Solar Water Fountains Types

Solar powered water fountains are an alternative to conventional electric water fountains. The solar fountain offers many benefits. There are three basic types of solar water fountains.

Direct power solar water fountains operate only when exposed to direct sun light. If the sun is not shining on the solar panel, the panel can not produce power. The solar panel is either a built in feature of the water fountain or is remotely located. Direct powered solar pumps do not have batteries or any other way to store energy.

Submersible solar fountain pumps are fully submersible in most any form of garden water feature. These units produce an above water spray. Power for the submersible pumps are drawn from a remote solar panel.

Battery backup solar pumps have a rechargeable battery. This battery recharges during the sunny part of the day. The stored energy in the battery is then used to power the water fountain pump and or lights at night. These units are more expensive than the other types but provide the pleasures of your water feature when direct solar power units shut down.

There are a few drawbacks to the solar powered water fountain. The first very obvious, without adequate sunlight the pump will not function. Solar powered pumps do not work well in shady areas or areas that receive little sunlight. Actual location of the solar panel is important as well. If the solar panel of a direct power solar unit falls into shade, the pump shuts down until it receives sunlight again.