Solar Powered Fountains

Have you heard of the new solar powered fountains? These are amazing fountains that get their energy from the sun through the use of solar panels. For those concerned about energy, these may be just what you have been looking for. Let's look at them more closely.

How They Work: Generally speaking, you simply place the solar panel into the basin of the fountain. This solar panel catches the sun's energy and uses it to power the fountain. For most solar powered fountains, a small pump is located just below the solar panel. The pump, when energized, re-circulates the water in the fountain.

Easy to Install: Virtually all solar powered fountains require no wiring. The panel is simply placed into the basin of the fountain. There are no plugs to plug into electrical sockets. The hardest part of installing a solar panel is deciding where the fountain should be located so that it gets plenty of sunlight.

Benefits: Because there is no electricity used with a solar powered fountain there are no operating costs other than the cost of the water that is placed into the fountain. Most solar powered fountains will come with at least a one year warranty; others will come with longer warranties.

Solar panels are virtually maintenance free. Occasional cleaning is all that is required.

Downside: The one big downside to solar powered fountains is the obvious one. On days with little or no sunlight, the panels will not operate. Those living in areas with heavy and regular cloud cover should go with the traditional electric pump so as to avoid disappointment.

Precautions for Solar Pumps: During the winter months, the solar fountain pump as well as the solar panel itself must be stored in a dry and frost-proof environment. You cannot leave these outdoors during freezing weather as this will result in permanent damage. Homeowners should also know that fountain pumps must never be operated while they are out of the water. Dry operation permanently damages the pump, and a replacement pump will be needed.

Price: It might come as a surprise to many homeowners to learn that solar powered fountains and the panels that they use are very affordable these days. In the past, these were rather expensive, but that is simply not the case any longer.

Variety in Styles: Because the solar panels will work in most fountain styles, homeowners will find many varieties to choose from. For the best results, fountains that have a wide basin are usually recommended.