If you are thinking of doing a few upgrades to your garden, have you ever thought of getting a solar powered pump birdbath? In fact, why buy one, when you can make it?
So how will a solar powered pump birdbath benefit you?
The benefits are:
a: The moving water in the fountain stop its from going stagnant
b: The fountain is wireless and does not have to be plugged in
c: The pump works on direct current, so no inverter is required
d: Only a few inexpensive solar panels are needed to produce around 6 volts
e: The fountain usually operates during the day when the birds are out in the sun, so batteries are not essential
f: You could learn to make your own solar panels, reducing the cost even further.
g: The birdbath can be placed anywhere in your garden, without the need for unsightly wires.
And what does it take to make a solar powered pump birdbath?
The simplest option would be for you to add solar panels to an already working birdbath and fountain.
The alternative is to, and more DIY approach is to buy a birdbath that is ready for a fountain pump to be installed (it has the right holes, and a place for the pump to be installed), and then add the various pump and power components.
If you go the DIY route, then you will need to get:
The Birdbath:
It does not matter what birdbath you buy, but make sure there is a place for the fountain to be added. A few options for you would be copper, terracotta, cascading, ceramic, or resin birdbath fountains.
The Water Spout:
This is optional, but it makes the water spout out the top, instead of just trickling out. It can be found at your local nursery or hardware store.
The Water Pump:
Next is the pump. Usually a small birdbath only needs a small 6 volt DC fountain pump. But if you have a larger birdbath that pumps more water, and at a greater height, then a larger pump will be needed.
PVC pipe for irrigation:
This tubing generally should be narrow enough to keep the water pressure high, so that the water can be pumped properly. My advice would be to visit the nearby garden center and have a look at what piping is used.
Silicon Sealant:
Silicon sealant helps fill any cracks where water could escape, such as where the tubing enters the top of the birdbath. It can also be used to insulate any bare wires.
Some Solar Panels:
This is what make the solar powered pump birdbath portable and wireless. The number and power capacity of the solar panels needed is determined by what pump you bought. If it was the average 6 volt DC pump, then you will need 6 volt solar power. But it better to get solar panels with more power capacity than this for times when the sunlight is poor.
NB: To get the solar panels, you have 2 choices:
1 : Buy a small commercially available solar panel from any outlet, such as Wallmart.
2: Make your own solar panel. This is actually much easier than people make it out to be. With the right instructions you could build your own panel in an afternoon. If you want to go the diy way, then keep reading…
To maximize the efficiency of the solar panel, it could be mounted in a simple frame with the ability to be angled towards the sun.
How simple is it to build?
If you have all the tools and materials and any diy experience, you could have a working solar powered pump birdbath within in a matter of hours – that’s if all goes to plan…
If you want you could also add some type of power storage to the system. That way the batteries can store power, which can be used to operate the pump 24 hours a day. To have this option you will need:
1) Deep cycle battery:
Since the system is small, a 12 volt battery should be enough. This will be wired up between the charge controller and the pump.
Charge Controller:
This is not that important, but to protect the battery from over-charging and to maximize it lifespan, you should a charge controller that sits between the solar panels and the battery.
Other than it being really cheap to make, the big advantage of making your solar powered pump fountain is that once you have that skill it is there with you forever. You could even make it as an eco-friendly gift for your friend’s next birthday.
If you want to make your own solar panel for the birdbath, then have a look at the Earth4Energy Sneak Peek – a FREE preview of the top-rated step-by-step solar power guide. It may also help to read the Earth4Energy Review.