DIY solar-powered fountain

Here is the perfect solution to upgrade your garden water fountain into Solar-Powered Fountain.

The elements shown above are: fountain + solar panel with water pump = Solar Powered Fountain

Fountain: The fountains come from places like OSH. In the past, I thought it tacky that most of the fountains I've seen say "pump not included" on the price tag. But now I think that's perfect because I don't want a pump that plugs into the power grid, but one that plugs into the sun, via a solar panel.

This faux-stone fountain (see larger view), which is about 3 feet high, costs about $150. The pump fits inside the bottom basin and the water is pumped via a tube behind the fountain and up to the top. See that here. I found fountains at OSH and other stores for $50 and up. The key for me is to find a fountain with shallow places where birds can bathe and frolic. One deep well or bowl, for instance, will not work. This fountain has two shallow lips where water gathers and then spills over. The bottom bowl is a bit deeper and I might put rocks in there to create more places to perch. I realize that inviting birds to a fountain cause problems with droppings and feathers that can clog the pump. But that's a price I will pay.

Pump and solar panel: The one pictured is a solar powered panel with water pump system costs $44.99 including a battery that charges up to run the fountain when the sun goes down. This setup pumps 47.5 gallons per hour, with a maximum lift of 20 inches. If the distance between where the pump sits and where you want the water to come out is more than that, you have to get a larger pump here. My fountain is unique in that the pump sits up high underneath the second tier and the water gets lifted only about 8 inches to the top tier, where it can spill over. See it here.

Referred from: Kathy's Remodeling Blog

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/pardonourdust/2008/03/do-it-yourself.html

Benefits of Solar Powered Lights

Green (Environmental): Solar energy is about as natural a source of energy as you can get. Energy from Solar Panel is sustainable and renewable, unlike our current major sources of energy. » It does not contribute to global warming, as it does not contaminate the air by releasing carbon dioxide or other pollutants. » The use of solar energy for homes and businesses can help reduce transport of fuel that would otherwise be used for heating, further reducing carbon emissions.

Green = Money: Your electric bill can drastically decrease, or disappear all together » Lighting up your yard without any concerns. The shining light will warm your house any time.

Self-Sufficient / Low Maintenance eliminates worry in the event of a power outage. No more losing hundreds of dollars in groceries (I've experienced this one before...). » Solar energy systems don't require a connection to any grids, so they can be installed in remote locations. This can bring electricity to areas that otherwise would not have seen it. » The use of solar energy means lowering our dependence on foreign energy sources. » Once installed, solar panels require little to no maintenance and have no recurring costs.

Tip: Solar panels are made of silicon. When they are hit by sunlight, the electrons of the silicon flow through wires that are built into the panels, which create the electricity. The earth receives more energy from the sun in one hour than the population of the world uses in an entire year, so solar energy, although initially expensive, is a viable option for a sustainable and renewable energy source.

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