Automatic bird bath fountains are great tools to provide care to your local birds in hot and dry weather conditions. These devices invite a host of wildlife to your garden while adding style to it as well. These fountains don’t require external cables to operate, rather, they operate directly using solar energy thanks to the solar panels that come with the bubbler kit. These bubblers have filtration boxes and intelligent sensors that continuously purify and maintain the flow of running water inside the fountain. Birds can not only drink this water but also refresh themselves by taking a bath with the cool water.
There are a lot of bird bath fountain models currently available in the market that operate at different power levels and are offered at various price levels. We have comprised a list of these products, their short descriptions, and their pros and cons to assist you in your purchase decision.
Editor’s Picks
Following are the top three water bubblers from three respective categories. Let’s take a look.
OMKEE solar fountain is the best product overall. It is a great value for money as it is equipped with all the features and capabilities to serve multiple purposes with the highest efficiency levels. It can be installed into a garden fountain, fish tank, and other similar small-sized tanks. It has a powerful solar panel that ensures consistent operation without the need for an external power source. It produces a gentle sound that is critical yet, not a common feature in most solar fountains. It is highly durable and operates in extreme weather conditions.
VOROSY 2.5W solar bird bather is offered at a low price so any bird lover can purchase it and install it on their lawn. This low price product doesn’t necessarily come with limited features. It has both water shortage prevention and purification features that are found in high-end products. Four nozzles are found in this pump kit to allow you to choose between four unique spraying modes.
GAIZERL 3.5W solar fountains are stylish and efficient bubblers. These bubblers have colorful LEDs that glow and create a beautiful effect with sprinkling water at night thanks to a 2000 mAh backup battery. Not just the style, but this fountain is quite effective at operating with the highest efficiency. It has built-in water shortage protection that prevents the fountain from running dry. An anticlogging feature is also included that purifies the water and keeps it clean and drinkable.
How much sun does the solar fountain need?
Solar fountains typically need a very small wattage to operate effectively, meaning anywhere between 1 and 15 watts, which is a very small amount of direct sunlight. Better conditions will obviously ensure better performances though related to the type of solar fountain.
A regular solar fountain operates solely through a solar panel that powers the pump and needs more sunlight to work effectively. A battery back-up solar fountain can store solar power in its rechargeable battery and thus can work even without direct sunlight.
How do Solar Fountains work?
There are many different models and types of solar fountains (also called solar bird baths or solar bird bath bubblers) but the way they all work follows the same basic principle. First off the components that are effectively powered by solar energy are the water pump and (more rarely) heater.
Renewable solar energy is absorbed by a solar panel’s PV cells and converted into usable energy. This means no additional plugs, wiring, cables, electric heaters or generators are needed. The PV cells present in the panel contain a semi conductor that releases electrons when light (in this case provided by the sun’s rays) hits the panel’s cells. This is the process that creates usable energy in the form of electricity.
This process, completely powered by solar energy, keeps the water in your solar fountain circulated, making it attractive to non-invasive migratory birds (robins, sparrows blue jays, hummingbirds and finches) that will flock to dip their tiny talons in your fountain for some much needed respite. Fountains of this type do not only add a charming aesthetic factor and help keep local bird populations content. They also prevent the proliferation of algae and mosquitoes.
Solar panels for solar fountains come in different shapes and sizes according to the model. Some may be submersible and in the fountain itself while most come separate though attached by a cable that varies in length (usually between 8 to 16ft).
This separate panel can be placed anywhere sunlight hits and powers the pump or backup (usually around 800-2000mAh) solar battery from a distance. In solar fountains with backup batteries, surplus solar energy can be stored for use during cloudier days or at night. Some models also come complete with LED light arrangements that add to the overall aesthetic value of your garden.
Installation and maintenance is incredibly easy and no external help is needed. Models with separate panels and backup batteries, though usually more expensive, are more versatile. As the fountain can be placed both in the shade and in the open as long as the separate solar panel is exposed to an adequate quantity of solar light. Solar fountains with embedded panels have to be placed in direct sunlight to work effectively.
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Pros and Cons of Solar Fountains
Solar fountains are a great device especially if we consider their versatility, eco-friendliness, minimal maintenance, aesthetic value and easy installation. With that said solar powered fountains still present some important limitations (especially compared to other solar devices that smash the traditional electric competition).
