Because they are easy to install and so friendly to the environment, solar fountains have become more and more popular.
They need almost no maintenance.
There are no moving parts in a solar panel, with no fuel needed to generate the electricity, meaning no noise and no emissions.
These fountains can even be used in winter, as long as there's no danger of a freeze that could damage the pump.
Plus, since solar panels are made from naturally occurring silicon, there are no toxic components to leak and threaten plants, animals or children.
Finally, the electricity generated by solar fountains poses no hazard to children or pets because there are electrical cords or circuit breakers involved.
As their popularity has increased, the designs of solar fountain models have become more sophisticated.
Earlier models were simply floating sets of PV cells with a nozzle that floated in a pond.
Now solar fountains are made in contemporary styles with sleek, clean lines and geometric shapes, or in styles that recall ethnic pottery, such as a green ceramic pot that sends a cascade of water down through tiers of green bowls.
Some solar fountain today are modeled after the multi-tiered fountains of iron and stone found in historic British palaces, such as Blenheim, home of the Duke of Marlborough, and Kensington, one of the royal palaces.
Many solar fountains are created using natural materials such as copper, wood, pottery, slate, granite and other stones that echo their earth-friendly function.
Solar fountains that also function as birdbaths are quite popular.
There are tabletop fountains done in a Zen Buddhist style intended to serve as an aid to meditation.
There's even one model done in a likeness of Buddha himself! A solar fountain can add earth-friendly serenity and beauty to any lawn or garden.