Water Features - Solar Fountain
About Solar Fountains
Introduction
An outdoor fountain makes a great feature in the backyard. Many homeowners would agree that no garden is complete without an outdoor fountain that brings the element of water to your landscape. There’s nothing more calming than to sit in your own garden with a fountain nearby, listening to the soothing sounds of a waterfall which are known to relax the body and mind.
Day by day, fountains are increasing in popularity. So many different styles and designs are being created to cater for the increasing demand. One particular design many individuals are opting for is the solar fountain. This is because solar fountains are less expensive to operate, and what’s more important is that they are environmentally friendly.
Any typical fountain design can come with a solar option. Whether it’s a Zen-style rock fountain, multi-level step fountain, large stone basin with statue, or a submersible pond fountain, solar technology can be applied. With the many different styles come the varying prices. A plain vertical solar fountain can be bought for around $30, whereas an elaborately carved stone solar fountain can cost around $2,000. Here, the choice is yours depending on your budget. How Solar Fountains Work
Solar fountains are powered by solar energy. A solar panel containing photovoltaic's, or solar cells, absorbs the sunlight and transforms it into a usable form of energy. This solar energy is then used to power the fountain pump that circulates the fountain’s water.
A solar panel can be placed in two different ways. One way is to have the solar panel built directly into the fountain. The second choice is to have a solar panel attached to the fountain by wires, which then allows you to position the panel in a location exposed to the sun all day long and all year round for optimal solar collection.
If you are looking for an all-hour solar fountain rather than one that just works when the sun is shining, an option is available that comes with a small battery pack. The solar energy will keep the battery charged making sure the pump will continue to work throughout the evening, or on heavily clouded days, with the click of a button. However, such solar fountains may be more expensive and are more likely to be prone to electrical defects. The Benefits of Solar Fountains
The benefits of solar fountains can range from environmental to economical. Listed below are the advantages of owning a solar fountain:
- Solar fountains are extremely easy to install, you can do it yourself
- No wiring or cables are needed
- No electricity is needed
- Even though it may be a bit costly to buy, a solar fountain will save you money in the long run. It’s completely free to run, cutting on your electricity bill
- Solar cells are completely silent, no motor noises or anything of that sort
- Solar cells don’t require much maintenance because they don’t have any moving parts that will need to be fixed
- No pollution is created from solar energy
- Solar energy is a renewable resource, the sun will shine day after day to give light and energy
- Solar panels are durable and will last a long time
The bottom line is that solar powered fountains are a practical, eco-friendly and eye-catching accessory that can be added to any garden by any homeowner. With all these benefits, it is no wonder why they are becoming the most popular forms of solar technology in the consumer sector. No fuss, no mess, and no unnecessary expenses.
