Solar Pond Pump: Something New Under the Sun

I have been wanting a water feature for some time. Our front yard (which is seen by passing traffic) has three different levels, so to speak, separated by gradually descending berms. We have planted some wonderful willow trees, bermuda grass, and a host of azaleas and such along the perimeter, largely ignoring the middle ground. I just knew that it was this area that would be perfect for a water feature or as we call it in middle Georgia – a pond.

Very few people have electricity running randomly to their yards. We are not those people either. So we had our first problem. How would we keep a pump running and keep our water from becoming stagnant and breeding mosquitos in the summer? That is when I thought about using solar energy. I was uncertain how I would do so though as I was unaware of the smaller sizes of solar panels available on the market.

After a bit of research on the ‘net and a few Google ads I came across Silicon Solar Inc. It seemed they had just what I was looking for – a night/day solar pond pump kit featuring two small solar panels and the power house. I did a little more research and found what I would call horrible online reviews. People complained about everything from the time of delivery to broken products to poor customer service. I decided that my order would be different and I got out the debit card! When I first ordered I received a notice rather quickly saying the product was on backorder. For three weeks I hear nothing. I got worried as the charge had gone through on my debit card.

I kept thinking back to the reviews I read and I figured I had been taken; just another victim of Internet sales. After 4 weeks I called them and spoke with Corey Belden, Director of Customer Relations. She helped me as best she could and promised she would keep me posted. After another week (we are now past a month) I had heard nothing and got downright agitated. I found a number for Matt Farrell, the Managing Director for Silicon Solar. I called him and told him how I had been treated and how I felt I should be regarded. He immediately emailed me, Corey, and Pete Bauerle, General Manager. I quickly received an email back and through another phone call was promised the product would be delivered in a week. There was an issue getting it from the manufacturer as they had been involved with the World Expo and had shut down their warehouse during that time.

Finally on Monday, May 10, I got an email from Corey saying the product was coming in that day and would be shipped immediately. Tuesday morning brought an email with the shipping/tracking number, and Thursday the package arrived!