Do you feel as though something is missing from your front or backyard? Is an outdoor water fountain one of the contenders for filling in that missing piece?
Nowadays, there are two popular options for fountain water features available: solar and electric. Deciding between these two backyard fountains can be tricky, and while they both offer unique advantages, it’s important to consider their differences in cost, installation, and maintenance before committing to either choice.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at solar versus electric garden fountains and provide insight into what might fit best into your landscape design vision.
Solar vs Electric Garden Fountains
Performance
Solar Power Performance
Solar-powered garden fountains are a popular choice because they provide an eco-friendly option that requires no wiring or installation work. As long as they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, solar fountains can run without any problem.
Unfortunately, solar power also has its downsides. For instance, if the sun isn’t shining brightly enough, then the fountain may not operate at full capacity or may not even turn on at all. This can be a real issue during cloudy days or in areas with less consistent sunlight throughout the year.
Electric Power Performance
Electric-powered garden fountains are powered by either an outlet or battery pack and require more setup than their solar counterparts. This means that you will need to do some wiring work since most electric fountains require access to an electrical outlet near the fountain itself for power.
While this does mean more effort upfront, electric fountains don’t rely on good weather conditions in order to function properly as solar models do. This can be a major plus in areas with unpredictable weather patterns or fewer sunny days throughout the year.
Price
Price of Solar Fountains
Solar fountains come in a wide range of sizes and styles, so prices can vary significantly. However, they tend to be more affordable than electric options, with most models falling within the $40 to $4,200 range.
The price largely depends on the size, complexity of design, and materials used in construction. Smaller tabletop models can cost as little as $40, while larger outdoor freestanding models may run up to $4,200 or more.
Solar garden fountains also require less maintenance than their electric counterparts due to their self-contained power supply.
In the long run, operating a solar-powered fountain will be more affordable due to its lack of energy costs associated with running it since it utilizes natural sunlight rather than electricity.
Price of Electric Fountains
Electric fountain pumps generally cost more than their solar-powered counterparts. Prices range from $50 to $70,000 and higher depending on customization, material, and other factors.
Electrical pumps require frequent maintenance, such as filter cleaning or replacement, which can add up over time if not taken care of regularly.
The initial cost of electric-powered fountains is generally higher than the initial cost of solar-powered ones.
Where Their Power Comes From
Solar Garden Fountains
A solar garden fountain utilizes energy from the sun to power its operation. It does this by using photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity during the day. They can also have batteries that store electricity for use at night.
This type of fountain is great for people who want an eco-friendly way to power their garden feature without having to worry about electricity bills. However, it is important to note that these types of fountains are not as powerful as electric ones, so they may not be suitable if you are looking for a large cascading water display.
Electric Garden Fountains
Electric garden fountains run on grid electricity and draw power directly from an electrical outlet. They are typically more powerful than solar models and can accommodate larger water displays and higher water pressure.
That being said, they do come with some drawbacks—namely that they produce higher levels of noise than solar-powered fountains due to the motor running in order to pump the water. They can also increase your monthly electricity bill depending on how often you use them.
Environmental Friendliness
Solar-Powered Fountains
Solar-powered fountains are powered by natural light and require no plugging in or other power sources. This makes them a great choice if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option that won’t add to your electricity bill.
They can also be placed anywhere in your yard as long as they have exposure to direct sunlight. That said, solar-powered fountains don’t always provide enough power to run larger fountain pumps.
Electric Fountains
Electric fountains get their power from an electrical outlet, which makes them more powerful than their solar counterparts. However, their reliance on electricity does mean that they aren’t quite as environmentally friendly as solar-powered models.
The good news is that many electric fountain designs now feature LED lights that use less energy and generate fewer emissions than traditional bulbs, making them more eco-friendly than ever before.
Additionally, depending on the size of your fountain pump and how much time it runs each day, you may not see a huge uptick in your electricity bill from using an electric fountain in your yard.
Main Advantages Of Solar And Electric Outdoor Fountains
Solar Power Benefits
The biggest advantage of solar-powered fountains is that they don’t need any wiring or electrical outlets to run. All you have to do is place them in an area where they will be exposed to direct sunlight, then let the sun do its job!
In addition, solar fountains are typically less expensive than electric models due to their lack of wiring requirements.
They also tend to be easier to install and maintain than their electric counterparts.
Lastly, if you’re looking for something eco-friendly, solar power is the way to go!
Electric Power Benefits
If you’d like a larger fountain with higher water pressure, an electric model might be right for you since it can handle larger pumps more easily.
Electric fountains offer more options in terms of design since they come in many shapes, sizes, and materials.
Plus, they often come with LED lights that can create a beautiful display at night – perfect for outdoor entertaining!
While electric fountains require additional maintenance due to their wiring requirements and electricity consumption, they can still save money over time if you purchase one with an energy-efficient motor.
*Some of these pros and cons can be affected depending on if you choose a concrete vs metal garden fountain.
Solar vs Electric Fountains For Garden Ponds
Solar Garden Pond Fountains
Solar-powered garden pond fountains offer several advantages over electric ones, including low cost and minimal maintenance requirements since they do not require any wiring or connections to an electrical outlet.
In addition, they are eco-friendly because they do not produce any emissions while operating. However, their performance can be affected by weather conditions such as cloudy days or heavy rainstorms.
Electric Garden Pond Fountains
Electric garden pond fountains are powered by electricity from an outlet. They are often connected to pumps located within the pond itself, which can provide greater control over the flow of water in order to create interesting effects like bubbling streams or cascading waterfalls.
The advantage of using an electric fountain is that you have greater control over the flow of water. You can use this to create some truly breathtaking displays.
However, electric fountains require more maintenance and cost significantly more than solar-powered options.
Which Outdoor Fountain For Gardens Is Best?
When deciding between an electric garden fountain and a solar garden fountain for your outdoor space, there are several key factors to consider.
First, it is important to evaluate your power needs. Solar-powered fountains are typically less powerful than electric models, so if you have a lot of water action in mind, or need a larger pump, then an electric fountain may be the best choice.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more eco-friendly option and don’t need a lot of power, then a solar-powered fountain might be a better choice.
Additionally, it is important to consider your budget when selecting a garden fountain, as electric models tend to cost significantly more than solar-powered models.
No matter which fountain type you choose, be sure to research the product thoroughly and consider all of your options before making a purchase.
Let Premier Ponds Help You Beautify Your Space With A Fountain Installation
Garden fountains come in all shapes and sizes, with a range of electric and solar-powered features to choose from. Do you prefer the convenience of an electric model? Or are you more of an eco-friendly person who prefers Solar power?
Whichever type of fountain you decide is the right one for your patio, outdoor living space, or water features, let Premier Ponds help you bring it to life. Our team knows just how to find the perfect model and install it, so your space looks beautifully adorned with a calm and peaceful feature.
If you’d like to discuss your fountain plans, we’re here to help! Contact us today by filling out our contact form or giving us a call, so we can talk about the vision you have for your space.