Landscaping - Solar powered fountain pumps

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Stumped1
09-04-09, 09:04 AM
Considering adding a fountain in an area where I can't get power to the pump.

Has anyone used a solar powered fountain pump?

My concern is in the winter months when there's low sunlight conditions.

TheCaptain
09-04-09, 11:19 AM
In the winter would this fountain freeze?
goldstar
09-04-09, 12:49 PM
I took a peek at a few sites. Unless it feeds a battery pack which then feeds a pump, the fountain will stop or falter with each cloud that passes between the sun and the solar panel. The further north of the equator you are, the less sun energy, even in the summer. Even in the "mid west" we have a lot of cloudy days which cuts efficiency.
And, as The Captain says, you don't want the pump to freeze.

Stumped1
09-04-09, 02:48 PM
California, so now concerns about freezing. I will look around and see what's out there.

thanks.
ray2047
09-04-09, 02:55 PM
Well if I was rigging something I'd consider a battery, solar cell and a decorative but functional wind mill. With both a wind mill and solar cells to charge the battery it just might work pretty well. I'd also suggest a photocell to turn it off after dark so you don't run the battery down at night.