"figaro" wrote in message
...

I have a small solar pump (8watts) and a small 13 watt solar panel that I
am
very happy with. The pump has a three year warranty. I use it to push
water through a granite rock with a shallow depression which I have
drilled
a hole through.

The rock is set on stones on a large pond shelf and the pump pushes the
water up about 1 foot into the depression for an excellent bird bath. The
water then trickles down one side of the rock into the pond. It is
charming, relaxing, and very natural looking. Watching the birds gives me
endless pleasure. No big jet of water coming up--just a gently flow.

I use plants to keep the pond clear and don't need a large pump for
filters
or high waterfalls. This is an informal pond meant to be natural looking.
The pump runs from about 7:30 in the morning to about 4 in the afternoon.

I ordered it online but I can't remember the company. I think it is
called
an Aquasolar 200. They also have a more powerful 400 model. GPH is not
an
issue for me since my pond is relatively small at 700 gallons and there is
really no need to move large volumes of water.

I find it magical every time the pump comes on just from the power of the
sun. Yes, solar is expensive. But the more solar I use, the more I
realize
how dependence on our current energy systems in the USA is a dead-end
road.
It takes one person at a time to invest in alternative energies before we
can ever become independent of fossile fuels. We all have to do our part
because our government is more interested in putting out fires after they
start rather than preventing the fires with thoughtful investment into
technological advancement. Sometimes you need to look at the big picture;
short term solutions are always easier but seldom ideal.

And when you move to a more permanent location, you can take the pump and
solar panel with you and build your own pond which I guarantee you will
want
to do.




Agree on the big picture aspect of your post. Austin Energy introduced a
ridiculously generous solar rebate program this summer that I have applied
for. I have a site inspector coming this Wednesday, and if approved, I'll
get a rebate of about $14,000 of the $19,000 cost. Even so, this will take
eight to ten years to break even, less if prices keep rising. The panels
are guaranteed for 25 years, and should keep going long after that.

This is a grid-tie system that sends my excess production back out (rolling
the meter backwards) for Austin Energy to sell to others, and I have normal
power at night and on cloudy days.

Without the rebate, it really doesn't make much economic sense for the
individual, but Austin Energy sees peak production from these panels coming
at the same time as peak demand in the form of air conditioning, so they
figure the panels are an alternative to building a 'peak use' power plant.