.
• Livestock and pet watering: If you live in a remote area with limited access to a municipal water supply, you can use a rain barrel to keep a steady water supply for your pets or farm animals.

Editor’s Picks

Let’s take a quick look at our top three solar rain barrel pumps.

Best Overall: Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit

The Solariver Solar Water Pump is a good choice if you plan to use a pump for ponds, gardens, rainwater collection, or greenhouses.

This kit’s brushless submersible magnet pumps offer an impressively long 20,000-hour life. To run them, you need a 12-watt solar panel about 16 feet away. You can purchase an extension cord if you need more distance between the pump and panels.

This system runs entirely on solar energy and is independent of power batteries. Its durability exceeds most of the rain barrel pump systems.

Best Versatility: Algreen 500 GPH Rain Barrel Pump Kit

If you choose this kit, you can easily couple the components with the rain barrel of your choice. That makes it extremely versatile, especially for watering your garden.

The installation kit includes all the equipment and tools you need. It also includes a built-in dirt collector to keep the water clean. Therefore, it can be used for streams, fountains, ponds, and waterfalls.

Another great aspect of this barrel pump kit is how it can control the water flow as required. There’s no more trying to keep a consistent water level and pressure by yourself.

Best Performance: RainPerfect Solar Powered Barrel Pump by Rule

The RainPerfect system is highly efficient and capable of pumping about 100 gallons of water at 13 PSI. The system is easy to install and use, and it’s highly portable, so if you have multiple garden beds, you can move it to an area that needs more attention.

Unlike other expensive electrical pumps, you can charge the built-in battery seamlessly through the solar panels. This allows you to use the system at night without connecting expensive electrical pumps or relying on municipal resources.

Best Solar Rain Barrel Pumps Reviewed

Here are in-depth reviews of some of the other exceptional solar pumps available. You can also read our review of different solar panel types.

Sunnydaze Solar Water Pump and Panel

The Sunnydaze solar water pump comes with a remote control, two spray heads, and a long 16-foot cable for portability. The kit also includes everything you need to install the system.

The included panel offers enough solar generation to work all day under direct sunlight. The storage battery kicks in at night or in cloudy conditions, allowing the system to work for four extra hours per day.

LedgleSolar Fountain and Garden Water Pump

The LedgleSolar kit is very simple to get running and needs no electrical outlets, plugs, or screws. Customers praise the system’s user-friendliness and the company’s customer service.

This pump’s water pressure depends directly on sunlight—the brighter it is outside, the better the water pressure. That also means a cloudy day will adversely impact its operation.

Further, though the pump is water-resistant, it may malfunction on prolonged contact with water.

RivenAn Solar Pump

The RivenAn pump kit is used for birdbaths, small gardens and ponds, fountains, and fish tanks. It’s another very user-friendly model that needs no kind of external power. However, it’s completely dependent on solar energy and stops working without sunlight. Prolonged water contact with the components can also cause problems.

Plow & Hearth Solar Powered Rain Barrel Water Pump

Unlike other expensive electrical pumps, Plow & Hearth’s system can operate through a garden hose and maintain good pressure. It can move up to 100 gallons of water on a single charge, and the manufacturer claims it works fine even in adverse weather situations.

Algreen 1350 GPH Rain Barrel Pump Kit

This pump kit from Algreen was one of the first on the market, and customers enjoy its high pressure and flow. It can move 1,350 gallons of water per hour (gph), making it one of the most powerful and efficient rain barrel pumps available. It’s pricier than some of the other kits, but you can use it with any rain barrel type or connect a hose that gives you extra distance so you can spray down your car.

RainRecycle Rain Barrel Pump

RainRecycle’s kit is another model that easily connects to any type of container. In fact, you can connect it to two other external barrels if you live in a rainy area and want to increase the pump’s water capacity.

This system is very affordable and weighs only 8 pounds. Despite the lower cost, it can pump up to 65 gallons of water in about 10 minutes.

The main downside of the RainRecycle model is you’ll need to disconnect the pump after each use. It’s also a rain barrel kit rather than a solar pump kit, so it’s really only a good fit if you already have a whole-home solar installation.

Aquabarrel TurboRain Solar Pump Kit

Aquabarrel’s TurboRain Solar Pump Kit is another great model if you want power. The system effortlessly pumps 3.3 gpm of water over a distance of approximately 6 feet. An included 20-watt battery helps maintain that during evenings and off-weather.

Read also: What is the Power Yield of Solar panels?

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Solar Rain Barrel Pump

When selecting a solar rain barrel pump, keep these factors in mind:

• Pump capacity and flow rate: The pump’s capacity is measured in gph or liters per hour (LPH) and tells you how much water it can move. In general, high-capacity pumps are better for large-scale applications. You don’t need much capacity to water a small garden, but you will to fill a pond.
• Solar panel wattage: The solar panel’s wattage affects how much power the pump can generate. Higher wattage tends to mean more consistent performance, especially in less sunny conditions. Verify the solar panel’s wattage matches or exceeds the pump’s power requirements.
• Battery storage: Some solar rain barrel pumps include battery storage to operate during cloudy days or in the evening. Consider its capacity and charging time if you need a pump with battery storage.
• Durability and weather resistance: Since solar rain barrel pumps are exposed to the elements, choose a model built from weather, corrosion, and water-resistant materials.
• Ease of installation and maintenance: Look for a pump that offers straightforward installation and requires minimal maintenance.

Installation and Maintenance Tips for Solar Rain Barrel Pumps

Installing a solar rain barrel pump can be a straightforward DIY project. Here are some tips for a successful setup:

• Choose a sunny location: Choosing the right spot will maximize how much energy the solar panel can produce. Ideally, it should get at least 6 hours per day of direct sunlight.
• Keep the tank stable and clean: Keep the rain barrel or water tank stable and level so it won’t tip. Clean it thoroughly before installation so debris and residue won’t obstruct water flow.
• Use food-grade hoses: If you’re using the water to grow vegetables, herbs, or edible plants, use a food-grade hose to prevent contamination.
• Use a filter: A filter before the pump can keep debris in the tank and stop it from passing through. Regularly clean and check the filter to keep optimal performance.
• Clean the solar panel: Regularly wipe the solar panel down with a soft cloth and mild soap solution, especially after dusty or pollen-heavy periods. Don’t use abrasive materials that could damage the panel surface.
• Winterize the system: If you live in a colder climate, you’ll need to do some extra maintenance. To prevent water expansion damage, drain the rain barrel and pump completely before the first frost of the season. Disconnect the pump and store it indoors through cold snaps, and cover the solar panel so ice and snow won’t accumulate on it.