I bought one of these several years ago, and it has been a mixed bag. On the one hand, I really love the way it looks and the sound it makes on our deck. On the other hand, it has been somewhat fragile. I have broken or cracked two of the bowls (although I was sent free replacements), and we have found the solar panel somewhat fragile. After havuing it for a while, I decided I'd rather have it plug in, so it would work in the shade or twilight. That works better for me, and now I plug it in in the morning and unplug it after dark. This year, though, when I set it up, the pump wouldn't work and I think it needs to be cleaned, but I don't know how. I'm waiting for my father to come over to look at it and hopefully show me how to do it. It might seem like this is a lot of bother, but even with all the annoyances, I'd still buy it again, and it's so annoying partly because I like it so much that I hate to be without it. I surround it with potted plants, and it's just a lovely thing.

Actually, the technology and marketing for solar pump has changed quite a lot along with the time passing by. The cost for solar panels has droped significantly since the year of 2012. Chinese solar panel manufacturers are accused of dumping their products to Europe, so that European Union has imposed higher tariff on Chinese solar panel import, while the punishment does not affect the solar pump import since solar pump is more of a pump than a solar panel. The good side of this matter is that the solar pump manufacturer in China can purchase much cheaper solar panel due to the over productivity of Chinese solar panels, therefore the Chinese solar pump manufacturer can sell their solar pump at a much favorable price. We are a manufacturer in China specializing in solar pond/fountain pump kits for water feature, waterfall, fountain and drip irrigation, solar pond air pump kits for pond oxygenation, filters for pond water filtration and associated battery backups. Compared with mains power, solar power is environmentally friendly, easier to install and has no operating cost, but perhaps even more importantly, it is much safer for kids. We have exported our products world wide for more than nine years, mostly to Europe, USA and Australia etc. and established a good reputation. Moreover, all of our products are CE and RoHS certified. If you are interested in our products, we could be your trustworthy supplier. To know more about our company and our products, please come to our web site at http://www.solarever.com. If you need any help, Please contact Mr. Larry Li at larry@solarever.com. Thank you very much for your time. Best Regards, Larry Li, Hangzhou Gene Solar Industries Co., Ltd. T: +86 0571 85020097-801 : F: +86 0571 85020097-806 E: larry@solarever.com W: http://www.solarever.com Here is a link that might be useful: Hangzhou Gene Solar

Howdy again. Yes moving water is best. I have a small pond in my yard with several waterfalls and the birds love it! I also have a regular bird bath (heated in winter) that they frequent. I put small rocks in it so they can perch without getting wet and have a nice drink if they want. Sounds like you had a Gold Finch visit, they like Thistle seeds. You can look up Drs Foster and Smith on line, they carry you solar wigglers and misters you may also want to try wild birds unlimited. Sorry I dont have the web addys.

Solar water pumps work for small fountains, but in my experience have a shorter life than electric pumps. I used one for a pot fountain, and was satisfied with it, but it quit working after about 18 months? 2 years? Something like that. Eventually I replaced it with an electric pump. This was several years ago, maybe they are better now.