How To Make A Solar Powered Pump Birdbath
If you have been thinking of making a more eco-friendly garden, have you considered getting a solar powered pump birdbath? Actually, have you thought of making one yourself?
So why would you want to make a solar powered pump birdbath?
The benefits are:
a: Fountains circulate the water, keeping the bird bath 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: It requires little power (about 6 volts) so you only need a few small solar panels.
e: The fountain usually operates during the day when the birds are out in the sun, so batteries are not essential
f: It is possible to make the entire system your yourself, helping you save money
g: The birdbath is wireless making it very portable.
What parts and materials are needed to build a solar powered pump birdbath?
The simplest option would be for you to add solar panels to an already working birdbath and fountain.
The cheaper, more labor intensive approach would be to get a birdbath with the right holes drilled for the fountain to be installed. And then add on the pump, fountain attachment, irrigation and power supply.
If you decide to make your own fountain, you will need:
A 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 Fountain 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:
This is one of those essentials that you should already have lying around the house. It will help seal all those joins and also protect electrics from water damage.
Some Solar Panels:
This is what makes this birdbath unique to your average water fountain. Depending on what size pump you buy, will need to get enough solar panels for the fountain to work properly. A a typical 6 volt pump, you will require solar panels with a capacity of at least 6 volts. But is better to be on the safe side and get a 12 volt solar panel instead, for times when it is cloudy and for late afternoons.
NB: To get the solar panels, you have 2 choices:
1 : Buy a small expensive solar kit from Wallmart or Target or any other local supplier.
2 : Make it yourself. With the right guide it is rather easy and much cheaper to make your own solar panel in a matter of hours. If this is something you would love to try do, then keep reading…
For the solar panel to operate effectively it needs to be fitted in a frame and angled in the direction of the sun. Placing it under a tree will not help.
How easy is it to put it all together?
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…
A good idea would to add some batteries to the birdbath, so that the excess solar power can be stored and to power the pump at night. For a 24 hour fountain, you will need:
1) The right battery:
You will need deep cycle battery that is capable of storing a charge for a long time. A 12 volt one should be more than enough to power a 6 volt pump.
Charge controller:
It is not vital , but if you want the battery to last longer, a charge controller will protect the battery from over-charging. It is wired from the solar panels and then to the battery.
Over and above it being affordable to build, what I like about putting together my own solar powered pump birdbath, is that once the first one is finished, making the second or third one just gets easier. It could even be a fantastic gift for a close friend or newly wed.
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.
