It needs full and bright sun. I live in BC, Canada, and if the sun isn't mid-summer hot, then the fountain doesn't perform well. I am sure that if you lived anywhere that had full sun (everywhere south of the 49th parallel?) , this fountain would be great. It was great, but the weather this summer could have been better. No fault of the solar fountain.In full sun it has a nice high fountain. When it has part sun it spurts and the birds don't like the erratic water pressure. I have 2 parrots and I was able to put them outside with this on sunny days and they loved the shower. If it is not anchored to the center of the water fountain, it can drain your water, because it has a 12"+ high fountain, that (depending on the wind and the shower head used) can spray water off the edge of the bird bath or dish that you use. The dish has to be large enough to catch the excess spray so you don't lose too much water.It is a great little solar fountain that needs a little set up from you, but otherwise creates a small area of cool air for the birds to bathe in, in the summer heat. The robin juveniles liked it the most.