How a Solar Power Water Fountain Works

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.

solar power water fountain 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.

Beautifying Your Home With Solar Powered Pond Fountains

Solar powered pond fountains make decorating your outdoor garden space a cinch. After selecting and purchasing your new solar pond fountain, where would you place it? Now that pond fountains are designed to operate on solar energy, you won’t have to worry about electrical cords that limit your choices in placing your fountain. You may even be overwhelmed with the infinite possibilities!

Solar powered fountains are great for those certain areas in your garden that constantly receive the heat and harsh sunlight. These areas could easily wither your plants and leave your space looking as dry and desolate as the Saharan Desert. With a solar powered pond fountain, your problem can be easily fixed. What was once a drawback in your landscape space now becomes a major plus. The sunniest areas in your outdoor space can be enhanced in a variety of ways.

Solar powered pond fountains are great for excessively sunny areas

solar powered pond fountain If you are one of those people whose outdoor patio seems more like an oven than a supposedly relaxing and cool place to stay, the solution to your problem is simple. You can simply transform the area into a viewing space where you can place your solar fountain and plant a few surrounding plants that will complement it. Just bear in mind that the solar pond will not operate unless its solar panel can detect sunlight, so keep the surrounding plants trimmed or out of the way of the panel. Trailing plants or ivies would work well with this type of solar powered fountain. If you want it to create an illusion of height, then using taller plants and spikier or feathery plants would help you achieve this look without blocking out the sunlight. You could even consider placing a palm or weeping fig tree to help balance out the overall look of your patio space. Adding greenery to your outdoor area will help add some extra visual interest to your solar powered pond fountain.

Nothing can be more inviting than a solar pond fountain at your front door

Instead of planting the typical pot of petunias at your front door, you can mark your front entrance with an eye-catching solar fountain and its welcoming sounds of trickling water. There is really no better way to greet your guests with a solar pond fountain that can attract the local birds in your neighborhood and provide a natural scene for all to see. Another way you can highlight your solar fountain centerpiece is by placing it upon a pedestal and covering the base with a layer of ferns. Although the seasons may change and you’ll have to plant new flowers, your solar fountain will be able to withstand all changes in season and provide you with lasting scenery.

Aesthetically pleasing / can serve as a whimsical centerpiece

A number of solar fountains come with a battery that can store solar energy. If this is the case for the solar powered fountain you chose, then you can enjoy it during the day and throughout the night. Depending on the look you’re going after, you can use candles to light up your solar pond fountain. You can use different styles of candle holders—made from wood, rattan, or bamboo. Whatever arrangement you choose, your solar powered pond fountain will not fail to impress.

Why Buy a Solar Powered Water Fountain for Home?

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 power plant 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.

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

The Beauty of Solar Powered Birdbath Fountains

Solar powered birdbath fountains are easy to install and energy efficient. They’re so friendly to the environment and your wallet that it’s becoming the increasingly popular choice in solar fountain. Solar bird bath fountains require almost no maintenance. The fountain comes with a solar panel (that has no movable parts) and does not require electricity to power it. Solar birdbath fountains are noiseless and blend effortlessly into any garden setting. It can be used during the winter as long as there is no chance of freezing temperatures that could possibly damage the water pump. The solar panels consist of naturally occurring silicon and thus it does not contain any toxic components that could potentially cause leakage into neighboring plants or animals. Electricity generated by the water fountain is harmless towards animals, pets, or children since there are no electrical cords or circuit breakers required for its operation.

solar powered birdbath fountain With growing popularity for solar powered garden fountains, fountain models now are becoming much more sophisticated in technology and design. The earlier models were usually designed so that PV cells with nozzles would float atop the surface of the water. Now, solar fountains come in much more sleek and contemporary designs that include geometric shapes, clean lines, and even ethnic style pottery. Solar birdbath fountains also come in these designs as well.

You can get solar powered birdbath fountains that are modeled after famous and historic places. For instance, there are fountains that are made to look like the multi-tiered iron and stone fountains found in various British palaces. A number of solar fountains are made from natural materials including copper, wood, pottery, slate, granite and a variety of other eco-friendly materials as well.

Advantages of having solar powered birdbath fountains are as follows:

Provides a nice garden scenery for any special occasion or just for your own pleasure and enjoyment
Attracts all sorts of birds/animal friendly
Provides you with the soothing sounds of water and chirping of birds
Environmentally friendly/energy saving
Solar powered – no need to hide messy and unsightly electrical cords
No-mess/hassle-free
Little to almost no maintenance required
Safe to use
Free-standing and movable – can be used outdoors as well as indoors

There are a number of great benefits to using solar power and a bird bath is the only type of water feature that will attract wildlife to your garden.

Almost any type of solar fountain can be used as a bird bath fountain. No matter what the fountain looks like, as long as there is a fresh supply of water available, birds will be sure to come! Solar fountains are great for such use since they can be constantly powered by solar energy. As long as the sun is out, you’ll be able to enjoy the fountain and the many birds that it will attract. Despite the fact that solar fountains are identical to traditional fountains in terms of appearance, they are much more advantageous to have in the long run. They save you money and require very little maintenance. They add an element of elegance and beauty that only such fountains can achieve effortlessly and economically. Solar powered birdbath fountains are guaranteed to be a great addition to your garden space.

Popular Solar Outdoor Fountains

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.

Solar Powered Fountains