Though great alternatives there are some cons that put them behind electric powered fountains in some categories, it all depends on the effective use and a lot on the location both geographical and in your garden.
Pros:
- Solar fountains rely completely on renewable energy. No extra costs are needed and you are contributing to lowering our carbon footprint
- Solar fountains create a serene place of respite for migratory birds and confers an idyllic look to your garden. The fact that it is totally solar powered is a huge environmentally sound bonus
- Solar fountains come in both durable (ABS plastic, stone, ceramic and metal combination designs) and highly aesthetic designs that can resist inclement weather within reason
- The pumps used by solar bird bath bubblers and solar fountains help prevent the proliferation of algae and mosquito larvae, providing clean water.
- Maintenance is minimal only having to check and clean the pump and panel from possible detritus when needed
- Solar fountains with detachable solar panels are incredibly versatile and can be placed virtually anywhere in your garden as long as the panel is in the sun
- Some models integrate LED light combinations doubling as landscape lights
- Fountains with battery backups can last up to 4 years with minimal maintenance with the battery usually lasting a year and 4-8 hours on a full charge
- They can also store lasting amounts of solar energy to be used during cloudier days in a second moment
- Installation of traditional solar fountains can be a major hassle and cost. Installers have to be paid handsomely for wiring and the fountains themselves have to be positioned near an electrical outlet. These are non-issues for solar fountains that are considered a purely DIY affair
Cons:
- With all the advantages that solar tech brings traditional electrical pumps are still more powerful and provide a much more steady current and trickling of the water in the fountain
- Solar fountains with backup batteries, LED lights and detachable solar panels can be quite a high-priced investment
- Models without backup batteries especially are prone to bad weather
- Solar fountains with separate panels are one of the few solar devices that still use a cable to transfer power from the panel to the pump, some see this as a negative as one of the major advantages of solar gadgets of any kind is the total absence of cables or wires
The Best Solar Powered Water Fountains Reviewed
These are the best solar bird bath fountains currently available in the market. Take a look to figure out which one is the right bubbler for your garden.
#1 OMKEE 2.2W Solar Birdbath Fountain
- Brand: OMKEE
- Color: Black
- 4-in-1 Integrated Nozzle
- Different Water Style and Gentle Burbling Sound
- Multiple Applications
OMKEE bird bath fountains are the top-spot bubblers on our list. These birdbaths have a unique a 4 in 1 design that allows you to rotate the water nozzles and change the styles of the sprinkling water. This fountain does not create any loud noises to scare the birds and irritate you. OMKEE offers PET laminated solar panels for high durability and a filtration box to keep the water clean and drinkable for the birds. Its diameter is 6.3 inches and it needs a depth of at least 1.2 inches to operate. It is fully automatic and operates without any manual interference after its installation. Another great aspect of this birdbath is that you can use it with several other artificial tanks such as a fish tank.
Pros:
- Special nozzle design
- Gentle sound
- PET laminated solar panels
- Multiple applications
- Affordable
Cons:
- No warranty
#2 Gocheer 3.5W Upgraded Solar Birdbath Fountain
- Brand: Gocheer
- Color: Black
- Upgraded 3.5W 900mAh Battery
- New Anti-Drift Design
- 7 Water Styles
- Safety Protection and longer lifetime
Gocheer’s upgraded solar fountains are highly efficient and user-friendly products. If four water spraying modes are not enough for you, this bubbler is offered with seven. It comes with a 900 mAh battery that operates as a backup in case of no exposure to direct sunlight. A water storage feature prevents the wastage of water, while a filtration box purifies the water continuously. The anti-drift design of this birdbath floats the water around the fountain edges to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in the still water. Lastly, this product is offered with a 30 days money-back warranty and a 1-year replacement warranty.
