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Solar fountain
Solar fountains are available in a variety of styles, including traditional birdbaths, modern cascading fountains, and ones shaped like lily pads that float on the surface of ponds. The basic kits include a pump, solar panel, piping, and wiring. The more expensive kits also include a battery pack for nighttime use. Most fountain pumps use low-voltage direct current, so another option is to purchase just the solar panel and replace the transformer with it. Solar fountains can start working straight away once they have been moved into place, but wall fountains may require some additional work to be done before they can start working, such as drilling holes for the mounting bolts.
Choosing the right location for a solar fountain is important to ensure it will operate continuously. While the solar panels can provide some electricity in low light areas, their output is greatest when they are facing directly at the sun. The pumps require a lot of power so a location with varying light levels will cause the water stream to change as well. The fountains do not work after sunset without a battery pack, and some fountains have smaller solar panels which require more hours of sunlight to charge their batteries. Fountains which move a large volume of water need a more powerful pump and this requires a larger and more expensive solar panel. For larger fountains in shaded areas, the solar panel will need to be located away from the fountain so that it can get enough hours of direct sunlight.
Accessories are usually included with solar fountains and kits, such as extra nozzle heads that change the height and pattern of the water stream. Optional battery packs are available that allow the fountain to operate at night, as well as power adapters that can be used instead of the solar panels should the fountain be moved indoors. Some fountains even have colored lights that illuminate the pond and the water streams. Pump filters and aerators are also available that help keep the water clean and free of algae, and keep it oxygenated for any fish.
Along with the usual maintenance issues that conventional fountains have, such as cleaning filters and unblocking nozzles, the only extra work needed by solar fountains is wiping their panels clean. Dust and leaves can accumulate on the surface, greatly reducing their power output and making the pump operate at a lower water flow. The ability to regularly clean the panel should be taken into account when deciding where to locate it. The rechargeable battery packs last for many years but will eventually need to be replaced. They are inexpensive, readily available, and easy to change.
A solar fountain makes a good alternative to a conventional fountain. They cost about the same but the solar fountain uses the free energy provided by the sun, resulting in substantial savings over many years of use. There are many styles available to suit any home or garden, and existing fountains can be converted using kits that can be installed by anyone.
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