• Solar options include water fountains in many designs and styles.Garden Fountain image by Shannon Workman from Fotolia.com
  
  Solar water features for the garden make a great choice for gardeners looking for "green" options as well as those looking for a more affordable choice to power a fountain or pump. Most products include a solar panel as well as a backup battery pack for extended periods without sun. Some solar water features require direct sunlight, while others will function with smaller amounts or in partial shade.
  
  

Waterfall

• For a relaxing and meditative addition to your garden consider a pond with a waterfall feature. Waterfalls can trickle over rock beds or fall directly from a raised location into your pond. Solar pond pumps are available from less than 100 GPH (gallons per hour) to over 1001 GPH. Choose a pond pump appropriate to the size and height of your waterfall. Keep in mind the larger pumps will require a larger solar panel, so be certain you have room to accommodate the panel near the water feature. For a more attractive look, add rocks and ground cover to camouflage the pump and bury the pump hose below ground.
  
  

Fountain

• A solar fountain looks similar if not identical to its electrical counterparts, the difference being that it is powered with solar energy. Unlike electrical fountains, there are no cords or need for an electrical outlet. Fountains generally have a small solar panel included, which should be placed near the fountain. Tuck the panel near a small plant or bush for a more discrete look; however, be certain the panel will receive adequate sun, otherwise it will not have the necessary energy to power the fountain. Fountains come in many styles, ranging from birdbaths which stand upright on a pedestal to more discrete options you might place on a patio or deck. Solar fountain pumps are just as powerful as electric pumps, and the water flow ranges from an upright spray to a small trickle.
  
  

Pond

• To create a solar-powered pond feature you can purchase a solar pond pump to power a pond filter to circulate the water and introduce oxygen into the environment. Once filtered, your pond will support plant life as well as fish. Solar pond pumps have no running costs, making them a much more affordable option than an electric pump. Solar pumps are environmentally sustainable with minimal maintenance costs.