Your home is your sanctuary. It’s the one place where you are allowed to put away all your worries and simply let go. And, that place should scream of comfort, beauty, and peace.
Turning the garden into your oasis is perhaps the best way to bring life to your home. A solar water feature can brighten your life and your house oh-so-subtly!
So, if you are on the lookout for the best solar water feature, your gruelling search comes to an end here.
Let’s walk you through the top ten solar water features and help you make a decision!
Read on for our expert reviews of the best solar water features available. Check the latest prices to ensure you get a great deal!
Contents
- 1 Our Top Picks
- 2 10 Best Solar Water Features
- 2.1 1. MP Essential Solar Powered 4 Tier Terracotta Cascade Water Fountain Feature
- 2.2 2. GardenKraft Cascading Water Fountain with Solar Light
- 2.3 3. Smart Garden Duck Family Umbrella Solar Water Feature Fountain
- 2.4 4. Smart Solar Ornamental Umbrella Fountain Water Feature
- 2.5 5. AMUR Solar Water Feature Stream
- 2.6 6. Primrose Charming Mini Fairy on Clamshell Solar Feature Fountain
- 2.7 7. Blumfeldt Schönbrunn Sphere Fountain
- 2.8 8. Water Mill Solar Water Feature
- 2.9 9. 2 Tier Barrel Solar Powered Water Feature
- 2.10 10. Smart Garden Solar Kingsbury 3 Tier Garden Water Feature Fountain Bird Bath
- 3 Solar Water Feature Buying Guide
- 3.1 Key Takeaways
- 3.2 What is a Solar Water Feature?
- 3.3 Why is a Solar Water Feature Better than a Main Powered Feature?
- 3.4 Do Solar Water Feature Run in Unpredictable Weathers?
- 3.5 Which Spot is Perfect for a Solar Water Feature?
- 3.6 How to Install the Solar Powered Water Feature?
- 3.7 Does a Solar Water Feature Cost a Lot?
- 3.8 Factors to Consider Before Buying a Solar Water Feature
- 3.9 Our Expertise in Products
- 3.10 Wrapping Up
Our Top Picks
Image | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| MP Essential Solar Powered 4 Tier Terracotta Cascade Water Fountain Feature | |
| GardenKraft Cascading Water Fountain with Solar Light | |
| Smart Garden Duck Family Umbrella Solar Water Feature Fountain | |
| Smart Solar Ornamental Umbrella Fountain Water Feature | |
| AMUR Solar Water Feature Stream | |
| Primrose Charming Mini Fairy on Clamshell Solar Feature Fountain | |
| Blumfeldt Schönbrunn Sphere Fountain | |
| Water Mill Solar Water Feature | |
| 2 Tier Barrel Solar Powered Water Feature | |
| Smart Garden Solar Kingsbury 3 Tier Garden Water Feature Fountain Bird Bath |
10 Best Solar Water Features
1. MP Essential Solar Powered 4 Tier Terracotta Cascade Water Fountain Feature
Who doesn’t like to sit near a cascading water fountain and ponder deeply like a Greek philosopher? This beautiful terracotta water feature will be the best add-on to your garden, amplifying its chill vibe! But its visual appeal isn’t the only solid thing about it.
Features
Easy Installation
What makes any piece of equipment great is its ease of setting up. This solar-powered terracotta water feature does not take too much of your energy and patience. There is no complicated set-up process, effortless to assemble since it comes with every necessary accessory!
Battery Backup
The water feature comes with a powerful, long-lasting battery. Even when the sun goes down, the water feature works relentlessly for at least 5 whole hours. So, evenings in the garden will be gorgeous as ever!
No Annoying Noise
Pumps can usually create distracting noises, but not in this water feature! The pump works quietly, and the only thing you’ll hear is the calming, flowing water.
Long Cable Wire
The water feature comes with a 2W solar panel and a 5m cable wire. The long wire provides flexibility to position the panel however you prefer. So, move it as much as you like throughout the day to receive maximum solar power!
Pros:
- The water feature is attractive enough for the birds to use as a bird-bath!
