Solar Irrigation Kit

Comments about Solar Irrigation Kit:

I have had absolutely no problems with this system, but I read the directions carefully before I started. I am using this in a bed that has struggled for years, due to a constant breeze that dries out the soil. For the first time ever, my plants look great and are growing like weeds. I control the amount of drip by putting the solar panel behind a statue so it doesn't start watering until about 10:30 a.m. and is done when the trees provide shade about 3:00 p.m. Filling my receptacle every 3-4 days sure beats hauling cans full of water out every day.

Comments about Solar Irrigation Kit:

Set up was easy. I think arranging the lines as you want them and jamming the t-fittings into the tubing was the hardest part.

The small plastic connector to the pump is NOT snug and kept coming off. I even got so frustrated with it that I cracked it. I managed to "mold" it on using that putty that hardens.

NEEDS to have auto shutoff when bucket is empty. This is a big problem, given that the pump will keep going even when the bucket is empty and WILL BURN ITSELF OUT! One reason I bought this was specifically for the convenience of not having to babysit my plants.

Despite this, I still find it provides some level of convenience in that I only need to fill up the bucket and not have to splash around the plants. The plants get an even watering. I will continue to use this this season.

My recommendation of this product is "Maybe". Provided you are OK with keeping an eye on the water level in the bucket. Or if you have the inclination and expertise to rig up an auto-shutoff.

Comments about Solar Irrigation Kit:

Wanted to use this in a raised bed. It starts to water immediately and does not stop until it is out of water. Would prefer a way to give it a start and stop time.

Comments about Solar Irrigation Kit:

had know problem setting it up. it needs only the sun and a bucket of water.it 's too bad they don't have a self filling bucket.i wish they made a bigger one

Comments about Solar Irrigation Kit:

This works well in a bucket - you still need to be around to fill up the bucket though!

Comments about Solar Irrigation Kit:

I was hugely excited about the prospect of setting up my own solar irrigation system -- doesn't get much better than this right?!

Wrong -- after taking two mornings to set up the lines to approximately 15 plants, meticulously measuring the line and adding the drips at each plant -- turns out that though the panel works beautifully, the pump only pumped water to the first plants going in either direction.

Hugely disappointing and I have not been able to guess at the cause other than the possibility that the pump is not nearly as powerful as it should be. I would be happy to share pictures of the system if anyone has ideas and or recommendations. Ultimately I think I would like to return the system but am hoping for a solution as the concept is great!

Comments about Solar Irrigation Kit:

We set this system up on 12 tomato plants and haven't had to water them all summer. We fill the reservoir every couple of days and that's it. I picked 10+ pound of tomatoes yesterday (beginning of August.) We bought a second unit for our window boxes and the plants in those are flourishing.

Comments about Solar Irrigation Kit:

I set this up for twenty orchids and epiphytes on a deck. If the sun is out, the product floods all the plants and the deck. If it was cloudy, there would be no water. It's a good concept, but needs some kind of control mechanism or timer. I had to dismantle the product and am again watering by hand.