Solar Powered Fountains

How a Solar Power Water Fountain Works

admin — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:46:58 +0000

A solar power water fountain is the greenest type of fountain. People all over the world are now trying to find ways to save energy and preserve the environment. With global warming becoming an increasingly major issue these days, we are now faced with the prospect of finding new ways to conserve energy through innovation. The future of our planet depends on our efforts to utilize different energy sources that can replace our current method of fossil fuels.

Energy emitted from the sun is called solar energy. You can also think of it as being electricity generated from the sun’s rays. Solar power gathered from the sun can be used to run and operate a variety of electronics. Solar energy is typically used as a renewable source of energy that allows for it to be used repeatedly without end from the main source. It remains charged and powered as long as the sun is out. The shift towards using all things solar powered is becoming the preferred choice.

Benefits:

Run on solar energy
Mobile
Low maintenance
Cuts down on electricity costs

Solar power water fountains are becoming the much more popular choice in terms of choosing the perfect outdoor garden water fountain. Instead of running on electricity like any other traditional water fountain would, a solar fountain runs on solar energy that it gathers from the sun.

This gives you the option of placing your solar garden fountain anywhere you’d like, since it comes with a solar panel that can be placed away from the fountain as long as it receives direct sunlight. Solar power fountains can be placed anywhere—freestanding on the grass or on concrete. Some models of solar water fountains come with a separate solar panel or one that is built-in. The only thing is that built-in solar panels require for the fountain to also be placed under direct sunlight.

The solar panels of the solar garden fountains are planted on the ground where it can detect the sun. The solar energy is then produced by tiny silicon modules that make up the solar panel. A water pump is connected to the panel which consists of photovoltaic cells that store the energy is acquires. Not all solar power water fountains can be powered during the night for obvious reasons. At night, there is no sunlight and thus it cannot be used any other time besides during the day when there is optimal sunlight. However, you can put the solar powered fountain anywhere it pleases you. You just need to make sure that the solar panel is constantly in an area where sunlight can reach it.

An interesting feature about the solar power water fountain is that it can make its surrounding air cooler in temperature and can also produce negative ions to purify it as well. Solar fountains come with a number of advantages. They help with cutting down electricity costs and also reduce the risk of electrical cord related accidents. Solar powered fountains are cordless; however some models come with an extra AC adapter that allows you to use your fountain indoors. On the other hand, others come with a rechargeable battery that can store up solar energy to be used later at night. Beautifying your outdoor space could never be any easier now with solar power water fountains.

Why Buy a Solar Powered Water Fountain for Home?

admin — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:19:22 +0000

Ever since the first solar cell was invented by Bell Labs in 1954, the growth for solar has grown significantly, especially in the last ten years. The number of solar panels being installed in homes today is less than 1% of all households but is projected to be at 4% by 2030–a whopping fourfold increase. Today, you can also take advantage of the many benefits that solar power has to offer right in your home garden without worrying about getting permits from your city and negotiating with your electricity company. While solar panels can be great and are even incentivized by the government, they can be tricky to navigate through all the red tape. The easiest way to take immediate advantage is with a solar powered water fountain in your home.

Solar Power History

Solar cell technology has really come down in cost and is widely available to the average consumer. To be a “green thumb” gardener or landscaper, making use of this wonderful technology is a must. The solar powered water fountain needs to have direct access to the sun but after that, it just runs on its own. The water fountain pump is actually designed to work in conjunction with a solar panel which is shipped with a new solar outdoor fountain. The solar water pump powers itself off its own energy collected from the sun by the solar panel. This provides the benefit of it being a self-sufficient garden feature and gives your home and garden a green stamp of approval.

There’s no reason why solar technology should only be enjoyed by big electricity companies building solar power plants. A solar water fountain itself is like a mini power plant that generates just enough energy to run the pump which circulates water through your fountain. Most fountains have some sort of spout or waterfall system set up so that the water is constantly moving and gets recycled. The added benefit is that no separate water supply hookup is required at all. Simply fill it with water initially and after that keep the water level maintained.

