Great Garden Fountains

Relaxing Water Features for Home and Garden

Archive for category Solar Water Features and Fountains

Consider the Advantages of a Solar Water Feature

Jan 9

Posted by admin in Solar Water Features and Fountains | No Comments

Solar Water Feature

Solar Water Features – Beautiful Yet Practical

By deciding to use a solar water feature rather than a standard electrically powered water fountain you will save money in the long run on your power bill and contribute to the “greening” of the environment. Solar water features run on free power provided by sunlight. A solar panel attached to the water feature collects the sun rays and converts them to usable electricity. Depending on the water feature’s design, it then either runs the fountain during daylight or stores that energy in a battery for continuous usage, day or night.

Installing a solar water feature is uncomplicated. The main thing you are going to need to do is select a sunny location on your deck or in your yard that is away from items that block direct sunlight. Most solar water features ship completely assembled so you will not have to put it together and you will not have to run any electrical cables or wires or to find an electrician to connect it.

Some solar garden fountains are built with the solar panel connected to a eight to ten foot cable. A longer cable provides more options for placing the solar panel in a bright and sunny area. With the solar panel attached to a longer cable, it is not important to locate the water fountain itself in the sun.

Solar water features are steadily becoming more popular. Demand for them is quite high. Most are very portable and they are available in a wide variety of styles and prices. In fact, since the choices are so varied, you can be sure to find solar water fountains to fit anyone’s style. And they are great gifts!

Many fountain enthusiasts believe that the most beneficial function that a water fountain delivers is the relaxing effect generated by the sound of moving water. This includes a feeling of relief from stress, tranquility, lowered anxiety, and the sensory pleasure it brings. It is also thought that negative ions are produced by falling water, adding to a general sense of well-being. The all too common exhaustion and low spirits many of us experience in today’s hectic society are thought to be relieved by these negative ions.

If this is the first you have heard about the advantages of a solar water feature, I urge you to look further into the wonderful benefits that they provide. Not only will they add style and a peaceful feel to your patio, deck or garden, they are very cost effective having absolutely no impact on your monthly utility bill. They can be positioned on any solid surface within reach of direct sunlight. You can even mount them on walls or anywhere your personality and sense of style dictates.

Tags: , , ,

The Advantages Of Solar Bird Baths

Nov 12

Posted by admin in Solar Water Features and Fountains | No Comments

The advantages of solar birdbaths far outweigh any fuss or muss associated with their installation. First of all solar powered bird baths are not very hard to install as they do not really require any extra plumbing or wiring. They are also very economical as they harness the power of the sun’s rays to naturally heat the water in the bird bath. Needless to say, this type of bird bath, which
usually features a running fountain in the center as well, can save you tons of money when it comes to your energy bills.

There are several types of solar bird baths on the market including ones that run a circulating fountain in the window to keep the water from freezing in the winter and ones that have a cover to prevent other animals from getting into the bath water. The one component that all solar bird baths on the market have in common is the solar panel that provides energy for its operation.

One of the advantages of solar bird baths is that the birds always have access to fresh circulating water. This running water is better for them to bathe and drink, as it is less likely to contain bacteria and viruses. A solar powered panel located in the bowl powers a pump in the reservoir hidden in the base. The pump then efficiently circulates the water, which prevents it from stagnating. This means the water won’t go green, smell or attract too many mosquitoes.

Another advantage of solar bird baths is that they do not require a cord or any wiring. This means that they can be placed anywhere on a lawn without you having to worry about a power source. All that matters is that they must be placed on a flat stable surface to make sure that the water flows through the bird bath’s fountain pump smoothly and does not splash. The fact that these solar powered bird baths can be placed anywhere in a yard is also a boon for landscape architects as well as people who forget to unplug ordinary birdbaths when they mow the lawn.

Yet another benefit of owning a solar operated bird bath is that it is relatively inexpensive. The fact that it is heated water helps birds have a constant source of water in winter climates. You can also use a small heater in tandem with the solar bird bath to make sure that the birds stay hydrated and warm.

In terms of maintenance some types of solar bird baths may need their solar panels removed in the winter and replaced with a non-solar insert during the winter months. This is particularly recommended if you live in a climate here there is no sun at all. However if you live in a climate with a lot of cold, yet unny days, you may not need to do this. The necessity of removing the solar panels and replacing it with a non solar insert is dependent on the recommendation of the manufacturer of the bird bath.

Like all pools or ponds, solar bird baths may also need regular cleaning. Seeding the bath with natural enzymes can help prevent algae and grime from staining the insides of the bird bath bowl.

Solar bird baths also appeal to more and a wider variety of birds. This is because most bird varieties are more attracted to water that is moving, than water that is standing. It is easier for them to spot the moving water as they are winging their way over your yard. It is as if the birds instinctively know that moving water is healthier for them than still pools. For this reason you are likely to see even more types of birds than you ever have seen before enjoying themselves in this type of bird bath.

