Should you purchase a solar garden fountain or a wired fountain? Both have their advantages and disadvantages but we have found that solar powered fountains are safer with children and animals with easier maintenance than wired fountains even though they do have the disadvantage of working poorly during the winter months.The panels on solar fountains make use of photovoltaic cells to collect sunlight throughout the day to operate the pump. Since they require sunlight the pump will slow down and the water will cease through the hours of darkness or if the sky is overcast.
Setting up a Solar Fountain
Solar fountains are easy to set up and the majority will necessitate no difficult installation. Solar fountains either have solar panels in the body or remote panels that may be sited at a distance. This allows it to be sited in a sheltered setting while the panels are positioned where they can collect the sunlight. The remote solar panels can be placed on a firm surface, attached to a tree or fence or on a wood pole planted securely in the earth.
Storing Energy
Most solar panels aren’t capable of storing energy so they cannot be used at night. They will work most efficiently on sunny days but during overcast days they will only pump water slowly or stop altogether. For the duration of the winter it is a good idea to detach the solar panels as during very cold or freezing weather the pump may work intermittently when the sun is out and some damage could arise. Some solar fountains may have battery backups to make up for short overcast periods but most are actually only designed to be used only on sunny days.
Convenience
Solar garden fountains are convenient as they need no wires from the mains and can be located some distance from the home. With separate panels they might even be sited in out of the sun or in summerhouses.
Solar Pond Fountains
In addition many solar fountains are specifically made for ponds and are also handy as they don’t necessitate cords from the house. They can be set to float on the pond or set them in place with rocks or fixed to secure them.
Solar Fountain Safety
Solar powered fountains are environmentally friendly without toxic emissions, hardly any noise and no substances that can seep out and be a danger. As there are no power cords they are not dangerous to animals and the family.
In Conclusion
Fountains powered by sunlight are cheap to run, easy to look after and safer than fountains with wires. While they have the shortcoming of working disappointingly through the colder months they will be, nevertheless, excellent additions to your garden.
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