Solar Water Fountains

As the quest for alternative energy sources continues to be a primary concern, solar water fountains have exploded in popularity.  If you have the common misconception that you can't add a water feature to your outdoor space because there are no power outlets or you simply don't want to waste electricity, now you have an option!

Solar water fountains run on nothing but pure sunshine!  This means that they are the perfect option for your garden, deck, patio or pool area, flowerbeds, walkways and even by your mailbox.  You don't need a power supply or an extension cord so you never have to be concerned with the risk of electric shock if your pets would find cords tempting chew toys.

The most important thing to take into consideration with solar fountains is placement.  They must have direct sunlight to function.  Now, this doesn't meant that they'll automatically shut off in the evening as soon as the sun goes down.  Many solar water features work the same way that solar lights do where they have the ability to soak up the sun's rays and use them as energy, long after the fiery globe has gone to rest and the moon has come out to play.

Benefits

Aside from the obvious that solar fountains require no energy, they offer a few additional benefits as well.  First, they are the perfect way to make a garden look finished.  Fountains are beautiful, they invoke calmness and depending on the height, you may notice a few birds or butterflies stopping to take a drink.  Also, water that is constantly flowing doesn't have the opportunity to get stagnant the way a pond or a birdbath quickly can, this deters mosquitoes from using the water for their breeding ground.

Choosing the Right One

You really cannot go wrong no matter what style of solar fountain you choose.  They can be simple like a shallow dish full of stones with a frog or a koi fish that begin the water flow out of their mouth or something more complex like the Duo Terracotta Cascade Solar Fountain featuring a cascade of terracotta or ceramic dishes that are strategically placed so the water flows from one level to another.

There are also those that are designed specifically as birdbaths with shallow edges since feathered-friends can easily drown in more than one inch of water when they get wet.  You will find that birds are much more attracted to the sound of running water so don't be surprised if your solar fountain earns you a few permanent, beautiful visitors to your yard!