Solar Fountains Soothe Visually and Audibly

No gardener or landscaper will argue the visual aesthetic that a solar power garden fountain will bring to the back or front yard of your home. Some fountain designs are also cleverly designed to conceal the black solar panel, which can be somewhat of an eyesore. Others still ship a solar panel attached through a long electrical cable so that it can be placed out of sight and away from the solar powered fountain itself. Water fountains not only add visual appeal, they have add another dimension of soothing a peace through sound. The sound of water running through a fountain is one of the most peaceful and serene things for a gardener.

You might wonder what will happen to a solar powered water fountain when it gets dark out. Depending on the fountain system, it will either shut off on its own (thus saving the wear on the water pump) or if it has a separate rechargeable battery pack, can continue to run well into the night from energy it has stored during the day. Even the absence of sunlight won’t stop some water fountains from running.

A solar fountain need not be a large fixture that you must install in your backyard landscape. There are also small desk fountains that you can put in your kitchen or even office that are still powered by the sun. Just make sure you put these smaller desk fountains in a place with access to a lot of sunlight so it will have sufficient energy to power the water pump.

Though the initial cost for solar panel technology was so pricey that only power companies or large corporations could afford them, the costs have really come down since the 1980s and have been steadily decreasing ever since. Solar panels have also greatly increased in efficiency as well, requiring less cells to convert more energy than ever. Even twenty years ago it was inconceivable that you would be able to buy a solar powered garden fountain for your home that ran on its own power without any external electricity. While there is an upfront cost for a garden fountain that is equipped for solar, the cost savings in your electricity bill soon offset cost. Just like a hybrid car saves money over gas in the long run, so is the same with a solar powered water fountain.

Some Advantages:

Earn a “green thumb” stamp of approval
No external power lines or cables needed
Self-sufficient and low maintenance
Can run even without available sunlight
Smaller desk fountains are great for the home
Easier to take advantage of solar power than a solar panel installed on your home rooftop

And Disadvantages:

Larger upfront cost for solar technology
Eventual rechargeable battery replacement may be needed

Popular Solar Outdoor Fountains

admin — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 20:43:47 +0000

The soothing and relaxing atmosphere that solar outdoor fountains conjure up in the home and garden is unmistakable. Having a solar fountain is becoming an increasingly popular way to decorate any outdoor garden space. Just the mere sight and sound of running water incites a feeling of security and nourishment. Solar fountains can take the place of numerous and expensive relaxation CDs that only provide the sounds of water but offer no tangible aesthetics. The vision and the sound of water make your outdoor garden space very attractive and the place to be.

Ponds and waterfall styled fountains are often associated with being pricey and a hassle to install and maintain. On the other hand, free-standing solar fountains are much easier to install and have much lower maintenance costs. Solar outdoor fountains are much more functional and manageable in comparison to any other water fountain.

Solar fountains and regular fountains look identical from the outside. Some models of water fountains can operate either on electricity or solar power. The main difference between solar outdoor fountains and traditional fountains can be seen in the pump. Instead of being attached to an electrical outlet, the solar water pump is attached to the solar panel. The panel collects the sun’s energy and converts it into usable energy to power the pump. You will never need to place your fountain near an electrical power source since it runs purely on solar energy. As long as there is sunlight, your solar outdoor fountain will run.

Hassle-free Solar Power Fountains

admin — Tue, 31 May 2011 16:54:06 +0000

If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive and low maintenance way to spruce up your garden, look no further than a solar power fountain. These fountains operate purely on solar energy and completely cut out the cost of running it with electricity. It’s also hassle-free and no mess when it comes to looking for a way to hide away all the cables. Any regular water fountain would require you to not only find a way to hook up all the cords to a separate power source but also to go through the trouble of hiding it as well. Installing a solar power fountain fixes all these problems and provides just the right solution to your home and garden décor needs.

Electricity is not a required element to installing and operating solar fountains. You won’t have to worry about running cables through odd places or in strange ways. Having a solar fountain effectively minimizes your electricity costs and saves a considerable amount of energy at the same.

