Airmax SolarSeries Direct Drive Aeration System
Daytime Solar Aeration for Ponds Without Grid Power
The Airmax SS20-DD is Airmax's entry-level off-grid aeration system - a 24 V DC SilentAir compressor housed in a thermoset fiberglass control panel, two American-made solar panels on the pre-assembled EasyMount rig, and two ProAir 2 weighted diffusers. Direct drive means what it sounds like: the solar panels power the compressor whenever the sun is up. No batteries, no controller storage - runtime tracks daylight, up to 12 hours a day in typical summer sun.
Direct drive is the right pick when you want off-grid daytime aeration on a budget - a big step down in price from the battery-backup SS20-BB. It works because most of a pond's oxygen budget is set during the day anyway: the sun runs the compressor, the compressor pushes air to the diffusers, the diffusers oxygenate the water column. When the sun dips at dusk, aeration pauses until sunrise. In freezing climates it still keeps a hole open in the ice during daylight - enough to prevent winter fish kills.
Sized for ponds up to about 1 acre with two ProAir 2 weighted diffusers. Order with 200 ft of pre-measured 5/8-inch weighted airline or without if you're sourcing airline separately. Every kit includes the fiberglass control panel, both solar panels, EasyMount solar rig, diffusers, and 2-port manifold with pressure gauge and relief valve. If you need nighttime aeration too, step up to the SS20-BB battery-backup version. Made in Armada, Michigan.
Off-grid daytime aeration on a budget. The Airmax SS20-DD is direct-drive solar aeration - two American-made solar panels power a 24 V DC compressor whenever the sun is up. No batteries, no grid power, no electric bill. Runtime up to 12 hours a day in typical summer sun.
Direct drive is the right pick when you want off-grid daytime aeration for the price. Most of a pond's oxygen budget is set during the day anyway - the sun runs the compressor, the diffusers oxygenate the pond. If you also need nighttime aeration, step up to the SS20-BB battery-backup version.
Sized for ponds up to 1 acre with two ProAir 2 diffusers. Order with 200 ft of pre-measured 5/8-inch weighted airline or without. Every kit includes the fiberglass control panel, both solar panels, EasyMount rig, diffusers, and 2-port manifold.
Free shipping on every SS20-DD kit. Call (470) 354-1969 for sizing help.
See the SS20-DD in Action
Direct Drive vs Battery Backup Comparison
| SS20-DD Direct Drive |
SS20-BB Battery Backup |
|
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | Up to 12 hours/day (daylight only) | Up to 24 hours/day (continuous with backup) |
| Battery Bank | None | Two 12 V AGM batteries (24 V nominal) |
| Compressor | 24 V DC direct-drive SilentAir | |
| Solar Panels | 2 American-made high-output monocrystalline | |
| EasyMount Rig | Preassembled, powder-coated military-grade aluminum | |
| ProAir 2 Diffusers | 2 (kit is 2-diffuser only) | 2 or 4 diffusers available |
| Cabinet | Thermoset fiberglass control panel | Lockable powder-coated aluminum |
| Controller | Direct drive (no smart controller) | MPPT smart controller with Bluetooth |
| Recommended Pond Size | Up to 1 Acre | Up to 1 Acre (2-diff) / 2 Acres (4-diff) |
| Airline Options | None or 200 ft 5/8" weighted | None, 200 ft (2-diff), or 400 ft (4-diff) |
| Nighttime Aeration | No (paused after sunset) | Yes (up to 24 hours) |
| Best For | Off-grid daytime aeration on a budget; supplemental summer O2; winter fish-kill prevention | Full 24-hour aeration when nighttime oxygen matters; heavy fish load or larger ponds |
Requirements & What to Know Before You Buy
- Pond Size: up to 1 acre with two ProAir 2 diffusers. If you need to aerate up to 2 acres, step up to the SS20-BB battery backup with 4-diffuser option.
