Solar Powered Garden Fountains

The first and foremost benefit of using solar powered water fountains is that their use is gentle on the environment and your expenditure as well. Depending on the size and set up costs, solar powered garden fountains may vary in their price. However, the price when compared to its electrical counterparts, would definitely sound soothing to your ears. Garden fountains that run on solar energy cost relatively cheaper and give you the freedom from the hassles of messy wires. Due to their different built and mechanisms, solar powered garden fountains need to be looked after with certain unique care and attention. The solar powered technology of these fountains provides the benefit of minimal maintenance and complete product value. So, what are the other benefits of solar powered garden fountains and what are the maintenance tips to follow?

Maintenance Tips for the Working of Solar Powered Garden Fountains

Power Back-Up
It is obvious that a solar powered garden fountain will not operate when the sun is down. So, if you would like the fountain to work at night, the appliance will need a battery backup.

Poor Pump Performance
If you observe that the water pumps are not working as they are supposed to, then you have to work on the solar panels. Position the solar panels in a direction where they can harness maximum solar energy. Although rare, but if you require additional power for the pumps, extra solar panels can also be added to the unit.

Inconsistent Jets of Water
As solar fountains depend solely on sun's energy for their operation, the intensity of their power may fluctuate throughout the day. The frequency of the fluctuations depends on the strength of the sun's rays. So, when the atmosphere is cloudy, such fluctuations are a normal sight.

Set Up
A solar fountain can be assembled with or without the solar panels. In a set up, wherein the panels are separate from the fountain, you can have the fountain placed anywhere you like. There would be a connecting cord between the fountain and the solar panels. The only thing to be kept in mind is that the panels should be situated at a location, where they can receive maximum sunlight. If you feel that the fountain looks good with the solar panels integrated into them, then you have another option to place the whole unit under the sun. Accumulation of dirt and dust on the solar panels may affect the working. Simply, wipe off the dirt to ensure that the panels get most of the sunlight.

Benefits of Solar Powered Garden Fountains
Cost-Free Energy
To run solar powered garden fountains, nature charges you no fee. Solar power is in abundance and can be used as much as it is needed. Enjoy your summer without any electric bills that bother you in case of standard fountains.

Place Anywhere
Solar technology provides you with the benefit to place the fountain anywhere you want. Solar fountain allows you to set up the unit at the farthest location from your house. This is an ideal feature for those who have a large garden area. As mentioned earlier, as long as the panels are utilizing the solar power, it does not matter even if you place the fountain inside your house. The limitations forced upon by an AC outlet is eliminated in a solar fountain.

Easy Installation
Solar fountain, unlike standard electrical fountain, is more than easy to install. You would not have to bear additional costs of hiring a plumber for any plumbing work for the fountain. A solar powered fountain is a stand alone unit for both water and power source. You also do not have to coil or uncoil the electrical wires to connect the unit to a power source. As the overall working of the appliance is solar-based, there is no need of any wires. Thus, you can also save some money which would otherwise be spent on hiring an electrician.

Safe and Reliable
As solar fountains are low on maintenance, they are highly reliable. It may happen that due to sudden rain, water may get inside the solar panels. This usually does not have any effect on the solar water fountain. The unit is also safe for small kids and pets. There are also no risks for children or pets.

One Draw Back or Disadvantage!
The only disadvantage associated with the working of solar powered garden fountains is their total dependence on the sun. Solar fountains work at their best on a bright sunny day. Their performance gets slower on a cloudy day. When winters fall, it is wise to keep the unit indoors. Snow and frost may damage the pump and the solar panels. The bowls of the fountain may also crack due to the freezing weather.

Solar powered garden fountains are best for places which receive good amount of sunlight and experience less freezing weathers. Solar fountains come in a variety of styles; some can be placed on any surface and some are used to float on ponds or pools. Solar fountains are one of the most cost-effective appliances that harness the greatest renewable source of energy; sunlight. Go green, go solar!