Solar-Powered Water Fountains: 5 Benefits

A bubbling outdoor water fountain is a lovely, soothing addition to outdoor living space. Solar-powered water fountains are now available and offer several benefits not available with electrical water fountains.

By choosing a solar-powered water fountain you avoid having to run electrical wiring into the yard, paying the cost of an electrician, and paying additional energy costs. An added plus is that the fountains are ready for immediate set-up and enjoyment.

What are the benefits?

1- Use of sunlight - Solar-powered water fountains work by converting full sunlight into energy. This allows the fountains to operate and be placed anywhwere in the yard. PV cells (Photovoltaic cells) are used to power the water fountain. These cells are on a panel and respond to the energy provided by the sun. You can install the panel on a stake or mount it on a wall.

2 - Two types to choose from - You can select a solar-powered fountain that has a separate solar panel that you can move to the sunniest location for the best operating results. Or you can chose a more convenient type of water fountain - with the solar panels built directly into the water fountain - at which time you must be sure to place and keep the fountain in the sunniest location.

3 - Try a bird bath  or floating fountain - Solar water fountains are also available as solar-powered bird bath fountains in terracotta and bronze, in all sizes, and shapes. You can also find floating solar fountains which can be floated on top of a pool or pond.

4 - Eco- friendly - The fountains are also virtually maintenance-free, and have no emissions - making them eco-friendly. Additionally, there will be no additional costs to your electirc bill. Set it up anywhere in your yard because there is no need to to use it only near an electical outlet.

5 - Use indoors - Some solar-powered water fountains come with an AC adaptor allowing you to use it indoors. This option is usually available in climates where temperatures can reach below freezing and damage the solar panel. The AC adaptor on this type of fountain is only approved for indoor use and must be plugged into an indoor outlet.

Note - The solar-powered water fountains make full use of the sun, therefore on overcast days the water fountain will slow down or stop entirely. Further, the solar-powered water foutain uses energy that is different from the type of solar energy used to power a home--solar power which is a stored type of energy. Therefore, the fountains cannot work at night. For best results, during the day, place the fountain where it will receive full sun.

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