- HubPages»
- Home»
- Gardening»
- Garden Design
Solar-Powered Water Fountains: 5 Benefits
Solar-powered Water Fountains
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.
For more eco-friendly ideas please see the links below:
More Eco-friendly News
- Cars Made From Flax
The French automotive group, PSA, has begun using components made from natural materials. PSA makes Citroens and Peugeots. The bio-car plan has three elements: - the use of bio-polymers, recycled materials... - Using Zero VOC Red Paint in My Living Room
this came out even better than I expected Our homes are filled with products that are toxic, and one of the worst products is paint. Generally, the paint we use has VOCs - or volatile organic compounds. VOCs... - Is Your Toilet Paper Hurting You? Ow!
It all started innocently enough - my horror story. You just cannot run out of toilet paper - because it's just wrong. So one fine sunny day, on my way home, I knew all I had was what was hanging on the... - Are Low Energy Bulbs Harmful to Your Health?
Can low energy bulbs be harmful to your health? Yes, according to medical experts in the UK. While the bulbs are touted as requiring low energy and therefore lower costs to run, the issue of the high...
Comments
I didn't know about solar fountains. Good information.Good Hub.
So glad to learn about these. Thanks much.
I never realized there are solar powered water fountains. Very cool! Thanks for this informative hub.
wow! great hub. Our technology is really fast advancing and now they are producing solar powered fountains. Thanks for sharing this info.
They have came out with solar fountains with battery packs so that when it is cloudy they still operate. Perfect for those in the northwest!
You always seem to bring out something new and environmental friendly ideas too, Great job, Maita
Providence Solar Powered Portable Water Purification Systems turn dirty, contaminated water into clean safe healthy drinking water. These highly mobile water decontamination and purification units are designed for many years of service in harsh conditions. They require no fuel and provide clean drinking water for thousands. Perfect for remote locations, disaster relief, military operations, etc.
The calm and serenity water fountains provide are what makes them so appealing to me. I like the fact that there are ones now that use the energy of the sun to power it.
This will be my inspiration to get those articles pumped out, as I would love one...but first I need a back yard. :)
Oh I certainly need one of these! I agree with BkCreative....the birdbath idea sounds wonderful! I really want one!
I really like the idea of the solar panel being in the fountain - that way I can stick it anywhere in the sun, no exposed panel. I like the birdbath idea and moving water and the idea that it can float on a pond or pool - that would look really good.
I'm certainly sold on the idea. I can't be bothered with electricity - and that seems too permanent.
Nice hub. Thanks!
I cannot believe I do not have one of these yet?! I must must look into getting one! What a fabulous hub!
12