For anyone wanting to increase the value of their home, or add some ambiance to their living space, most people will tell you that a solar powered water feature is a great addition. But is a solar powered water feature worth it, and how does it stack up as a home feature?
Although solar powered water features run off of clean, renewable energy, they often fall short compared to standard electrical water features. Their overall inefficiency makes them an unwise investment especially if you want your water feature to run consistently.
If you’re still weighing up whether a solar powered water feature is for you, you’ve likely got lots of questions about cost, efficiency and installations. Fear not, in this article, we will run you through everything you need to know about solar powered water features.
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How Do Solar Powered Water Features Work?
Solar powered water features use a solar panel to power a pump with energy generated from sunlight. This solar powered pump can also be outfitted with a battery pack, to store excess energy generated to power it during overcast days or even at night.
A solar powered water feature may sound like an entirely new concept but it’s actually been around for some time. Solar powered water features are common in homes and businesses alike, and add to the overall atmosphere.
Usually, backyard water features are connected to your main power supply, with the introduction of solar panels, water features can now operate using a green energy source.
A solar water feature is powered by a solar pond or fountain pump, operating using sunlight gathered via solar panels. These panels absorb light photons from the sun and transform them into electricity with the use of photovoltaic cells. These panels can be placed on the actual water feature itself or at a different location with the use of a cable.
Pros And Cons Of Solar Powered Water Features
Solar powered water features sound amazing in concept, but is it worth adding one to your home? Let’s look at some of the pros and cons to see if a solar powered water feature is right for you.
Here are the biggest pros and cons of solar powered water features:
Pros Of Solar Powered Water Features
The advantages of solar water features include:
- Environmentally Friendly – Because these systems are entirely powered by the sun, you won’t be causing more emissions with another appliance using electricity.
- No Operational Costs – Solar powered water features are entirely dependent on the sun, and draw all their power from a solar panel generating electricity. As a result, you’ll have no ongoing or operational costs to run the feature.
- Low Maintenance – Because there are fewer components in a system that is usually self contained, there is lower ongoing required maintenance, and any maintenance necessary is much easier to perform, as the components in the system are easier to access.
- Optional Solar Batteries – If you are willing to invest even more money into your water feature, you can opt to install solar batteries. If you live in a particularly sunny part of Australia, these batteries can help store energy to be used on more overcast days.
Cons Of Solar Powered Water Features
The downsides of solar water features include:
- Higher Investment Cost – Generally, solar powered water features have a higher initial investment cost to install. Although the operational costs are next to nothing, the cost of solar water features is usually higher than the standard water feature.
- Poor Performance – Poor performance is one of the biggest complaints with solar powered water features. When people invest money into a water feature, they want it to be working properly and regularly. Because solar panels are still temperamental, the strength and overall operation of your water feature is highly inconsistent even on sunny days. This problem is only worsened during cloudy or winter days. Intermittent and overcast weather can affect the performance of your solar powered water feature. Even high end models won’t be able to maintain an adequate performance level on slightly cloudy days, making the expensive highlight piece of your garden inoperable more often than it’s working.
- Inoperable at Night – Because the pump exclusively runs off of a solar panel, without sunlight or an additional battery or power source, the feature won’t run at all during the night time.
- Weaker Water Flow – Compared to water features directly connected to your home’s power, solar powered water features have noticeably weaker water flows. If you want a fast moving, loud water feature, a solar powered unit may not have the strength you require.
Learn more about the pros and cons of solar pond pumps in our dedicated guide.
Are Solar Powered Water Features More Expensive?
Solar powered water features are much more expensive to install and set up, even if they are running off of renewable solar energy. For the amount of money you are spending on something you want to be running frequently, it’s often best to avoid solar powered models.
In terms of just purchasing and installing water features, solar powered ones are sometimes more expensive. However, how expensive they are is about more than just the initial cost.
If you are running a water feature every day that isn’t solar powered, there will be an electricity cost associated with this. Standard backyard water features aren’t as efficient, although they will be functional more often than they aren’t; unlike solar powered water features.
If you are looking purely at installation costs, solar powered water features are more expensive than standard electrical water features. Solar powered variants may be more cost effective over decades of use, at the cost of poorer performance and inconsistent operation.
Can I Install A Solar Powered Water Feature In My Garden?
Solar powered water features are best installed in the backyard with plenty of sunlight year-round. Shaded areas and courtyards are less suited to solar water features.
Solar powered water features come in a range of shapes, sizes and designs, meaning no matter what size garden you have, you’ll be able to find one that compliments your garden without being the focal point. Visiting your irrigation supplier will show you what you will need to install your new water feature, and how much it will cost.
However it’s important to note that a solar powered water feature may negatively affect the design of your garden. The solar panel will need to be placed in direct sunlight, which often means a solar panel will be in the middle of an otherwise clean lawn. Solar panels are unsightly for many, which in addition to overall performance, is why many people choose standard electrical water features.
