# Light bulb for a special purpose **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 24, 2023, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-bulb-for-a-special-purpose/984533 "2023-05-24T20:07:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![2\_More\_Bits](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/2_more_bits/32/4148_2.png) [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2023, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-bulb-for-a-special-purpose/984533/1 "2023-05-24T20:07:39Z")
Does there exist a light bulb that would power a small solar fountain inside one’s home? ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2023, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-bulb-for-a-special-purpose/984533/2 "2023-05-24T20:24:10Z")
Certainly, depending on the power required for the fountain and the light output of the bulb, as well as it’s distance from the solar panel. Could the fountain be modified to operate on a AC to DC adapter? Do you have a link to the fountain in question? ---
**Author:** ![2\_More\_Bits](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/2_more_bits/32/4148_2.png) [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2023, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-bulb-for-a-special-purpose/984533/3 "2023-05-24T20:29:10Z")
Hoping to be able to demonstrate the fountain in my small retail store. A spot light-type bulb that would be about 6’ away. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2023, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-bulb-for-a-special-purpose/984533/4 "2023-05-24T21:01:43Z")
We’d need the specs of the fountain solar panel & motor to make a real calculation. I wonder how well the “solar fountain” works outdoors? How bright of a day must it be to work? How close to noon and how cloudless? Does the orientation of the solar panel greatly matter? etc. The point here is not for the OP to answer all these exact questions. My point is that if the device just barely works in actual bright blasting sunlight it’s going to be very disappointing to non-functional under any conceivable indoor light source. Conversely, if it’s merrily squirting away on a gray day near dusk or dawn then you can probably rig a decent indoor substitute light source. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2023, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-bulb-for-a-special-purpose/984533/5 "2023-05-24T21:03:53Z")
This might work: > **[Amazon.com: SYLVANIA PAR38 High Output LED Light Bulb, 150W = 25W, 15° Spot,...](https://www.amazon.com/LEDVANCE-74795-Sylvania-Dimmable-Frosted/dp/B08D6F5G9Z)** > > Amazon.com: SYLVANIA PAR38 High Output LED Light Bulb, 150W = 25W, 15° Spot, Non-Dimmable, 2500 Lumens, Frosted, 3000K, White - 1 Pack (74795) : Everything Else ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2023, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-bulb-for-a-special-purpose/984533/6 "2023-05-24T21:24:14Z")
So the idea is to use a light bulb to provide the solar power for the fountain? Does it get exposed to sunlight at all? Hardly seems necessary if it can be powered through a cord or batteries. It likely does have a battery in it and if the device can be switched off you could turn it on to demonstrate it for a short time. People understand solar powered devices, I think they’d understand if it’s not operating inside. However, seeing it operate could easily drive some impulse sales, I can see why you’d want to do that. How much power does this fountain require? [This one from Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/POPOSOAP-Fountain-3000mAh-Battery-7W/dp/B0BRN455B3/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3RUUR13UIT1TG&keywords=battery+powered+fountain+pump&qid=1684962729&sprefix=battery+powered+foun%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-2) seems to be using a 7 watt solar panel, and has a battery that it can run on for a short time. The solar panel is connected by a 16 ft. cord so it can be placed in a window or even outdoors to charge. If the 7 watt rating is correct I think a small halogen spot light bulb, common in desk lamps, would probably power that fountain too. ---
**Author:** ![whc.03grady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a6a055/32.png) [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2023, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-bulb-for-a-special-purpose/984533/7 "2023-05-24T22:12:08Z")
Hopefully the fountain will in turn run a small waterwheel connected to a generator which will power for the light bulb! Hey, maybe I’m on to something here…