- Blends in with the potted plants in the garden
- Works well on both ponds and patios
- Instant pump action
- Simple enough to clean
Cons:
- Gets a little green under the bright sun
2. GardenKraft Cascading Water Fountain with Solar Light
The water feature is merely 90 cm tall, but its part wooden, part metal look, and add-on trinkets will catch your fancy. The pump is high-pressured, the LED lights are alluring – the water feature will enchant the nearby wildlife, too! But that’s not all.
Features
Decorative Additions
The water fountain boasts a unique design with its 4 lotus leaves, a coy fish and a rotating wheel that turns around the water with little splashes. It will fit right in with the snug environment of your garden.
Solar Light
The lamp-post automatically lights up during the dusk hours. This LED light is solar-powered, so a double thumbs-up to eco conservations goals!
Additionally, the light makes the water fountain glow – eye appeasing all the way!
Highly-durable
The street light is made of iron, and the rest of the body is made of waterproof, ultra-durable plastic. So, come what may, rain or shine, the water feature will stand the test of time!
Self-Contained Water Pump
The high-pressured pump allows the water fountain to have a gentle and recurrent water flow. Soothing all the way!
Pros:
- Offers four water flowing points
- Solar LED light makes the thing run even after daylight is gone
- Comes with a 2.5m cable but mostly runs on natural light
- Weather-resistant
- Starts up in no time thanks to the pump built in the barrel, although you can also use a solar pump if you want
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Does not come with a battery; hence the cable wire might seem restrictive
- It might require you to fiddle around to assemble the water feature
3. Smart Garden Duck Family Umbrella Solar Water Feature Fountain
If you are looking far and wide for something cute, well then, there’s nothing more adorable than happy ducks with an umbrella. Right? And, the duck family comes with an in-built solar technology!
But there are more joyous features to this water feature.
Features
Seamless to Install
This beauty is so simple to install; there are no wires and no batteries. The solar water fountain runs its tech all via its base. So just set the ducks under direct sunlight and watch the water sprout from the umbrella!
Recycles Water
Go a step ahead in your environment-friendly movement as this water feature recycles the water over and over. So, there are no running costs and no high maintenance required. Simply pour some water when it’s needed.
Perfect for Small Gardens
The water feature is designed so brilliantly that it’ll attract the birds, inviting them for a happy bird-bath. It fits particularly well in small gardens. The ducks and the umbrella perfectly play their part in looking homely!
Pros:
- Efficient and does not run out of water
- No complicated set-up or installation procedures to follow
- Moderately priced, but the water feature is well-built
Cons:
- A little heavy to carry
4. Smart Solar Ornamental Umbrella Fountain Water Feature
If you have got a traditional looking garden and yearn for a classic stone ornament to beautify it further – this water feature is your answer! But besides that, it’s convenient in its functioning too! Let’s see what more it offers.
Features
Lightweight
The water feature is made of resin, which brings down your maintenance cost by a considerable notch. Additionally, the fountain weighs about 9.6 kgs and has no confusing cords. So, it’s painless to move around, unlike a natural stone fountain.
Sweet Looks
It’s not for everyone. But, it is an excellent feature for anyone who desires something more traditional, old-school looking. Unlike minimalistic and modern elements, this one comes with a boy-girl, a dog and an umbrella over which the water trickles down peacefully.
Self-contained Solar Panels
You don’t have to worry about trailing cable wires or attaching the solar panels. The solar panels are essentially incorporated within the water feature itself. So, you can move it around with utter ease, too!
Top up Water
It recycles water over and over, so a big win for eco-conservation. You can simple top-up more water on the feature when it’s required.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble, takes no more than 10 minutes
- Doesn’t require too much effort to clean
- No operative costs and come with a low-powered pump installed
- Value for money
Cons:
- Does not work on cloudy days or through the night since there is no battery
5. AMUR Solar Water Feature Stream
The AMUR solar water feature stream is ready to be used on sunny days. It comes with three solid shells – heavy, robust and weatherproof! When the waterfalls from these shells, you will feel a wave of calmness wash over you – such ecstasy!
Features
3-Piece Water System
The water feature comes with three bowls or shells. The topmost shell comes with a pump connection followed by two grand bowls. You are free to assemble the bowls however you prefer, which can easily accommodate in any given space.
Free Positioning
The water feature comes with a 2m long supply cable, a 5m long pump cable and a 1.5 LED cable. So, you can place this entire system and its specific components anywhere in the garden.
