Solar powered home appliances become more and more popular these days. Many
people invest into solar powered water and pool heaters, and of course solar
garden fountains. There are many benefits to having a solar fountain, but there
are some downsides as well.

How do solar powered garden fountains work?

Usually fountains with solar pumps are very easy to install. As all solar
appliances they use solar panels with Photovoltaic (PV) cells to collect energy
of the sun. Since a fountain pump doesn't require a lot of energy, the panels
are usually quite small.

There are two main types. First are fountains where solar panels are incorporated
in the design of the fountain itself. This type is the easiest to install, but
you have to make sure that you place your new fountain in a sunny spot otherwise
it won't work.

Another type has remote solar panels, which can be positioned several meters
away from the fountain. If you chose this type, it doesn't matter whether your
fountain is in a sunny or shady spot as long as the panels are exposed to the
sun. Most solar fountains with remote panels come with easy to set up mounting
system for the panels. Usually you can mount them on the wall, use grass stakes
to position them on the loan or use a tall wooden stake to put your panel high
up above all the plants.

Pros and cons of solar fountains

There are many benefits of getting a solar garden fountain rather than the
electric one. The most obvious advantage is that energy is free. An electric
pump won't add much to your energy bill in a day, but if you want your fountain
to work all summer, you can save a lot by using sun energy instead of electricity
or batteries.

Another advantage is that you are not limited by proximity to a power source
when selecting a place for your fountain. This is particularly important for
people with large gardens. You can place your fountain in the farthest corner
from the house, as long as the solar panels are on a sunny spot.

Also solar fountains are very easy to install. The ones with panels built
into a body of the fountain don't require any special installation at all. This
type is perfect as a solar pond fountain that sprays water from your pond. Since
there is no cord the fountain can just float on the surface.

The main disadvantage of a solar powered garden fountain is its dependence
on the sun. Most pumps will still work on a slightly cloudy day, but if it is
really overcast the flow of water will be much less. And, of course, your fountain
won't work at night.

Also, it is best to disconnect your fountain in winter. It would work fine
on a sunny day without snow, but snow and frost can damage your pump.

Tatya Turner is a publisher of Garden Décor Fountains where you can find more information and advice about finding the best fountain for your garden. Compare styles and prices on stone, bamboo and fiberglass fountains.