For many homeowners, the yard near the house is a space for implementing interesting landscape ideas. Some of them involve the installation of swimming pools, garden fountains, and other water structures. These designs are a stylish addition to the exterior design. However, it is worth considering that each of them is an additional consumer of electricity. This fact forces the owners to look for ways to reduce the cost of powering these structures.
One of the most effective solutions for this is special solar systems that are integrated into the construction of water bodies. Many variations of such structures can be found on sale. They have different sizes, appearance, and structure. Thanks to this, they can become a harmonious addition to almost any design project. However, solar-powered waterfalls and other similar technologies have several features. We suggest you familiarize yourself with them and understand why the demand for systems is constantly growing.
Source: Electronicsforu.com
What Is the Principle of Operation of Water Structures on Solar Batteries?
At the current stage of development of the power system, solar energy is a valuable source that is superior to traditional resources in many aspects. This fact, as well as the gradual decrease in the cost of solar systems, contributes to a significant increase in the share of clean electricity in the total volume of production. This is stated in the SEIA report. The organization managed to find out that in 2023 it reached 5% in the US. For comparison, in 2010 this figure was only 0.1%.
It is not surprising that solar technologies began to penetrate all spheres of life. In particular, functional solutions for use in landscape design appeared on the market. Water structures with integrated solar cells are examples of such objects. The technologies that ensure their work are presented in a wide range. To familiarize yourself with the available varieties, it is enough to search for “solar companies near me” and view the offered solutions.
The operation of each of these units is ensured by the functioning of the water pump. It creates direct streams of water that circulate inside the buildings and create a good visual effect. Solar panels are used to power this element with electricity. Their power is enough to maintain the uninterrupted operation of water bodies. In addition, the pumps used in Solar Power for Fountains are often equipped with batteries. This allows you to have a certain reserve in case of cloudy and rainy days.
What Kinds of Solar-Powered Water Features Are There?
Many different designs are available to owners who decide to choose a solar outdoor water feature to beautify their site. Here are some of the most popular of them:
- Solar fountains: An interesting solution for those who have a small space or garden with access to a natural reservoir or pond. In the construction project of such a structure, you can add technology that allows you to integrate special solar panels to power the system.
- Solar garden waterfall: The idea can be implemented in several ways. For example, you can create an autonomous water body with a solar pump or build a natural waterfall using solar power.
- Separate solar water features: You can also create an extremely stylish landscape project by placing a ready-made kit. It includes a structure of a certain shape, a water pump, solar panels, and necessary equipment.
When choosing among the presented solutions, it is worth considering not only the appearance but also several other characteristics. Among them, one can highlight the features of the site (including its size), proximity to natural water bodies, the allocated budget, and several other factors.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Solar Water Feature?
Exterior design projects that involve the use of solar technologies are quite popular among homeowners. The high demand is due to several advantages that can be obtained in the process of using the systems.
Ease of Installation
A solar-powered water feature is powered by photovoltaic systems located near it. To set up the system, you must first set up the structure and then connect the elements to the solar power source. Special cables are used for this. However, they are not as long as in the case of connecting to a public network. They are almost invisible, so they do not spoil the decor of the garden.
A Higher Level of Security
The placement of cables inside the solar-powered water feature makes it safer than conventional structures powered by the general power system. The owner does not need to worry that in the case of a failure, the lines will short out and catch fire. In addition, hidden cables do not pose a danger to pets running around the garden.
Easy and Inexpensive Maintenance
Solar panels that power water structures do not require frequent maintenance. To maintain the required level of efficiency, it is enough only to clean the surface of dirt and dust when necessary. Only the water pump needs more frequent intervention. However, the process usually does not take much time.
Reducing the Impact on the Environment
Solar-powered water features are ecological installations. This means that in the process of functioning, they do not create harmful substances that pollute the environment. The structures are powered by clean renewable energy, making them an excellent alternative to standard water structures.
Saving Money
The financial benefit of using solar-powered water features is manifested immediately in 3 aspects. These include low operating costs, minimal maintenance costs, and savings on electricity bills. The first is that solar panels are sustainable structures that can be operated permanently without the need to invest in improvements.
The second benefit is because solar panel designs usually contain a minimum number of moving elements. That is why, during the operation of the systems, failures occur less often, as a result of which there is a need to replace components. Another important advantage is saving on utility bills. In the case of connecting water facilities to the general power grid, you need to pay monthly for the volumes provided. If the objects are connected to solar panels, they get free power.
How Long Do Solar-Powered Water Feature Work?
Before placing structures in their garden or yard, buyers are often interested in the period of operation. After all, it can become one of the factors that influence the final decision. Manufacturers of solar technologies for water bodies note that they can serve for 4 years or more.
The duration of the period can be affected by weather conditions, prevailing temperatures in the environment, location, number of hours of continuous operation, periodicity of element cleaning, as well as the influence of various external factors. To extend the period of operation, it is necessary to clean the structures of small debris and algae from time to time, as well as to check the condition of the components. Sometimes it is necessary to turn off the system for some time to slow down the natural wear of the elements.
Final Thought
Decorating the garden or other areas near the house with the use of water structures may seem like an expensive solution due to a large amount of electricity consumption. However, this problem can be easily solved by installing ecological water bodies on solar batteries. They have an autonomous power source that does not affect the environment, allows you to save money, and also ensures the smooth functioning of the decorative structure.