Changing LED Lights
Adore the bold and beautiful RGB lights? This water feature will stay illuminated with 4 of these LED lights and offers a smooth colour transition! So, marvel at them all evening long!
Strong Build
The shells of this water feature are such high-quality and tough that they can easily endure weather changes like a champion!
Doesn’t Sink in the Ground
Another reason this water feature is excellent is because of its simplicity to fiddle with it until you are happy with its position. The shells do not sink into the ground and, thus, are not gruelling to move around.
Pros:
- Not a closed-loop system, so you can set it according to your wishes
- An efficient pump of 3.6 watt
- Made of polyresin, but gives the realistic look of stones
- Ready for immediate use
- Can switch from solar power to primary connection depending on the sunlight
Cons:
- A little costly
6. Primrose Charming Mini Fairy on Clamshell Solar Feature Fountain
This Primrose charming mini fairy on a clamshell solar water feature might remind you of Tinkerbell. Or, well, any fairy for that matter. It looks delicate and lovely and will significantly add to the tranquil atmosphere of your garden.
Plus, who doesn’t like a fairy safeguarding them, right?
Features
High-Quality Material
This feature is crafted with high-quality polyresin. It’s frost-resistant as well as UV-resistant. Truly, this fairy will magically weather the worst of the storms! Additionally, the feature is durable and lightweight. Overall, it will last for a long time!
Illuminating Lights
The feature comes with low voltage LED lights. So, when the sun goes down, fret not; the fairy on the clamshell will not sit in darkness. The lovely LED lights will add to the relaxed vibe of the water feature.
No Constraints
The water feature is self-contained. Say goodbye to the trailing wires. You need not worry about hiding them expertly. Plus, moving this beauty around will not be cumbersome, either.
Smart Activation
What sets this water feature apart from the rest is that the solar panel comes with an in-built memory system.
Choose the time of the day and the specific number of hours that you want the feature to come to life – and it will! There are buttons behind the unit to guide you into doing that efficiently.
If the clouds hideaway light, well, then the LED lights will automatically switch on too! No end to this enchantment whatsoever!
Pros:
- The water feature comes with a Li-ion battery backup
- It requires no additional reservoirs
- Daily automatic activation
Cons:
- Requires a little extra fiddling to set it up perfectly
- Mini in size
7. Blumfeldt Schönbrunn Sphere Fountain
This water feature is the true definition of sophistication. The all-black body is truly soothing to the eyes. And unlike most other solar powered water features, you can use this modern-looking Blumfeldt sphere fountain both inside and outside!
Features
Versatile
To begin with, this is one of the rare water fountains that can be placed both indoors and outdoors.
When it’s summery and sunny, install it outside. And when it’s cold winters, bring it inside your house, and it will continue to run in the conservatory! Isn’t that fascinating?
Ease of Moving Around
The water feature is self-contained, so there are no outside wires and cables to deal with. The base of its unit holds the reservoir. Moreover, the fountain merely weighs 8.8 kg. All of this makes this water feature effortless to shift as per your liking!
Tall and Proud
The water feature boasts a height of 72 cm. The water spouts out of the top of the sphere and then gently flows down to the base.
You can use this fountain as the sole centrepiece as it will certainly catch everyone’s attention. Or, it can act as a more understated addition to your big garden!
Separate Solar Panel
The solar panel is distinct from the central unit of the feature. So, you can place it wherever you might receive an optimum level of sunlight. The solar panel charge the batteries, too.
Pros:
- LED lights turn on during battery mode or when the solar panel receives no sunshine
- You can manually turn the light on or choose the automatic feature
- The water doesn’t violently splash out of the fountain
- Can work up to 8 hours on battery
- Modern design
- Sturdy structure, won’t be impacted by windy or cold weathers
Cons:
- Quite expensive
8. Water Mill Solar Water Feature
Bring the miniature water mill to your lovely, little garden. Despite measuring only 51x50x51 cm, the water feature will create a solid impact thanks to the many decorative details. Plus, it’s big enough to give off relaxing, water-splashing sounds.
Oh, and the resin body will look quite similar to clay or stone!
