Solar fountains

No doubt about it. A water feature can be relaxing. The sight and sound of running water provides a soothing respite from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and adds a comforting atmosphere to our outdoor spaces. But many of us don't have the time, patience, space, or disposable income to install and maintain a pond, waterfall, or babbling brook. For those of us that want the stress reducing and atmosphere enhancing benefits of flowing water without the expense and hassle, a free-standing solar water fountain just may be the answer.

Solar fountains are similar to standard fountains in look and function, except the power to run them comes from a solar panel instead of an electrical outlet. The solar panel converts sunlight into electricity, which in turn powers the pump that circulates water through the fountain. Depending on the design, this panel is either integrated or mounted separately and connected by a thin wire. Either way, it's important to remember that solar panels produce, but do not store electricity. This means that most solar fountains available today require direct sunlight to operate. In other words, when it is dark or cloudy, the panel doesn't power the pump, and the water does not flow.

The styles, colors, and materials of solar fountains vary greatly, but most can be grouped into three main types:

Pedestal Fountains - These units have a single, or multiple tiers, mounted on top of, you guessed it, a pedestal. They are between 2 to 3 feet high and generally place the solar panel in one of the basins. Water is circulated from the lowest basin or a hidden reservoir through one or more spraying or bubbling fountain heads. Single bowl designs are sometimes referred to as birdbath fountains, but the flowing water and open design of any pedestal type fountain can attract our feathered friends.

Cascade Fountains - Cascade fountains are usually smaller than pedestal fountains, less than 2 feet high, and have more tiers. They operate by pumping water to the top of a multi-tiered cascade of catch basins or bowls. The water flows gently from one tier to the next before reaching a main catch basin at the bottom. Due to the smaller size of these cascade type fountains, the solar panel is most often separate. Many also come with an A/C adapter allowing indoor use.

Single Bowl Fountains - These are the smallest of the solar fountains, often measuring less than 1 foot high. They typically circulate the water through a figurine of some kind that sits on the rim of a single catch basin. Often the figurine is a bird, fish, or other animal, and the water shoots through their open mouths. As with the solar cascades, the panel is often separate and A/C adapters are generally available for indoor use.

So there are many kinds of solar fountains to choose from, but are there any advantages besides the aforementioned stress relief? There sure are. For one thing, solar fountains are relatively inexpensive. Many are less than $150 and few are more than $300. They are also easy to install and require little maintenance. Flexible placement options are another advantage. Solar fountains don't need to be near an electrical outlet and they can be picked up and moved at any time. And yes, because solar fountains run on the sun, the power to operate them is free.

So go ahead and give solar fountains a try. It's an easy and environmentally friendly way to add the relaxing properties of running water to you home environment.