- Pond Depth: the SS20-DD is a full-depth aerator - diffusers sit at the deepest point of the pond. Rated for the same depth range as Airmax PondSeries (6 to 15+ ft).
- Sun Exposure: two solar panels need at least 6 hours of unobstructed south-facing sky per day for full daytime runtime. Runtime scales down proportionally in shade or overcast weather.
- Nighttime Aeration: the SS20-DD does not run after sunset - if your pond has heavy fish load or you want dissolved oxygen through the night, choose the SS20-BB battery-backup version instead. For most residential ponds, daytime aeration is sufficient.
- Solar Panel Placement: panels can sit up to 1/4 mile from the pond. Site them where they have unobstructed south-facing sky and stay clear of tree drop.
- Mounting Poles (Not Included): EasyMount requires two 2.5-inch OD Schedule 40 galvanized steel poles, 10 ft minimum length. Source locally.
- Cabinet Location: the thermoset fiberglass control panel attaches to the EasyMount solar panel assembly - it doesn't need a separate cabinet pad. Access is at the mounting rig.
- Airline Sizing: the kit uses 5/8-inch weighted airline. Order with 200 ft of pre-measured airline or without. Measure from the control panel to each diffuser through any conduit runs and add 5-10 ft of slack.
- Winter Operation: continues to run during daylight hours through winter. Even 4-6 hours of daily aeration is enough to keep an open hole in the ice for gas exchange and prevent fish winterkill.
- Sizing Help: Call (470) 354-1969 with your pond size, sun exposure, and airline distance and we will confirm whether the SS20-DD or SS20-BB is the right pick.
What's Included & Optional Add-Ons
- 24 V DC SilentAir Compressor - direct-drive rocking-piston, no batteries
- Thermoset Fiberglass Control Panel - houses the DC compressor; attaches directly to the EasyMount solar rig
- Two American-Made Solar Panels - high-output monocrystalline, corrosion-resistant frame
- EasyMount Assembly - preassembled, powder-coated military-grade aluminum
- 2 ProAir 2 Weighted Diffuser Plates - integrated check valve, self-weighted sled, membrane-stick design
- 2-Port Airflow Manifold - nickel-plated ball valves, pressure gauge, relief valve
- Optional 200 ft 5/8-inch Weighted Airline - kink-free, fish-hook resistant (order without if sourcing separately)
- Optional Upgrade to SS20-BB (Battery Backup) - if you need nighttime aeration or larger pond coverage
- Optional Additional Solar Panels - for heavily shaded sites (call for pricing)
SS20-DD Direct Drive Specifications
| Manufacturer | Airmax, Inc. (Armada, Michigan) |
| Model | SS20-DD (SolarSeries Direct Drive) |
| Type | Off-grid solar-powered diffused pond aeration (daytime only) |
| Compressor | 24 V DC SilentAir direct-drive rocking-piston |
| Solar Panels | 2 American-made high-output monocrystalline |
| Battery Backup | None (see SS20-BB for 24-hour continuous operation) |
| Runtime | Up to 12 hours per day in typical summer sun |
| Nighttime Aeration | None (paused after sunset) |
| Diffusers | 2 x Airmax ProAir 2 weighted with integrated check valve |
| Manifold | 2-port, nickel-plated ball valves, pressure gauge and relief valve |
| Control Panel | Thermoset fiberglass; attaches to EasyMount rig |
| Airline | 5/8-inch weighted, kink-free, fish-hook resistant |
| Airline Included | None or 200 ft |
| Recommended Pond Size | Up to 1 acre |
| EasyMount Rig | Preassembled powder-coated military-grade aluminum; up to 1/4 mile from pond |
| Mounting Poles | 2 x 2.5" OD Schedule 40 galvanized steel, 10 ft L (sold separately, source locally) |
| Warranty | Airmax standard SolarSeries warranty |
| Country of Origin | Made in USA (Armada, MI) |