How to Choose a Solar Fountain

Should you buy a solar fountain or a mains powered fountain? They each have their pros and cons but we find that solar powered fountains are much safer and easier to maintain than wired fountains although they do have the drawback of not working so efficiently during the winter months.The power panels on solar fountains make use of photovoltaic cells to gather sunlight throughout the day which is used to power the pump. Since they need daylight the pump will reduce speed and the water will cease through the night or if the sky is overcast.

Setting up a Solar Garden Fountain

Solar fountains are easy to set up and most will necessitate no installation. Solar fountains may either have panels in the main body or remote panels that may be sited some distance away. This enables it to be positioned in a sheltered spot while the panels are sited where they can gather the light. The remote panels can be sited on a hard surface, mounted on a wall or tree or on a wood post planted firmly in the ground.

Storing Energy

Most solar panels aren’t capable of storing power so they can’t be used at night. They will operate most effectively on sunny days and on overcast days they will only pump water slowly or not at all. Through the winter it is best to detach the solar panels as during frosty or icy weather the pump may work intermittently when the sun is out and some damage could occur. A number of solar fountains have battery backups to compensate for short cloudy periods but the majority are really only designed to be operated only on sunny days.

Convenience

Solar garden fountains are useful as they need no wiring from a power source and can be placed a long way from the home. With remote panels they might even be sited in shady spots or in summerhouses.

Solar Pond Fountains

Also some solar fountains are specifically made for ponds and are also handy as they don’t require cords from the mains supply. They can be set to float on the water or fix them in place with rocks or fixed to fasten them.

Solar Fountain Safety

Solar fountains are environmentally friendly with no toxic emissions, no noise and no substances that can leak and be a danger. As there are no cords they are safe for animals and kids.

In Conclusion

Fountains powered by the sun are cheap to run, easy to maintain and safer than wired fountains. Even though they have the shortcoming of running poorly through the winter months they will be, nevertheless, an excellent addition to your garden.