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Solar pump test
Solar pump test. Are solar pumps any good?
We often get people asking for solar pumps, we tell them how much (even we
think they are expensive, but good quality does cost) we thought we would show
you what a cheap solar pump kit can do, and let you decide.
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Here is the solar pump kit we brought

As you can see it has a variety of nozzles, pump (6v) and separate solar panel
The "pen" at the bottom of the picture are nozzle extensions |
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The silver object on the far right is a 10p coin
to give perspective |
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Here it is in our small test pool the solar panel is at
the back. What do you mean, its not working? That is because
it requires bright sunlight which you can't get in the winter,
ours have big solar panels to make the best use of what
sunlight there is available. Ours do work better with bright
sunlight. |
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We DID then connect a 6v power supply to the pump, yes the
tiny jet is the best it does |
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Here it is again with its multiple nozzle, again its very
small |
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These are genuine pictures, taken on a "winters
day" as we have always said, solar pumps are best used where
there is no mains available. Oh the cost of this one? less
than £30, so may we suggest that if you want a fountain, you visit
the components site
for a mains operated pump.
We have now carried out the same test on a bright
summer day. Please click here (As a
well known T.V. programme says "We do these experiments so you don't
have to") 2010 Update: We have since
been asked to carry out a similar test with another brand of solar
pump. The results were almost the same. Please, let us know what you think,
or tell us about what solar pump you have tried.
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Here is a solar water feature we have seen, as you can see
it is not working. With this one the solar panel is
actually under water around the jet outlet, which also means
when algae turn the water green the solar panel will be
obscured. |
Solar or mains?
Solar information index
more info |
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