Should you purchase a solar fountain or a wired fountain? They each have their advantages and disadvantages but we have found that solar powered fountains are safer with children and animals and easier to maintain than wired fountains although they do have the drawback of working poorly in the winter months.The panels on solar fountains use photovoltaic cells to collect the sun’s energy throughout the day to operate the pump. Since they need sunshine the pump will reduce speed and the water will cease through the night or if the sky is overcast.

Installing a Solar Garden Fountain

Solar fountains are easy to set up and the majority will need no difficult installation. Solar fountains may either have panels in the pedestal or separate panels that can be positioned at a distance. This enables the fountain to be placed in a shady spot while the panels are sited where they can gather the sunlight. The separate panels can be sited on a hard surface, mounted on a tree or wall or on a wooden stake planted firmly in the ground.

Storing Energy

Most solar panels are not capable of storing power so they cannot be used by night. They will operate most efficiently on sunlit days and on overcast days they may only pump water slowly or not at all. During the winter it is advisable to disconnect the panels as during very cold or sub-zero weather the pump may work intermittently if it is sunny and some damage could happen. A few solar fountains may have battery backups to make up for short periods but the majority are really only intended to be operated on sunny days.

Ease of Use

Solar garden fountains are convenient as they necessitate no wires from the mains and can be positioned a long way from the home. With remote panels they could even be placed in in the shade or in gazebos.

Solar Fountains for Ponds

Additionally many solar fountains are specially made for fish ponds and are also convenient as they don’t need power cords from the mains supply. They can be set to float on the water or set them in position with rocks or fixed to secure them.

Solar Garden Fountain Safety

Solar fountains are environmentally friendly without poisonous emissions, no noise and no materials that could escape and be a hazard. As there aren’t any wires they are safe for pets and the family.

Conclusion

Fountains powered by sunlight are cheap to run, very easy to take care of and safer than wired fountains. Even though they have the drawback of functioning poorly through the winter months they would be, however, excellent additions to your garden.

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