Features
Separate Solar Panel
Unlike most other water features, this one does not come with an in-built solar panel. It comes with a 3m long cable to position the solar panel to receive optimum sunlight freely. Although, the panel has to be kept in the vicinity of the fountain only.
Requires Soft Ground
This solar water feature won’t hold its ground if kept on a patio. Luckily, it will blend in well with the rockeries or gravel beds with its cute design. So, allow this feature to drive its stake in the soft surface of a flowerbed, as opposed to any hard ground.
Two Solar Panels
Besides the one you need to set up, there is another solar panel attached to the house’s roof. It charges the little lights inside the house, which will come on if you turn on the switch. The entire house will come aglow!
Can be used as a Light Source
Its design is unique. It creates a pleasing sound. What’s better is that it can act as the mini source of light in your garden, too! The light that shines from inside the little windows will create a breathtaking spirit around the place.
Pros:
- Weather-resistant
- Low maintenance and will not be easily damaged
- Very easy to install
- Recycles water constantly from the hidden reservoir, so no running costs!
Cons:
- Does not look like a regular bird-bath so it may not attract the wildlife
9. 2 Tier Barrel Solar Powered Water Feature
What makes this traditional barrel solar water feature even better is how it lights up at night, thus adding ambience to your garden! But that’s just one aspect of it. Let’s see what other features make this product an excellent fit for your home.
Features
Powerful Battery
The solar water feature comes with a battery that stores enough power throughout the day. So, when the sun goes down, the fountain and the LED lights will work just as well as ever! The fountain can run for about 4 hours into the dusk.
Made of Plastic
Although the solar water feature is crafted from heavy-duty plastic, the end product holds a very rustic finish. So, it looks incredibly stylish as the centrepiece of the garden. Plus, it’s 61 cm tall, so it will catch your eye very quickly.
Quirky Design
It does have a classic look. The handpump on the top sprouts water that flows down to the barrel and then to an enormous container. The cascading water and the gentle flowing sounds are well worth the money you spend on it.
LED Lights
The water feature comes with 4 attached LED lights sitting on the bottom bowl of the fountain. You can turn it on with a switch, and it will illuminate the water fountain brilliantly.
Pros:
- Easy to move around since it doesn’t need electricity access
- 3W solar panel and an in-built battery backup
- Low maintenance
- Lights up at night
- Makes for a stunning focal point for your garden
Cons:
- Instructions to assemble can be a little odd to understand
10. Smart Garden Solar Kingsbury 3 Tier Garden Water Feature Fountain Bird Bath
If you desire a traditional design of an older water fountain, then this is an excellent model! It’s easy to install, and the three tiers make it exquisite to look at. But that’s not the only reason to get this water feature!
Features
Easy to Set-Up
You do not have to fiddle around with any overly complicated pump or long wires, thanks to the solar panels. So, it’s pretty simple to put together and goes up and running in no time!
Stone Finish
It’s made of resin, but the product has a very sophisticated stone finish, so it looks heavy and elegant. Although it’s crafted out of resin, so it’s very lightweight!
Comes with Two Modes
When receiving bright sunlight, the solar water feature will run fine due to the solar panels. But if it’s cloudy, there is a battery more. The internal battery stores energy that it attains from the solar panel, too.
Easy to Clean
The water in the fountain will need a regular change and re-fill, but the overall model is generally easy to clean.
Attracts Wildlife
Since this has got an old-timey, antique look, it attracts the birds easily. So, expect to see some birds and other wildlife drawn to it and using it as a bird-bath.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- The resin body makes it both frost and UV-resistant
- Creates a loud enough splashing water sound
Cons:
- Requires direct sunlight to work without a hitch
Solar Water Feature Buying Guide
Adding a solar water feature to your garden can transform it into a serene oasis, providing aesthetic beauty and therapeutic benefits. In this guide, we will explore the advantages of solar water features over mains-powered options, help you choose the perfect spot for installation, and provide essential tips on installation and maintenance. Additionally, we’ll discuss factors to consider when buying a solar water feature to ensure it seamlessly integrates into your garden while meeting your specific preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking to create a peaceful retreat or enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space, this guide will assist you in making an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- A solar water feature adds tranquillity to your garden and has therapeutic benefits, reducing stress and improving mental health.
