Solar Fountain City of Ann Arbor

The City of Ann Arbor received a $5,000 Community Energy Project Grant from the Energy Office for a photovoltaic demonstration, a solar-powered fountain. The solar fountain was constructed in June 1999. Sundu Solar was contracted to provide the materials and installation, but due to a tight budget the Ann Arbor Energy Office agreed to provide at least one day of labor.

The solar fountain is powered by four 64-watt Uni-Solar photovoltaic panels, model US-64. The panels have an output of 64 watts at 16.5 volts and 3.88 amps. The panels are mounted two in series to achieve 33 volts and the two pairs of panels are wired in parallel to get 7.76 amps. The panels are mounted on a Zomeworks passive solar tracker model TRU040. The tracker allows the solar panels to be pointed a the sun throughout the day, maximizing solar input.

The electricity from the photovoltaic system powers a Sunmotor model M10 floating solar pump. The pump is attached to a pipe with a standard hose fitting. A brass hose nozzle provides an adjustable fountain spray.

The fountain is located at the south end of a large holding pond near the access road to the City's Material Recovery Center. The Center was constructed with a 2,400 square foot classroom to educate people about solid waste issues. All sixth grade public school students in Ann Arbor, plus many other students and visitors visit the Center classroom. Over 4,500 people visit the landfill every year and see the solar-powered fountain.

For further information contact:

Dave Konkle, Energy Coordinator
City of Ann Arbor
City Hall, P.O. Box 8647
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734/996-3150

Feel free to contact us if you have any ideas for case studies:

Main Telephone Line: (517) 241-6228
Main Fax line: (517) 241-6229

Energy Office, Department of Consumer and Industry Services
Office of Policy and Leglislative Affairs
P.O Box 30221
Lansing , MI 48909