A solar water fountain brings a refreshing look to any outdoor space for free. The World Bank is at the forefront of promoting solar water solutions for all and acknowledges that solar panel costs have dropped to 80%.
Like any other solar device, solar water fountains use energy from the sun. Each fountain has a solar panel that empowers it to capture the sunlight energy and use it to pump water through the nozzles. Sunlight energy is converted to solar energy and transmitted to the pump, which is used as the pump power that enables the sucking of water from the basin. The water is then released into a fountain.
According to UK Water Features, a leading online retailer in indoor and outdoor garden water features in the United Kingdom, the main advantages of solar water fountains over electrical water fountains are that they are safe to use, eco-friendly, have no running costs, and recent modifications have introduced fountains with rechargeable batteries that operate at night.
You should always consider the following when buying solar water fountains; the placement of the pump, the size of the pump, the water height sprayed, and the installation process.
We tested over fifty solar water fountains to get the best in the market. We tested for compatibility in different places, such as gardens, birdbaths, swimming pools, and ponds. We also checked the height, longevity, advantages, disadvantages, and efficiency. Below are the results of our tests.
Best for bird bath: AISITIN 2.5W Solar Fountain Pump
What we liked:
✓ It has different nozzles that produce different fountain shapes and patterns.
✓ Easy to install
✓ Has low maintenance
What we didn’t like:
✘ Affected by shadows or any cloudy weather.
This solar water fountain topped our list as the best design and size for a bird bath. You can add a scent to the water to attract birds when setting it up.
The fountain contains six different nozzles. Each nozzle forms a different spray pattern and shape. Also, the fountain has suction cups that hold it firm to prevent it from floating around in the birdbath. This makes it withstand the wind, making it suitable for swimming pools and ponds.
During testing, we had to pour enough water into the basin to prevent it from running out and clean the fountain every two days to prevent regular blockages of the nozzles. While this might be tasking, it is necessary for the proper functioning of this solar water fountain.
On the downside, this fountain does not work under shade or cloudy weather. Also, it does not come with a battery and does not work at night.
Best for Night Fountain: Yzert solar fountain full glass panel
What we liked:
✓ It has a 2200mh built-in battery
✓ It has power-off protection when water runs out
✓ You can change the spray head
What we didn’t like:
✘ Not firm in the water
The best thing about this solar fountain is that it has an in-built, 2200mh battery that stores energy. This makes it perfect for cloudy days and night use.
Without direct sunlight, the fountain runs for a decent amount of time. When we tested it, it ran for four hours when the battery was charged fully.
It is multi-application and can be used for oxygen-circulating water, bird baths, swimming pool, and fish ponds. Moreover, the fountain has safe power-off protection. It auto-shuts when the water runs out in the basin to prevent it from breaking.
It has six different nozzles that provide different jet heights and shapes. You can adjust the heights when the fountain spills water out of the basin. You can also change the spray head to reduce the pressure of the water. However, the fountain does not have suction cups to hold it firm.
Best for LED lighting: ALUKIKI Solar Fountain
What we like:
✓ It has 8 colorful LED lights.
✓ The glass panel is easy to clean
✓ It works at night
What we didn’t like:
✘ It does not work on cloudy days
The fountain has been designed to contain 8 different color LED lights. The LED light will auto-light at night, making the view beautiful. During the day, the fountain has a clear, colorless water view which is also beautiful.
Since it’s made of glass, the fountain is easy to clean and does not rust. Also, the height of the water fountain can change between 12-20 inches.
Another feature that impressed us is the fountain has anti-clog and water shortage protection. When the water runs out in the basin, the fountain automatically shuts to prevent it from sucking air that can block the pumps. Also, the fountain shuts down whenever there is a nozzle blockage.
The downside of the Alukiki solar water fountain is that it does not work on cloudy days. However, it works at night due to its in-built battery.
Best for Low Budget: Mademax Solar Fountain
What we like:
✓ It is easy to use
✓ It automatically starts working when the sun comes out
✓ One can make it still or move it around for fun decoration.