- Solar water features are eco-friendly, easy to install, low maintenance, and cost-effective in the long run compared to mains-powered models.
- Consider factors like frost and UV resistance, battery backup, solar panel style, appearance, LED lights, and sound when choosing a solar water feature for your garden.
What is a Solar Water Feature?
A solar water feature is an ideal addition to your garden, delivering a magical touch of tranquillity all around!
The solar water feature takes the bright sunshine and runs with it! So, it’s not only a great decorative item for your house but also highly eco-friendly. Plus, let’s not forget the therapeutic abilities of the solar water feature!
Many pieces of research have shown that water is one mechanism that provides relief and reduces stress. The gentle sound of falling water entrances a human and instantly relaxes the brain. It also helps lower the BP and reduce the heart rate.
Another research shows that access to these beautiful water features can improve people’s mental health!
So, if you are having a bad day or simply want to elevate your mood, you can relive all your stress by sitting in your haven – your garden! And, this water feature will lull you into a restful state of existence!
Why is a Solar Water Feature Better than a Main Powered Feature?
A solar water feature is sustainable and eco-friendly, but that’s not the only reason it is better than the rest!
The mechanism of a solar water feature is very straightforward.
There is a solar panel and a water pump connected together. When the solar panel receives substantial sunlight, it generates electricity, which is then transferred to the pump. It powers up the submerged impeller, and the whole feature comes to life.
Simple as that, yes!
Besides its uncomplicated mechanism, it’s also generally easier to install since it has no confusing cables and wires to deal with. It’s low maintenance and requires barely any running costs. Moreover, it’s very energy efficient because, well, solar power! So, no additional electricity bills!
More importantly, you are leaving no carbon footprint with this one. Isn’t that just amazing? Doing your bit for the environment!
Do Solar Water Feature Run in Unpredictable Weathers?
Although a solar water feature can run in unpredictable weather, the quality of its functioning might dip.
If there is no constant source of sunlight, then your water feature might not be so reliable. Unless you plus it with a secondary power source or an additional battery installed for backup, then it’s good!
And, despite the battery backup, you have to be mindful about installing the solar water feature. Put it up where it will attain optimum sunlight; otherwise, it will impact your fountain’s water flow and water level.
Which Spot is Perfect for a Solar Water Feature?
Before you make your pick, it’s crucial to decide where you plan to install this water feature. Is it on the patio? Or, in the garden? Do you want it to be the central focus of the area or be more inconspicuous?
If you want the solar water feature to blend in with the surroundings, positioning it near your plants or existing garden features will be excellent! And while it’s undoubtedly tempting to keep the solar powered water feature under a beautiful, giant willow tree – don’t do it!
The solar water feature requires optimum sunlight to work seamlessly. But more so, the falling leaves around your feature will diminish its look. It may also muffle the sounds and block the view or cause damage to the pump due to blockage, too!
If you want the solar water feature to be the star of the show, use existing pathways or direct the potted plants towards the feature. It’ll grab the attention oh-so-gracefully!
How to Install the Solar Powered Water Feature?
As mentioned earlier, installing the solar water feature is quite facile. So, it doesn’t matter what you pick – a minimalistic look or a traditional barrel cascading feature – setting it up is easy!
All you have to do is assemble it and position it at a place with maximum sunlight exposure. Although, if there is an extra battery backup or additional pump to install, asking an expert for help would be best!
Most of the solar water features come with an instruction manual to help simplify the process for you. But as a thumb rule, here are a few elementary steps to follow:
- If the water feature comes with an external solar panel, connect them together!
- Take at least 8 hours to charge the solar panel entirely before kickstarting the water feature.
- Connect the pump to the water feature and ensure that it’s completely submerged to work efficiently.
So, just tie up your work shoes and get down to the business, and you should be done within no time!
Does a Solar Water Feature Cost a Lot?
A solar water feature is a little extra pricey compared to a mains-powered model. But this initial price will save you in the long run since there is no electricity costs or high-maintenance requirements.
It’s a one-time cost with no additional costs as a follow-up. And, well, you’re also ensuring to protect the environment. So, it’s a win-win!
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Solar Water Feature
When buying a solar water feature, your taste and requirements will impact your decision. But generally, there are some factors that you must consider before making your final pick.