Pros:
- Special anti-drift design
- 7 Water sprinkling modes
- Highly durable
- 30-days money-back warranty
- 1-year replacement warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
#3 VOROSY 2.5W Solar Birdbath Bubbler Fountain
- Brand: VOROSY
- Color: Black
- 100% Full solar panel to reach 2.5W
- Blocking dirt, dust, leaves to extends service life
- Made of PET material
VOROSY’s birdbath fountains are offered at a very affordable price. If you are a bird lover and looking to invite wildlife to your garden, this fountain is a great eco-friendly tool to do the job for you. It is a 2.5W water sprinkler that comes with a PET laminated solar panel for nonstop hassle-free operation. You can easily install it in your garden and choose any water spraying style from four different options. You can also use it with other water tanks as it not only maintains a flow of water but constantly purifies it through the filtration box.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Inexpensive
- Highly efficient
- Multiple applications
- 4 nozzles
Cons:
- No warranty
#4 GAIZERL 3.5W Solar Fountain Pump
- Brand: GAIZERL
- Solar Fountain with Colorful LED Lights
- Prevent Squirt The Water Out Of The Bird Bath
- Built-in 2000mAh Backup Battery
- 7 Spray Nozzle With Different Water Style
- Water Shortage Protection And Anti-Clogging
What’s great about GAIZERL solar bird bubbler is that it is offered with a 2000 mAh backup battery as an emergency power source so that it can operate in case of limited or no sunlight. It comes with 7 spray nozzles to change to the sprinkling mode of your choice. In case of a water shortage, this water fountain automatically ceases to operate to prevent the fountain from completely turning dry. An anti-clogging feature continuously purifies the running water so that the birds can drink it and take a bath as well. Another cool feature of this product is that it has multiple colorful LED lights that glow at night and add a stylish element to your house.
Pros:
- Stylish LED lights
- 2000 mAh backup battery
- 7 Spray Nozzles
- Water shortage protection
- Built-in anti-clogging system
Cons:
- No warranty
#5 ZATK 3.5W Solar Bird Bath Fountains
- Brand: ZATK
- 8 Water Styles
- 1500mAh Battery Backup
- 100% Cover Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Panel
- Safety Protection and Lasting Use
ZATK 3.5W solar bird baths have all the specs and features that you can expect from a high-end product. It has 8 water spray modes which are the most number of modes offered by any bubbler on this list. A 1500 mAh battery is also included as a backup power option, and a polycrystalline solar panel ensures maximum sunlight is utilized. The only drawback with this piece of equipment is that it is not offered with any warranty. Thus, in case of a faulty unit, you won’t be able to replace it.
Pros:
- 8 Water sprays
- 1500 mAh backup battery
- Water shortage protection
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- No warranty
#6 FANKUTOYS Upgraded 3W Solar Bird Bath Fountains
- Brand: FANKUTOYS
- Unique Light Show for Night
- 7 different Water Styles
- Safety Protection and Filtration Box
FANKUTOYS water fountains have cool LEDs that make the water sparkle and make your garden look stylish at night. The 3W water fountain can operate constantly and directly with solar power and yet it comes with a 2000 mAh backup battery for emergency usage. There are 7 sprinkling modes thanks to the 7 different nozzles that come in the pump kit. This kit has all the necessary tools to let you easily install in different small-sized artificial ponds for birds and fishes.
Pros:
- 2000 mAh backup battery
- 7 spray patterns
- Safety protection system
- Anti-clogging system
- Multiple applications
Cons:
- Low durability
#7 AISITIN 5.5W Solar Fountain Pump
- Brand: AISITIN
- 5.5W solar panel
- Built-in battery
- 6 Different Water Style Sprayers
- Multi-application
AISITIN 5.5W bird fountain pump kit is the most powerful kit on our list. The solar panels are effective to not require external power connections to operate continuously. However, one 1500 mAh battery is installed into this charger as a backup power source. You can choose between 6 different water sprays according to your choice. If you have already made eco-friendly birdhouses in your garden, the next logical step is to install a fountain from which they can drink fresh and clean water and also take a refreshing bath. The automatic water shortage feature prevents the fountain from running low in case of a water shortage. No warranty is offered with this fountain which is the only limitation of this product.
