Pros and Cons of Solar Powered Fountains
Solar powered fountains are a great way to accessorize your home, garden, and even your work space. It comes with all the aesthetic qualities that any normal water fountain would provide you, but does so in an environmentally friendly way. With electricity out of the equation, you can now enjoy these fountains without having to incur any extra costs.
Pros:
- Solar powered – The most obvious advantage to purchasing a solar fountain is that it does not run on electricity.
- Mobile – Having it run purely on solar energy takes out all the trouble of finding an outlet to plug it into—thus restricting your placement of choice.
- Versatile – Solar water fountains are versatile in that they can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Low maintenance – Not only is it easy to install and use, but easy to manage since it shuts off by itself.
- Humidifier substitute – Instead of buying an actual humidifier, you can place a solar fountain inside your home and have it act as a humidifier.
- Variety – Solar fountains are not in any way limited to only one design. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs—there is bound to be one that will suit your standards.
Solar garden fountains are identical to any given traditional outdoor water fountain in that they are manufactured in the same way and with the same materials. The only difference is they now come with built-in or detachable solar panels.
The key thing to remember when using your solar fountain is to strategically place it in a place where it will catch sunlight. A location with direct sunlight is preferable.
Cons:
- Needs direct sunlight – A solar fountain placed in a somewhat shady area will prevent the fountain from functioning at its best. On cloudy days, the fountain will also not function as well.
- Does not operate at night – The solar panel cannot accumulate and store solar energy for later use. It will not function at night.
Although in general, most solar fountains will not function as well in cloudy weather, there are some companies that will provide you with an additional electrical pump that will allow for the fountain to run even on cloudy days. If the place where you live is often snowing, then it is recommended that you consider buying a different kind of fountain altogether, since it may damage the solar fountain pump. Disconnecting the pump will be sufficient enough to prevent any cold weather damage during the winter months.
In terms of deciding where to place your garden fountain, you have complete freedom in choice. Depending on the type of model you choose, the solar panels can be placed up to fifteen feet away from the fountain itself. With the separate solar panel feature, your placement options are limitless. Solar fountains can be simply placed on the lawn or mounted on a stake and placed on any kind of surface area. It can serve as the focal point of your garden or as a way to create a soothing atmosphere with its serene water sounds. Owning a solar powered fountain could be one of the most inexpensive and easiest ways to enhancing the overall look and feel of your home and garden.