Solar Bird Baths - Quick and Easy Answers
Posted: Tuesday, January 29, 2008
by Susan Schlenger
Susan Schlenger Landscape Design
Solar bird baths are becoming very popular. We all keep hearing about solar energy as an alternative energy source. But what does it do, how exactly does it work, and what are the advantages of using it?
What Does Solar Energy Do?
Solar energy works like any other form of energy. It provides power so that a device does not have to use electricity or batteries. It can do this for many types of things, from bird baths to electricity for your home to windmills.
Basically, there is an object called a solar panel. The exact science of how it works has to do with chemistry, but to simplify things, this panel captures the sun's rays, which in turn provides the energy needed to operate the pump in the bird bath. The panel normally resides inside the bird bath bowl and connects to the pump, which is kept in the reservoir.
What Are The Advantages of Having a Solar Powered Bird Bath?
- There are quite a few Pros for using this type of power.
- You will save on your energy bills, as no electricity is being used.
- It is good for the environment as an energy conservation measure.
- No electrical outlet is needed.
- Because no electrical wire is needed, the bird bath can generally be placed anywhere in your yard.
- Depending on the type you buy, they can be very reasonably priced.
- The setup is easy.
- Just place in sunlight and fill with water. What could be easier?
Are There Any Disadvantages?
Since the solar panel receives its power from the sun, the bird bath must be placed in a sunny area.On cloudy days, no power will be received to operate the pump. The same is true, for example, with solar lighting.Most manufacturers recommend removing the solar panel in the winter.
As time goes on, more and more of these garden water features become available, so that the selection is quite large. Some are simple, such as those on a pedestal, while others are more intricate. Except for the problem of cloudy days, there really is no reason why you shouldn't try one.
Susan Schlenger is a Landscape Designer. Please visit her website to learn more about Solar Bird Baths. You may also enjoy reading all about Bird Bath Fountains.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Susan, There are so many ways we could use solar power to make our lives easier. I live in Scottsdale, AZ and very little of that beautiful sun is used for heating purposes. What a waste of energy resources. Thanks for your article.
James, Thanks for your comment. I agree and this type of energy is so easy to use. The Pros certainly outweigh the Cons. Susan
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