The fountain will go off even though the batteries are charged, the solar panel is in the sun, and is set to stay on continuously.  Then it may or may not go on again by playing with the buttons.  Sometimes I can plug in the charger (which it does not come with, and does not offer) for a few seconds and it may run again for hours.  When the fountain is working it is very nice to watch and listen to the water flowing.  The light at night is also a great feature.