Solar bird baths are also healthier for you and your family. This is because bird baths that have running water are less likely to attract mosquitoes that spread the West Nile virus. In fact water that stands for three days is a great attractant for mosquitoes so if your solar bird bath malfunctions make sure you get it fixed quickly! Almost 2,500 cases of West Nile virus are reported annually in the United States. Running a solar bird bath is one unique way that you can protect you and the birds from all kinds of viruses and bacteria.

Learn how to create electricity and save your bills!! Read on how you can make your very own solar panels at your own home! make solar energy make solar energy

Tags:

Why Use Solar Powered Water Features?

Nov 2

Posted by admin in Solar Water Features and Fountains | No Comments

Every garden owner knows the peace and tranquility imparted by water features such as garden fountains and small ponds. But the cost can be enough to deter many these days due to the cost of electricity. These are not the only costs we should take into account when we think about buying water features. The costs to the environment due to the large amounts of electricity they consume are far reaching. Save money and the environment by using solar powered water features.

Even a small water pump for our garden fountain can be expensive when we consider that it is running 24 hours per day for 7 days a week, every day of the month. This can easily mount up to $30 per month to run. Factor in a water fountain or one other water feature and you’re talking more than $60 per month! You can recover the cost of solar powered water fountain after just one or two months of use at these prices.

The environmental costs of energy production are also something which we should not overlook. The production of refined oil from oil shale is an intensive process which not only requires a lot of energy in itself but also produces a lot of useless waste products. Mining of coal and oil, both above ground and below, causes unnatural elevations of the land and displaces a lot of flora and fauna from its natural habitat.

A huge amount of water is used in both the mining and refining processes. This water is contaminated in the process, can further pollute ground water and drinking water sources and can contaminate nearby farmland via runoff.

Dust, gas and other particulate matter which are produced from mining operations can be carried for miles from the mine site. This dust and gas can cause serious health issues if inhaled not only among humans but also in livestock, cattle and wild animals and birds. It can also contribute to acid rain and poor air quality.

An increased quantity of greenhouse gases are also emitted due to mining operations. The refining processes of oil especially require a very high temperature and this high temperatures required for refining almost always come from the burning of other fossil fuels.

You may think that using a solar powered water features is an insignificant gesture in light of the big scheme of things. But, if every individual took steps to reduce their carbon footprint by even a small amount, then the consequences for the planet would be tremendous. Small gestures on a large scale can have extremely significant effects. If everyone who had a water feature switched to solar powered fountain or pond the effects would be considerable. A solar water fountain is one example where we can make a difference. Take the first step and switch to solar powered water features.

Tags:

Solar Water Fountains – An Introduction

Sep 15

Posted by admin in Solar Water Features and Fountains | No Comments

Octagonal Solar Fountain

Octagonal Solar Fountain

Twenty years ago solar powered devices were seen as exotic and were extremely expensive. Except for watches and calculators, solar power was a viable option for only a few large scale, expensive devices. Recently, however, relatively inexpensive solar panels make it possible to power many common devices with nothing but sunlight. Since their introduction, solar water fountains have become quite popular as garden décor enhancements.

Solar Water Fountains Are Environmentally Friendly

Obviously, the more electrically powered luxuries you have, the more electrical power you will use. Although garden fountains place only moderate demands on the power grid, that demand is constant. The negative environmental impact of electrical power generation by the burning of fossil fuels has been well documented. The more non-renewable energy that is saved, the less demand there will be for additional power generation. Switching over non-essential electrical demands to a solar source provides a benefit to the environment.

Solar Fountains Reduce Power Usage

Tea Garden Solar Fountain and Bird Bath

Tea Garden Solar Fountain and Bird Bath

Power usage rises during the summer as people begin using everything from outdoor lights to electric fans. The use of air conditioning creates a serious drain on the power grid. If you’ve ever experienced brown outs in the middle of the summer, you’ve felt the effects of heavy power usage on the community. By installing a solar water fountain rather than a conventionally powered fountain, you’re doing your part to reduce the overall load on local power without having to sacrifice the benefits of a garden fountain.

Solar Water Fountains Are Portable

Since solar fountains are self contained there is no need to find a way to connect them to household power or to trip over outdoor extension cords. Moving a solar fountain to a different location is much simpler than relocating a fountain that requires external power. Simply drain the fountain, move it and it’s solar panel to the desired location, and the move is done. You can place your solar fountain anywhere where the solar panel will catch light, instead of limiting your options to a location close to an electrical outlet. Solar fountain portability also makes them much easier to move indoors at the end of the season.

Solar Fountains Need Not Be Expensive

Dual Four-Tier Terracotta Cascading Solar Fountain

Dual Four-Tier Terracotta Cascading Solar Fountain

With the development of inexpensive solar panels, solar water fountains are now available at prices well within most home owners’ budgets. Some models start at under 100 dollars making solar powered fountains excellent for starter fountains.

Solar Water Fountains Are Flexible

Although solar fountains are primarily outdoor fountains, they also make excellent indoor fountains if you have a room in the house with lots of access to sunlight – sunroom, skylights, etc. Many solar fountain models suit indoor use as well. They can even work well into the winter although the amount of sunlight will affect their performance. Combined with a solar fountain’s superior portability, it is possible to enjoy a solar fountain well past the summer.

Tags: , , , ,