Frost and UV-resistant
Most water features will likely fade away, or the paint will chip off in a few years due to constant sunlight exposure. Some water features don’t work very well in biting cold.
Hence, it’s essential to look for a solar water feature that is frost and UV-resistant! If it’s frost resistant, it will save your maintenance costs, too.
Battery Backup
Another feature to look out for is if the solar water feature comes with a battery or not. There will be cloudy days, and there will be times when you want the water feature to run through the nights. For the very same reasons, a battery backup is essential.
This battery drinks up direct sunlight and preserves it when there is no sunlight exposure. Without a battery backup, your water feature will be good as gone when there is no sunshine!
Solar Panel Style
Some solar powered water features come with a separate solar panel. So, you can adjust the solar panel to receive the maximum amount of solar power.
Some solar water features come with inbuilt solar panels, so you do not have to worry about connecting and positioning an external solar panel.
Depending on whatever you prefer, you can find one!
Appearance
You must not judge a book by its cover, but in cases of solar water features – you should! The appearance of a solar water feature is of importance.
You must pick something that blends well with the existing garden features or the layout of your surroundings. Nobody likes an awkward looking water feature sticking out from its surrounding, right?
So, you can choose something bold and attention-seeking. Or, you can pick something more simplistic and understated to suit your minimalistic taste. There’s every kind of solar water feature in the market. You have to choose!
LED Lights
Get a water feature with solar LED lights if you want to make the most of your solar panel power. So, even when the sun goes down, your solar water feature is up and running, regardless!
Plus, who doesn’t like a little illumination piece in the garden? It adds to the overall look of the water feature!
These LED lights are usually an in-built feature and consume power from direct sunlight or solar panels.
Sound
It is just as important as the looks of a solar water feature!
Depending on the model size and its power capacity, the tone and intensity of the water noise will differ.
So, you have to make a decision! Do you want to hear faint trickling noises when near the water feature? Or, do you want to listen to a constant stream of bubbles? Since you’ll be listening to the sound of the solar water feature often, think thoroughly before making your choice!
Our Expertise in Products
At Solar Panels Network, our pride lies in the extensive expertise of our seasoned professionals and renewable energy experts. With the rising demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions, we are dedicated to guiding you through the options. By merging our vast knowledge with practical, real-world testing, we deliver trustworthy reviews.
Why Trust Our Reviews?
- Industry Expertise: Our experts have a deep-seated understanding of the solar industry, including solar water features. We stay updated with technological advancements to ensure our reviews reflect the cutting-edge options.
- Hands-On Testing: True to our commitment to authenticity, each solar water feature on our list has been tested for performance and durability. We’ve assessed these features in various settings to simulate their performance in your garden, on your patio, or along your driveway.
- Transparency: We approach our reviews with a clear and open methodology. Every recommendation is presented with an honest assessment of its features and functionality. We aim to provide you with all the necessary information, free from any external influence so that you can make the best choice.
- Experience: Our team’s collective experience is invaluable in discerning the quality of solar water features. We’ve seen trends come and go and understand what features offer genuine long-term value. This experience is integral to our review process, providing you with recommendations that are not just based on technical specifications but also real usability and satisfaction.
As we look towards a more sustainable future, we are dedicated to helping you find the best solar water features for 2024. Our selection is designed to offer you a combination of innovation, reliability, and aesthetic appeal, perfect for the homeowner. With our expert advice, you can enhance your outdoor space with confidence.
Wrapping Up
In the end, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy. Depending on what you need and desire, you will be able to find a flurry of options.
There are many factors to consider – from the space available to the power backup requirements. It’s essential to think about what might ultimately grace the looks of your garden, your little sanctuary. And then, take your pick!
Hopefully, this article will help you make your wisest decision, and your garden will be enchanted with a solar water feature soon!
About the Author
Solar Panels Network stands at the forefront of solar energy solutions, driven by a team of seasoned solar engineers and energy consultants. With over decades of experience in delivering high-quality solar installations and maintenance, we are committed to promoting sustainable energy through customer-centric, tailored solutions. Our articles reflect this commitment, crafted collaboratively by experts to provide accurate, up-to-date insights into solar technology, ensuring our readers are well-informed and empowered in their solar energy decisions.