June's Project:  Solar Powered Garden Fountain

Although the Poulin family loves the existing garden koi pond, they'd like to add two ponds with solar-powered fountains to the back of the property. When obstructions are traced on the graph (above) of the solar pathfinder, periods of peak light and times of shading are revealed. Because the ground is too shady, Gilbert suggests elevating the solar panel on a mounting post in the same area. A solar panel can last for 30 years or more! Figure A Figure B Figure C

From the DIY Network

Solar power provides an economical way to power interior and exterior basics, as well as add-on features -- like a garden pond with a bubbling fountain. Bill Poulin as his family enjoy their extensive landscaping and koi pond, but want to add additional garden ponds on a knoll in the backyard. Although Poulin is a solar engineer, he calls in solar design expert Jeff Gilbert for assistance.

Poulin has an idea of where he wants to place the new ponds, but is relying on Gilbert's recommendation for the placement of the solar panel. Gilbert uses a solar pathfinder to find the best location. The solar pathfinder works by showing the reflecting of trees, buildings or other obstructions in the dome lid. The reflection is traced onto the graph to indicated what time the spot being tested will remain shaded.

After selecting a location for the solar panel, Gilbert advises Poulin on the selection of a solar panel kit. Gilbert suggests that Poulin oversize his solar panel -- that is, choose a panel that produces twice as much output as needed by the aerating bilge pumps that will be placed in the ponds. Poulin has selected two 20-watt bilge pumps (for a total of 40 watts). Because the two pumps will only run at intervals, Gilbert suggests going with a 60-watt solar panel instead of an 80-watt.

With the location of the ponds and solar panel selected -- as well as the type of solar panel -- it's time to get started.

Materials needed:

Solar panel
2 Plastic pond liners (150-gallon and 50-gallon sizes)
2 Bilge pumps (13.6 volt 1.5 amp)
2 Submersible filter boxes
Ornamental fountain head
10 ft. 1" thick clear tubing
50 ft. 12-gauge electric cable
Wire nuts, connectors, various nuts, screws, bolts and washers
Saw
Plywood (to support panel on the mounting post)
Inexpensive mounting post (if solar panel must be elevated)
Socket wrench
Screwdrivers
Drill
Landscape materials (rocks, plants, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Measure and cut the support extension at an angle (in this case, a 40-degree angle is cut) in order to properly support and position the solar panel.

2. Dig hole for the post and position and set the post securely in the ground.

3. Use a level to make sure the post is plumb.

4. Measure, mark and cut the plywood support.

5. Pre-drill holes that will be used to anchor the plywood.

6. Bolt the plywood directly to the post.

7. Mount standard flat brackets (figure A) to the underside of the solar panel using no. 8 nuts, bolts and washers.

8. Wire stranded 12-gauge landscaping wire to solar panel junction box. Strip the cable, add a water tight connector, then feed cable through the junction box opening.

9. Secure the red wire to the positive terminal; secure the black wire to the negative terminal (figure B). Add the protective cover to the terminal box.

10. Mount the solar panel to the plywood support (figure C) on the post and hold in place with screws.

11. Tack the landscaping cable extending from the solar panel to the side of the mounting post.

12. Touch the wires of the cable extending from the solar panel to the pump wires to test. The pump should start running!