A solar fence charger sounds like a pretty good use of solar power.
After all, an electric fence is sitting outside in the sun all day so why shouldn’t it be getting charged up with solar panels?
Also, since a fence can be quite a distance from any power lines, you can save a lot of money by not having to run wire all that way.
On top of that, a solar powered electric fencer will ensure that a power outage won’t cut off electricity to your fence like it did to the T-Rex enclosure in Jurassic Park. Don’t worry though, using solar power to keep an electric fence charged is a great idea even if you don’t have any dinosaurs.
In fact, a solar panel electric fence is a perfect example of a solar application that can provide a quick return on time and money invested.
Before you hear any more about how great a solar powered electric fence is, however, why don’t we address a couple of worries you may have.
How Powerful Is A Solar Fence Charger?
The first thing you might be wondering about is whether a solar panel can provide enough power to charge up a fence around a long perimeter. The quick answer to this question is ‘Yes’ as some commonly available solar chargers are able to charge many miles of fence.
A good thing to know is that a solar fence charger (energizer) is rated in joules. A joule is a measure of energy that tells you how powerful the energizer is. You want your fence charger to be powerful enough to deliver the right voltage along the entire fence. Tall grass and weeds that come in contact with your electric fence can drain its energy and reduce the voltage it delivers.
A solar powered electric fence will also usually have a rating for the number of miles of fencing it will keep electrified. This rating can be misleading, however, since the mile rating is usually for a single strand of fencing. If you are running multiple strands or netting the number of miles can be reduced significantly.
Maybe you’re also wondering about what happens if you get a few days of cloudy weather. Will your fence lose power and allow your animals to roam the fields looking for fun and adventure?
No, you probably don’t need to worry about that. A charged battery will keep your fence electrified for anywhere from four days to three weeks of sunless weather. There should be a solar battery option available that will fit anyone’s needs.
Setting Up A Solar Powered Electric Fence
Another thing that might be on your mind is whether using solar power will involve a complicated set up.
Allow me to put your mind at ease, gentle reader. Setting up a solar powered electric fence couldn’t be easier. It boils down to attaching a wire and pointing the solar panel toward the sun. The only additional requirement is making sure your solar fence charger is grounded.
I’m going to guess that another concern you have is whether a solar fence charger can hold up against the elements. After all, it will be out there in the blistering sun and the frigid winter snow.
I think we have you covered in the durability department too. Most solar powered fence chargers and batteries are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty of up to five years.
On top of this, however, some brands offer lifetime warranties that cover their special steel housings against rust. Any unit that rusts will be replaced free of charge.
Hopefully we have now put to rest any concerns you may have had about purchasing a solar powered electric fence charger.
Now let’s move on to a couple of tips that might help you out with your new charger.
How To Charge A Solar Fence Charger
Putting your fence charger into action is a pretty simple project that shouldn’t take long. The finer details will vary according to the brand and model of energizer, but these are the basic steps:
- Make sure the solar panel has unrestricted access to sunshine.
- Ensure that the unit is well grounded.
- Make sure the voltage is suitable for the length of fence and the type of animal.
- For convenience, consider purchasing a pre-packaged solar fence charger kit containing fencing, solar panel, charger, and battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do solar fence chargers last?
Most of these fence chargers are warrantied for 1-3 years. Fence Master features a five year warranty for failure during normal use. The units can actually last much longer with the battery being the only part that should require regular replacement.
Where can I learn how to charge a solar fence charger?
Before using your solar powered fence charger, it is recommended that you charge the battery for a few days before powering up the unit. This ensures that your battery is sufficiently charged. For regular use of your fence charger, make sure the solar panel is facing the sun and away from any shading. Also, check the panel occasionally to ensure it is clear of dirt and debris.
What are the best solar solar powered fence charger brands?
There are many solid manufacturer options to consider when you’re buying a solar energizer for your electric fence. Be sure to check out the following brands:
- Gallagher
- This company has a solid reputation and a wide selection of solar energizers. Their smallest unit is the S6 Lithium Solar Energizer which is rated at 0.06 joules and 0.37 miles of fence. This charger is designed to deter pests from entering your garden or pets from exiting your property. The company’s big gun is the S400 Solar energizer that is rated at 4 joules and 20 miles. Of course, there are many options in between these two. Gallagher also offers a three year warranty.
- Premier
- This is another well-regarded company with a wide product range. At the smaller end of the spectrum, the company has the Solar IntelliShock® 30 which is rated at 0.3 joules. Their largest unit is the Solar IntelliShock® 180 which has a 30 watt solar panel and is rated at 1.8 joules. These solar energizers have a two year warranty.
- Other Brands
- Other solar powered fence charger brands to consider are Zareba, Parmak, Fence Master, and Fi-Shock.
Hopefully this is enough information to get you started in electrifying your fence with the power of the sun.