Pros:
- 5.5 W Solar panel
- 1500 mAh backup battery
- 6 water sprayers
- Multiple Applications
- Highly efficient
Cons:
- No warranty
#8 DDcafor 1.5W Solar Fountain Water Pump For Birdbath
- Brand: DDcafor
- Environment-Friendly Design
- Wide Application Scenarios
- Floating Solar Fountain
DDcafor solar fountain water pump is designed for the mid-range market. This 1.5W fountain is effective at supplying fresh water to the birds visiting your garden. Not only that, you can install it in a fish tank for similar purposes. It constantly purifies and floats clean water as long as there is direct sunlight. However, it doesn’t have a water protection system that automatically prevents water wastage in case of shortages. You’ll have to manually stop it from operating in such a case.
Pros:
- Efficient design
- Wide applications
- Inexpensive
- Highly durable
Cons:
- Manual operation
- No warranty
#9 Qaxlry Solar Birdbath Fountains
- Brand: Qaxlry
- Color: Black
- Upgraded filter function
- Water shortage protection
- Variety of fountain display
Qaxlry solar birdbath fountains can spray the water at a height of 50-70 cm with the help of a powerful water pump kit. The spraying modes can also be selected according to your choice. A water shortage protection automatically protects the fountain from drying while a filtration box ensures that no dust particles are mixed into the fresh and clean water. Qaxlry does not offer any warranty with this fountain pump, however, you’ll get 24-hours customer service in case you need urgent help.
Pros:
- Powerful and effective solar panel
- Water shortage protection
- Multiple water spraying displays
- Upgraded filter box
Cons:
- No warranty
Buyer’s Guide
Solar bird bath fountains are offered with different specs and features to serve different types of customers. Some users just want a simple operational fountain with limited spraying modes, while others want to do much more than that. They want a multi-functional fountain with loads of operation and style elements and are willing to pay higher prices. This buying guide is designed to help you out in the buying process so that you can choose the right product according to your needs.
Size
Birdbath bubblers are fitted in solid fountain frames, therefore, verifying the size of the bubbler is important so that it can fit properly in the frame. Also, these bubblers operate at different depths and hence you should watch out for this detail to avoid any operational failure.
Build Quality
Birdbath bubblers are fragile products mostly made of plastic. You have to be careful if you are performing a DIY installation. Once installed, we recommend that you don’t remove the bubbler any time soon. Thus, if a brand offers a more reliable bubbler in terms of material, go for it.
Applications
Birdbath bubblers usually have multiple applications. You can not only use them in the fountain frames in your garden but also in the fish tanks. Before you buy a bubbler, make sure that they have this built-in feature.
Price
High prices don’t always indicate the quality of a product. You must confirm all the features to avoid any unpleasant experience in case of buying a low-value provider.
Power
Some water bubblers have backup batteries, others don’t. If you live in a geographical location where sunlight is not very probable every day, you should have one that has a backup battery. Also, these batteries allow the bubbler to operate at night.
Warranty
Warranty is not a common feature in water bubblers but is critical as most water bubblers are not very durable at performing in extreme weather conditions. Always prefer a product that offers a minimum 12-months warranty.
Final Verdict
If we look at the buyers’ guide, we’ll find only a few products that have all the attributes of a great product. OMKEE solar fountain is the product that tops the list of such products. It provides the highest value to its users. It has a PET laminated solar panel that is not only effective but also highly durable. Four nozzles can be fitted into the bubbler to let you choose four water spraying modes. The installation is pretty simple and can be completed within a few minutes. Apart from garden fountains, this bubbler can be installed into other small-sized artificial ponds and tanks. At a very affordable price, this solar bubbler has everything to offer. OMKEE is a brand that is trusted by thousands of customers. You can also be a part of this customer base by investing in this high-quality solar bubbler.
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FAQs
Yes, you can use a birdbath bubbler inside a fish tank. It can not only purify the water through its filtration box but also float the water continuously to keep it clean and fresh.
Solar birdbath bubblers operate using direct sunlight without the need for an external power source. Some bubblers are offered with emergency batteries. Thus, you cannot add an external source in normal situations. However, you may be able to find the feature in some rare water bubblers.
Birds are naturally attracted to water fountains in hot and dry climates to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Solar bubblers have built-in filtration boxes to keep the water clean and drinkable to the birds that make them come back for more.
You should buy a water bubbler from the official store of your favorite brand. This can either be a physical store or a popular online store. This is to ensure that you can claim any warranty in the case of an unpleasant experience.
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