Lighting garden water features can be tricky because of the use of electricity exposed to water and the elements. Solar is a great option for garden fountains. It is environmentally friendly and solves some of the problems of getting electricity into the garden. Solar garden fountains are easy to install, non-polluting and save money on monthly utility bills.
No Power Lines
Solar powered garden fountains get their power from the sun. They utilize photovoltaic technology that uses solar cells to convert the rays of the sun into electricity. Since the energy to be used has to be stored, storage batteries are required for the garden fountain. The photovoltaic solar cells convert the sun’s energy to electricity and power the water fountain during the day. The excess energy is fed into storage batteries for use at night.
There are not any distracting power lines to hide. This means freedom from having to run electric lines into the garden. A garden fountain can be located anywhere in the landscape. Depending on the time of day and amount of sunshine, there may be fluctuations in the intensity of the water flow, according to Build It Solar the renewable energy site for Do-It-Yourselfers.
Environmentally Friendly
Solar powered fountains do not negatively impact the environment. Since they use photovoltaic solar panels for energy, they do not pollute the air or water or use power from carbon fueled power plants that pollute the environment, according to the Department of Energy
Easy to Install
Solar fountains do not require trenches for power lines. This means they do not have to be located near power outlets either. They use simple lighting features, pumps and batteries. The solar panels do not have to be located with the fountain. The fountain can be located anywhere in the garden as long as the solar panels are located in a sunny spot. If the solar panels are connected with the fountain, then the entire assembly must be located in an area where the sun shines most of the day.
Money and Energy Savings
Solar powered garden fountains use the energy of the sun, and that is free. They save money on your utility bill. They also offer a "green energy payback," according to the Department of Energy. This is the time it takes for the solar powered fountain to generate enough zero-emissions energy that equals the amount of energy used to produce the entire assembly.
Build It Solar, The Renewable Energy site for Do-It-Yourselfers (accessed July 10, 2010)
Department of Energy, Solar Energies Technologies Program (accessed July 10, 2010)
NASA, How Do Photovoltaics Work? (accessed July 10, 2010)
Caroline Thompson - Caroline Thompson has been a professional photojournalist since 1999. She combines writing and photography in her stories. ...
