Solar Fountain

24 December 2012

Newcastle (map)

The fountain in Pacfic Park Newcastle was donated by the Newcastle Herald to commemorate its 125th Anniversary. The high maintenance and electricity cost of operating the fountain lead to its closure in 1999. In refurbishing the fountain, the Newcastle City Council tested then implemented a "Sun Tracer" photovoltaic panel to power the fountain. The Sun-Tracer panel tracks the sun during the day. At the end of the day and in high winds the panel moves to the neutral position. - Source Pacific Park Brochure http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/4899/pacific_park_fountain_bro.pdf (viewed 28 December 2012)

The photographs show the fountain starting up as the first rays of sunshine hit the panel, which is in the overnight neutral position.

Page updated 7 May 2015.