Solar Electric Fence: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Solar electric fencing is a great way to keep your yard, farm, or business secure. With solar electric fencing, electric fencing typically does not have a fence and instead has solar panels that are connected wirelessly to an electric fence charger.

The charger is battery-powered and can be placed anywhere in the fence area. The charger requires sunlight, which causes solar cells on the panel to produce electric current.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about solar electric fences and how much they cost.

What is a Solar Electric Fence?

A solar electric fence is an electric fence energizer powered by a solar panel. Solar panel energizers are typically of two types, self-contained with a built-in battery or with a separate external battery.

The solar panel energizer's built-in battery typically lasts 10 to 12 months, while the external battery can be charged and used in various ways.

The solar fence energizer can be connected to the solar panel charger via cable or wirelessly using a solar fence receiver.

Types of Solar Electric Fences

The various types of solar electric fences are:

Permanent Solar Electric Fences

Permanent solar electric fences are powered by solar energy and require no batteries. These fences rely on solar power to operate and are vulnerable to lightning strikes, so it is necessary to protect them with a lightning diverter or arrestor.

This can be done using a protective fence or installing ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets at each fence post.

The 12V Solar Fence Electric Fence Charger can cover 48 kilometers of fencing or 30 miles in all. It provides a reliable power source for the fence so that it can be used all day, every day.

Portable Solar Electric Fences

Portable solar electric fence systems are commonly used for livestock and agricultural applications. These systems typically use a 12V battery to power an electric fence energizer, which delivers up to 0.04 Joule of energy per pulse.

To ensure the energizer stays charged, Gallagher solar fence chargers are designed to be used in low-impedance fencing systems and deliver up to 0.04 Joule of energy per charge.

Additional features of solar fence chargers include LED lights that help keep the charger visible during night hours and a built-in battery to store excess charge for extended operation.

How much does a Solar Electric Fence costs?

The cost of a solar electric fence can vary depending on various factors, such as the size of the fence, the quality of materials used, and the complexity of the installation process.

On average, a solar electric fence for a small farm or residential property can range from $200 to $500 for a basic kit.

For larger farms or properties, the cost can increase up to several thousand dollars depending on the size of the fence and the number of animals it needs to contain.

How to choose the right Solar Electric Fence?

When it comes to solar electric fence energizer, there are multiple factors to consider. This will help you get a good value for your money and ensure you get a durable and efficient solar electric fence energizer for your needs.

Purpose and location of fence

Solar electric fences are used to provide security while remaining off the grid. They are typically installed on residential and commercial properties as a means of keeping out or deterring unwanted intruders.

Energizers for solar electric fences typically use solar panels to generate power that can be stored in either a battery or an external storage unit. Depending on the type of fence energizer, it may also require a fence charger, battery, and solar panel to work properly.

For people who don't have access to AC sources or want to remain off-grid, solar electric fence energizers are an attractive option.

These energizers can be used to secure both residential and commercial properties, letting owners enjoy peace of mind from a safe and sustainable energy source

Size and height of Fence

For starters, ensure that the fence has a maximum distance rating of up to 5km or 3 miles of live wire. Additionally, be sure to check the fence's dimensions, which typically range from 195mm Wide, 100mm High and 220mm Deep.

With solar electric fences, the energizer can have a pulse voltage of up to 8000 Volts. This means that the fence will output an electric shock when touched or disturbed by livestock or wildlife.

Battery life and charging time

A solar electric fence charger typically requires three components: a fence charger, a battery to power the charger, and a solar panel to replenish power to the battery as it is consumed by the fence and charger.

The fence charger will require different inputs for each fence type and brand. This can include voltage, current, and PWM pulse width to control the operation of the fence energizer.

The solar electric fence charger will require different inputs for each fence type and brand.

Durability and weather resistance

Solar electric fence chargers typically work with fences made of steel, aluminum, poly wire, poly rope, or poly tape. They are designed to protect domestic animals from predators and other wildlife reliably.

Most solar fence chargers have built-in lightning protection, and RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) suppressed circuitry to reduce noise on radios and televisions.

These devices also typically include a solar panel that charges the battery over time and a small receiver to detect the fence's signals.

Gallagher Solar Electric Fence Energizers carry a 3-year warranty, including lightning damage.

Price and brand reputation

Solar electric fence has become a popular choice for security and safety due to its affordability and increased power. Solar fence energizers are available from a range of brands, with Dare Eclipse Solar-Powered Fence Energizer 100 Black costing $280.64.

AgraTronix offers an electric fence line energizer solar charger fencer for $135.00. When energizing electric fence with solar power, the cost per watt of power with low impedance is much higher than using a conventional 110 source.

The cost of solar electric fence is significantly reduced compared to traditional fencing, making it an affordable and sustainable option for protecting livestock or property.

Tips for Installing a Solar Electric Fence

When you’re looking to install a solar electric fence, there are a few important factors to consider.

Choosing the right location

To decide on the best remote locations for solar electric fence installation, research your location. Consider the capacity of the Gallagher solar fence charger for the amount of area you want to cover.

Also, consider the benefits of installing a Gallagher solar fence charger, such as zero running costs and superior lightning surge protection.

Make sure that the battery is of the highest quality and can last for up to eight years.

Mounting the Solar panel

When installing solar fencing, you must ensure that the solar modules are rated for a maximum of 12 volts. This is required to charge the fence’s battery.

The solar modules should be mounted in any position, as each fence requires a different placement. You can mount solar fence chargers on top of a post or flat surfaces. Solar electric fences can also be mounted on a swivel mount to ensure they face the sun.

Lastly, tilt the solar panels on a swivel mount to optimize their exposure to sunlight. This will help ensure that the fence always has enough power to keep your pets in check.

