A solar water garden is a feature that is aimed at improving the garden’s appearance. The erected water facility can either be used for plants or fish rearing. The solar-powered garden features are a plus in decreasing electricity use and increasing gas conservation. The solar water garden uses photovoltaic cells that have twelve to twenty four voltage outputs that power the motor pump, rather than wiring power from the main premises, which could be a risk.
The first tip on creating a solar water garden is to decide on the size. The size of the water garden is dependent on the area available, and the function that is desired for the garden. After deciding on the size, analyze the location. The ideal location for the solar fountain is in a place that is not near trees, or shaded areas, to avoid littering of the water, as well as away from service infrastructures such as power cables and water delivery layouts. The solar-powered garden features should be positioned so that it has sunlight exposure for at least five hours everyday.
Another important tip in creating a solar water garden is to acquire the right photovoltaic cells. The size of the photovoltaic cells panel is determined by the wattage of the solar pump required, whose output specifications are predetermined by the size of the water garden. The size of the solar panel is also dictated by the type of solar water garden desired; flowing or stagnant water. If the water is to be kept flowing, more power is needed to keep pumping it in or out, while stagnant water gardening will require less power because the water pumping is periodical.
If the water has to be kept running throughout the night, a backup power battery must be acquired. The battery should be able to accommodate the power generated, and needed, by the photovoltaic cells panel and the solar pump respectively. To avoid damaging the battery due to overcharge or overload, a charge controller must be also be installed. The solar panel and the battery must be close to each other, but at a considerable distance from the water. This is to reduce the loss of charge due to distance since the current weakens, or is wasted, because of the resistance over long distances.
Lastly, the safety of people servicing the solar water garden, and the organisms in it, must be ensured. The solar pump could either be submerged in water or placed in a dry place. In both cases, the pump and its wiring must be insulated to avoid power leakages that could be dangerous to the solar pump due to short circuiting it, and shocking people and animals in it. To achieve this, use insulation materials to deter power leaks from coming into contact with the water.
