☀️ Operation and Design
The system is based on a two-module design : an adjustable solar panel to be fixed towards the sun, and a programmer-pump to be placed near the water reservoir (bucket, jerry can, bottle). This separation allows the installation to be adapted to any layout (balcony, terrace, greenhouse, garden, indoors near a window).
The solar panel continuously recharges the 1800 mAh battery integrated into the programmer. Once full, the battery life allows for several days of watering even in cloudy weather. The internal pump draws water from the reservoir and distributes it through the 15-meter hose equipped with 15 drippers and 15 T-connectors to distribute water plant by plant.
A water level sensor and an audible alarm system provide warnings in case of an empty reservoir, a clogged filter, or an obstructed pump. The anti-siphon prevents water from flowing back into the pump when the system is off.
⏱️ 12 Programmable Irrigation Modes
The programmer offers 12 preset cycles covering most needs: short waterings several times a day for seedlings and cuttings, long and spaced waterings for Mediterranean plants, intermediate cycles for aromatic and vegetable plants. Each mode defines the watering duration (from a few seconds to several minutes) and the interval between two cycles (from a few hours to several days).
The flow rate at the drippers remains individually adjustable, which allows more water for thirsty plants (tomatoes, zucchini, hydrangeas) and less for less thirsty plants (cacti, succulents, lavender) on the same network. This allows for up to 70% water savings compared to manual watering.
🌱 Recommended Uses
This kit is designed to automate the watering of potted plants, window boxes, balconies, terraces, small greenhouses, urban vegetable gardens, and flower beds. It is particularly useful when going on holiday, during extended business trips, or for people with reduced mobility. It is also suitable for owners of capricious indoor plants (orchids, ferns, ficus) that require precise regular watering. Please note: it is not sized for large open ground areas for a ground-level vegetable garden beyond 10 m²; in such cases, several kits or a conventional mains-powered irrigation system would be needed.
🔧 Technical Specifications
- Solar panel : 6V / 2W, adjustable
- Battery : 1800 mAh lithium integrated into the programmer
- Irrigation modes : 12 programmable cycles
- Hose : 15 meters
- Adjustable drippers : 15 units
- T-connectors : 15 units
- Safety features : anti-siphon + filter + water level alarm
- Water saving : up to 70% vs. manual watering
- Reservoir : to be provided (bucket, jerry can, bottle, not included)
- Water resistance : rain resistant (panel and programmer)
- Weight : approximately 0.94 kg (complete kit)
📕 Guide and Practical Tips
Installation : place the solar panel in a well-exposed area (south or southwest for France), facing the sky without any shadow. Connect the programmer to the hose, submerge the filter in the water reservoir, and lay out the hose along your plants, inserting a dripper into each pot. The T-connectors simply clip onto the main hose to branch out the network.
First priming : allow the battery to charge for 4 to 6 hours in the sun before the first cycle. Then run a test cycle to ensure each dripper is functioning correctly and adjust individual flow rates as needed.
Mistakes to avoid : do not use cloudy water or water with heavy sediment (the filter can clog quickly) ; do not leave the hose sharply bent (this blocks the flow) ; do not expose the programmer to prolonged heavy rain ; do not use water above 35 °C.
Maintenance : clean the filter every 2 to 3 weeks, especially if the water comes from a rain collector. Disassemble and rinse the drippers at the end of the season to prevent limescale buildup. In winter, store the system indoors (the lithium battery does not tolerate prolonged frost).