Connecting the Fence to the Solar panel

To safely and effectively connect the fence to solar panels, it is vital to ensure that the wires of the electric fence are connected to the wire ports of solar fence chargers.

The black clip should be connected to the ground stake, while the red clip should be connected to the fence. Solar-powered fence energizers have a small internal battery and a small solar module attached to its top.

This module can be charged using solar energy and store a small amount of energy for later use.

Testing the Fence

After installation of solar electric fence, it is important to test its output. You can do this by utilizing a high-voltage tester. This will ensure that the fence is working as intended and is not causing any damage to the trees or other fence lines.

It's also important to check that no tree branches or tall grass are touching the wires, which can cause a drain of voltage.

If you invest in a fence tester, you can ensure that the animals are safely within the fence and that any damage is immediately addressed.

Securing the Fence

If you are planning to install a solar electric fence charger, make sure you protect it from lightning strikes. Install a lightning diverter or arrestor at the fence to protect the solar fence charger from lightning.

If the solar fence charger is not properly protected from lightning, it can be damaged or destroyed. You should also ground the solar fence charger and ensure that it is connected to a reliable source of power.

Grounding rods can be installed to maintain the integrity of the charger and fence. The best type of solar module to use for miles of fencing depends on your specific needs and budget.

Maintenance tips for Solar Electric Fences

Keeping the Solar Panel clean

Keeping the solar panel of your fence clean and free of dust, debris, and other materials that can decrease its performance is vital. Regularly cleaning the solar panel with a high-capacity vacuum and scrubbing brush will ensure that it is able to produce maximum power.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the panel is free of dust and debris. Cleaning solar panels on a regular basis will help ensure that they continue to function at their best over time.

Storing the fence properly

Clean the fence regularly to remove any dirt, debris, or vegetation that could affect the fence’s performance. Check the posts and insulators regularly for damage, and replace them if necessary.

Test the fence regularly to ensure it is working properly. Check the fence grounding system regularly to make sure it is properly connected to a ground rod.

Make sure the voltage level is set correctly for the type of animals that are being kept in the enclosure. Replace the batteries if the fence is battery-powered.

Avoiding overcharging

When installing solar electric fencing, it's essential to ensure the charger does not overcharge livestock. This can lead to damage to the fence and charger, as well as serious health consequences for the livestock.

A good option is a lightning diverter or arrestor, which protects solar fence chargers from lightning strikes. Grounding rods are also recommended to maintain the integrity of the charger and fence.

In addition to these safety precautions, a battery may be needed to power the charger when it is not connected to an electrical source.

Replacing the battery if necessary

The solar electric fence charger may not come with a battery and must be provided by the user in order to operate the charger. If the fence is located away from the energizer, insulated wire should be used to maintain voltage across longer distances.

The charger may be converted to a plug-in (AC) unit by connecting the energizer to a 110V power source near an outlet.

Pros & Cons of Solar Electric Fence

Pros

Solar electric fence is an effective and affordable way to keep pets in and predators out. It is lightweight and easily portable, requiring minimal maintenance.

It is also durable due to low physical contact. One of the best features of solar electric fence is that it can be easily modified or expanded to meet your needs.

Whether you are keeping multiple pets or just one, solar electric fence will help you achieve your goal of a safe, secure home.

Cons

The initial cost of setting up a solar electric fence can be quite expensive. This includes purchasing the solar panel and the necessary wiring, as well as the installation of the fence.

Solar electric fences require regular maintenance and may require repairs if something breaks or becomes damaged. The fences are dependent on the sun to power them. If the weather is cloudy, rainy or excessively windy, the fence may not work properly.

Bottom Line

A solar electric fence is a great investment for any homeowner who wants to keep their livestock and pets away from a particular area. It is an efficient alternative to electric fencing, since it does not rely on power lines to keep animals at bay.

Indeed, solar electric fencing can be set up in just a few hours and requires little maintenance. Over the years, it has proven to be a popular fencing option, and there are many satisfied users of this miles of fencing system.

If you’re looking to invest in solar electric fence technology, then we hope this blog has helped you understand the technology better! And if you have any questions regarding solar electric fence installations, feel free to contact us here!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Solar Electric Fence Last?

Installing and using a solar electric fence typically requires charging for 72 hours in sunlight before use. However, this varies depending on the model and charger of solar electric fence. New technology is always being released, so it's important to stay up-to-date on available models.

How do you connect your Electric Fence to a Solar Fence charger?

To connect your electric fence to a solar fence charger, you'll first need to purchase a solar fence energizer. These energizers typically have a small internal battery that can power the fence energizer for up to 12 hours.

They also have a solar module attached to the top of the unit, which allows the energizer to collect energy from the sun.

Once you've purchased your solar fence energizer, you'll need to power it up by connecting it to a solar fence charger.

There are many solar fence chargers on the market, and the AgraTronix PW50S is a good choice with a range of 0.04 amp. This charger can charge both electric and solar fence energizers simultaneously.

How long do Solar Electric Fence take to charge?

Solar Electric Fence chargers take 72 hours to charge before installation. Conversion chargers are available for purchase for $499.95. 12V Solar Electric Fence Chargers can cover up to 48 kilometers.

Solar Fence Chargers of low impedance with displays can cover up to 20 miles. Electric Fences with 0.5 watt of power can cover up to 50 acres.

Do Solar Electric Fences work at night?

Solar electric fences work best during the daytime, as sunlight charges the fence's battery. If you have a solar fence charger with an additional battery, the fence can still be operated during the night.

However, if you don't have a solar fence charger with a battery, you'll need to connect the electric fence to another power source, like a plug-in electric fence charger or a generator.