Solar fountains are as beautiful and pleasing to the eye as any traditional water fountain. They attract birds just the same and create the perfect focal point for your garden or outdoor space. Not to mention, the extra birds will help reduce your bug population in the garden!

Solar garden fountains are powered by a solar panel that is attached to the fountain itself. The panel absorbs the sun’s energy and converts it into the main power source that the water pumps in the fountain feeds on. Depending on the model of the solar fountain, the energy stored during the day can be used later at night. It can operate all day or even through the night. The nice thing about this type of fountain is that they are easy to maneuver—meaning you can place it wherever it satisfies you the most. It could act as the centerpiece of your garden or you could display it out on your porch for everyone to see.

There is a great variety of solar power fountains that you can choose from. Most solar fountains come with a solar cable as long as 10 feet that connects to the pump at the bottom of the fountain. The pump pumps the water from the top of the fountain all the way back down to its base and repeats the process for however long the solar power fountain is in use. These fountains are self-contained and require no intricate installation process. It is durable and will last you for countless years.

As you shop for a solar powered fountain, bear in mind that you should look for a fountain that allows you to position the solar panel out or away from the shade and into direct sunlight. Some solar fountains can store and run on electricity while some others may not. Solar power fountains that do not store electricity will most likely come with an ac adapter that enables you to plug it into a mains power source to use indoors as well.

Reasons to Buy a Solar Powered Fountain

admin — Thu, 26 May 2011 18:07:03 +0000

A single solar water fountain can make your outdoor living space the highlight of your home. You could easily beautify the area around the fountain with a variety of bedding flowers or flowering shrubs. Solar fountains make decorating your garden or patio area a cinch and a relatively inexpensive way to go about it.

The benefits of solar powered water fountains are as follows:

No running costs – since the fountain runs on solar energy, there is no need to connect it to a mains power source or to buy batteries
Hassle-free installation – solar fountains are easy to install no matter what skill level
Environmentally friendly – they do not operate on non-renewable fossil fuels
Mobile – you have freedom of choice in where you install the solar fountain
Inexpensive but durable – minimizes maintenance costs and lasts for a long time

Solar powered fountains come as a self-contained unit. It is possible for you to buy a direct power kit, however it is recommended that you buy a power pack instead. Power packs can absorb and store solar energy for later use during the day or night. This way, you can use the fountain whenever you like. They’re perfect for evening or poolside parties when the sun has set.

Because the solar fountain runs on natural energy gathered from the sun’s rays, you are actively taking part in helping to preserve the Earth’s resources. Solar garden fountains require no hole-digging, no electric cables, and no dry cell batteries. No more hooking up your outdoor water fountain to a power source—it’ll run on its own! The location in which you choose to install your solar water fountain and solar water pump is boundless. They require no power source, so feel free to set up your fountain wherever it can catch the most sunlight and attention.

Installing a solar fountain is an easy task for those with no experience at all or for those who just simply enjoy DIY projects. After you’ve placed your outdoor fountain, simply add water.

Solar fountains are cheap to maintain and can last for years on end. It can last through countless garden renovations and still continue to function as well as the first time you installed it. Whatever you decide to do with your garden or patio space, the solar fountain effortlessly completes and enhances the overall look of your outdoor space. Because solar fountains are so cheap to maintain and conserve so much energy, they are rapidly becoming the go-to choice in home and garden décor. Green water fountains also reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sources like coal and oil.

Solar powered fountains are eco-friendly. Since they run purely on solar energy, they effectively reduce the demand for electricity from natural gas power plants and polluting coal. Owning a solar water fountain is the best way to go if you plan to take the organic route in improving the ambience of your garden. The subtle but ever-present sounds of trickling water are just right for creating the perfect relaxing space.

Based on the look you are trying to achieve in your garden area, there are a variety of solar fountain designs that you can choose from. Popular solar fountain designs come in the form of cascading waterfalls, elegant birdbaths, spouting jets, and even chic wall fountains. Making your solar fountain the centerpiece of your garden creates an effortless scenery that can be enjoyed all year round.