What we didn’t like:
✘ It does not work with minimal or no sun.
This fountain is one of the cheapest and highest-rated solar fountains on Amazon. Despite its low price, this fountain offers impressive features. It has 4 nozzles that enable you to choose different spray patterns and shapes.
It is also easy to install and use. After setting it up, it only takes three seconds for the fountain to start running. The size is compatible with a swimming pool, fish tank, small ponds, water circulation for oxygen, and garden decoration.
One impressive thing about the fountain is that it is designed to move circularly while in a birdbath or swimming pool. It also has a retainer that you can use to prevent it from moving.
When using this fountain, we discovered that it automatically starts when there is sunlight and shuts down when there is no sunlight. This means that it does not come with a battery.
Best for alternative charging: LEDGLE Solar Fountain
What we like:
✓ It has a USB port used for charging
✓ Easy to use
✓ Works automatically
What we didn’t like:
✘ It is a very small
This solar water fountain has a USB port that can charge it at night and when the weather is cloudy. During testing, we were impressed when it started running after charging with a power bank at night.
It has 7 nozzles that form different shapes and patterns for the water fountain. It also automatically starts when the sun rises, but you must plug in a charging device at night for it to work.
It is also easy to use and install. After setting it up, it only takes three seconds for the fountain to start working. It has three wires that can be wall-mounted or ground-mounted when installed.
Its size is compatible with a swimming pool, fish tank, small ponds, water circulation for oxygen, and garden decoration. However, it is very small and may not be visible far away.
Best for Dusty Areas: SZMP Solar Fountain Upgraded 100% Glass Panel
What we liked:
✓ Has filter sponge to block dust
✓ Has LED lights
✓ It works automatically
What we didn’t like:
✘ The water height sprayed is not adjustable
This solar water fountain has an upgraded filter sponge in the pump. This filter sponge reduces the blockage of the pump and nozzles by filtering any dust that may accumulate in them. The best thing is that the fountain comes with 3 backup filter sponges for the user to replace after some time.
The fountain is equipped with 6 LED lights to make it colorful during the night. It has a battery to store energy that can be used for a maximum of four hours at night. The fountain works automatically and shuts down when there is no water in the basin.
We noted that when the density of sunlight increased, the water height sprayed went up to 60 cm. however, the height cannot be adjusted, and the water may get spilled.
What to look for In a Solar Water Fountain
Longevity
When buying, choose a solar fountain that works throughout the day and can store energy to work at night for 6-8 hours.
Delays
The maximum time taken when you turn on the solar fountain should be less than 5 seconds.
Water height
The height to which the water is sprayed should be adjustable to the user’s satisfaction.
Water pump
The water pump should be strong enough to pump water to a height of 50-60 cm.
Material
Most people prefer using a glass solar water fountain since it is easier to clean than a plastic one.
Product dimensions
The product dimensions should align with where you intend to place the fountain. If you have a large garden, it will make sense to go for a large fountain.
FAQs Section
Will solar water fountains work at night?
Yes, some solar fountains are designed to work at night by storing sunlight energy in a built-in battery. However, most solar water fountains do not work at night.
Do solar water fountains need electricity?
No, they do not need electricity since they work by converting sunlight to power energy.
Do solar water fountain work when the sun is out?
It depends on the type of solar fountain you have. Some have a built-in battery that can store energy used when there is no sunlight, while some are made for use under direct sunlight.
What is the best wattage for a solar water fountain?
It should have at least 2.5W.
Do solar water fountain work during winter?
Most fountains do not work during winter since there is limited sunlight, and water will freeze. It is recommendable not to use the fountains during winter since they may damage when the water is frozen.
How much sun does a solar water fountain need?
The solar water fountain should receive direct sunlight for around 6-8 hours for effective operation. If it has a built-in battery, it should receive direct sunlight for 8-10 hours to work up to 6 hours at night.
Do solar water fountain work in a shady place?
It will depend on the type of solar fountain you have. Some have a built-in battery that can store energy used when shade covers the fountain solar panel while some are only designed to be used under direct sunlight.