Do Solar Powered Water Features Work In Winter?
Solar powered water features rarely work in winter. Solar powered water features barely work consistently in summer months, and the reduced sunlight in winter months is going to completely stop them, unless you run a secondary energy supply connected to your home electrical circuit.
It’s important to know that you shouldn’t run your solar powered water feature during the winter if the winters where you live are very cold. Freezing temperatures can damage the system and cause severe damage.
If the winter is incredibly cold, it’s often best to drain and cover your solar powered water feature during the winter months. However, if the winter isn’t overly cold, and your water feature is rated for performance in cold weather, you shouldn’t need to worry about running it during the winter.
If you are unsure about whether your water feature is safe to run during the winter, it never hurts to ask someone who knows. Sitting down with an irrigation specialist is the best way to find out if your model of water feature can run in the winter, and how to store it if it can’t.
Do Solar Powered Water Features Work In The Shade?
Solar powered water features require direct and constant sunlight to work properly. Even with direct sunlight, solar powered water features are inconsistent at best, so it’s inadvisable to install one in the shade.
Depending on the water feature design, it is actually possible for a water feature to work in the shade. Some solar powered water features can be connected to a detachable line attached to the solar panel. While the panel needs to be placed in an area with direct sunlight, the water feature, on the other hand, may be placed in a shaded location like under a tree or underneath a patio.
Detachable solar panels are another expensive addition however, and with the amount you will be spending on solar accessories, it’s often best to choose a reliable, electrical model for a water feature that can be run year round in any part of your back yard or garden.
How Long Do Solar Powered Water Features Last?
Most solar powered water features can last for up to four years even with consistent use. Ensuring the pump is properly cleaned and maintained is the best way to get the most life out of the system.
Some of the key things that affect the life of the a solar powered water feature includes:
Ambient temperature – The temperature in your area can affect the life of your water feature quite easily. Higher temperatures promote algae and bacteria growth that can cause decay in your system without a proper pond filter.
Direct sunlight on hot days can also damage pond lining and water feature hoses, making them more brittle and susceptible to damage.
Hours run – The longer you run your water feature, the more it will suffer from wear and tear. Prolonged usage can create leaks and even ruptures in your system due to worn pond fittings.
Damage – There are a number of ways a water feature can be damaged. Physical damage from collisions is one of the most common occurrences of water feature damage.
Algae growth and fine debris can also damage your system in a way that is much harder to detect. This type of damage is much more common in water features without a filtration system or one that isn’t regularly checked.
Maintenance – A lack of maintenance will quickly reduce the life of your water feature. Regular maintenance will help keep the system running smoothly and catch any damage, bacteria growth or water stagnation that would shorten the life of your water feature.
There are a range of pond treatment products on the market that can be suitable to remove algae, bacteria and other water feature problems.
Solar Powered Water Feature Alternatives
Standard electrical water features are an excellent alternative to solar powered water features, because they have lower upfront costs, work far more efficiently through the day and through the year and last longer than solar powered variants.
Although solar powered water features are an option for people looking for an entirely sustainable way to run a water feature, their low performance throughout the year and low amounts of run time during any given day often makes people look for alternative types of water features.
Below are some of the best alternatives to solar powered water features to add value and atmosphere to your backyard or garden:
Waterfalls – Waterfalls are one of the most iconic types of water features commonly found in backyards and gardens. Waterfall water features can be implemented in a variety of ways, from a natural looking fall flowing into a pond or stream, to a modern self standing waterfall.
Fountains – A fountain is one of the most iconic types of water feature found in all types of gardens. A fountain can be installed naturally, as part of an existing pond or body of water with a surface mounted fountain, built up with bricks and slabs to create a modern, striking feature piece.
Freestanding Water Features – Purchasing a ready-to-install water feature kit can be the easiest way to add a new water feature to your outdoor area.
When choosing a water feature pump, ensure it’s appropriately sized for your water feature. You’ll find that traditional non-solar pumps will give you more power at a lower price point.
Browse the best pond pumps in Australia at Hills Irrigation.
Related Questions
How Does A Gravity Water Fountain Work?
A gravity water fountain uses gravity to move water down to a collection point, while air pressure is built up within the system, that then pushes water through the fountain nozzle and then back out to draw into the collection point once more.
Where Can I Buy Water Features In New South Wales?
The best place to buy water features in New South Wales is Hills Irrigation. Hills Irrigation is one of Australia’s top names when it comes to irrigation and water feature supplies. Hills Irrigation also carries a wide selection of water features that are perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings.
If you’re unsure what kind of water feature is right for you, contact Hills Irrigation for some sound expert advice.
Vince is Managing Director of Hills Irrigation and is supported by Lisa in an administrative capacity. Andrew, Isaac and Megan look after the day to day needs of both online and shop customers. As Project Manager, Vince is also responsible for installation projects along with his team. It is his responsibility to work closely with clients to ensure that scope of work is understood and followed.
