New Solar Powered Water Pump For Water Feature.

[peachybabe]

Elderly mum bought me a very expensive solar powered water feature as a thank you present (a water mill). Not really my taste, but I am grateful. Problem is that it only works if the sun shines very brightly directly on to the solar panel. The pump pushes the water up a flexible pipe to the top of the wheel and sets the wheel going (about 6 inches). Can anyone recommend a new pump for me to buy? Must remain solar as there is no power socket nearby. I have cheap solar lights that charge better! Ta ever so!

[bhg481]

I suspect the problem lies with the solar panel not providing enough power, rather than with the pump. I think you need to get your mum to complain about it; not easy, I know, with a present but I'd have no problem if it were my daughter I'd bought a faulty present for.

[murraymints]

ditto ^^ alas solar anything in this country never too successful....perhaps exchange for a nice sculpture....

[peachybabe]

Thanks both. If I tell Mum that it doesn't really do the job, she will be very disappointed. I don't want to hurt her as she was so excited that she had got me something that I wanted. I wonder. Would a small solar pond pump work any better?

[murraymints]

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

there IS a guarantee for success with this ??

[woofgang]

The issue with solar is often as you have described....ie not enough sun. The netter kind of bits of kit for the UK have got the solar panel on a cable so you can place it in the best position for getting sun which may not be where you want the ornament.

[gingejbee]

^^^ I agree with the comments above. The best position for the panel will be as high as possible (to avoid sitting in the shade for much of the day) and South-facing. And, of course, 12 hours of sun each day would help!

[peachybabe]

My garden is south facing and I have the solar panel in an area with no shade, on top of 6' fence. Think I might just have to get a hamster to power it!!