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Imagine having an automatic gate that works independent of the power grid and saves you money too! That's exactly the kind of benefit you would get when you use solar powered gate opener kits.
Renewable energy is all the rage, and for good reason. Solar powered gates are not only affordable to install, but they are even cheaper to maintain. Plus, you don't have to worry about the distance to an electrical power outlet during the installation process.
There's no doubt that using the best solar gate openers is a no-brainer for environmentally conscious homeowners. There are numerous factors, however, that you'll need to consider if you intend to have a solar powered gate installed on your property.
Let's take a quick look at the best solar gate openers, what you might need to consider, and the reasons why this could be a great idea for your automatic gate opener.
What are Solar Powered Gate Opener Kits?
Let's start by defining what a solar powered gate is before we get into the kits. Simply put, this is a gate system that is powered by the sun via solar panels and rechargeable batteries. These gates are designed to run independently from the national power grid, which means that you won't be getting an electricity bill associate with your gate.
Solar powered units can be used on more than one gate type including driveway gates, single swing gates, a sliding gate opener, chain link and tubular gate styles, and more.
How does a solar gate opener work?
These solar gate opener kits usually include a solar panel, a solar controller, and a battery. The solar panel converts sunlight into electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery. The solar controller regulates the flow of electricity from the solar panel to the battery to prevent overcharging. When the battery is fully charged, the solar controller will automatically disconnect the solar panel to prevent further charging. The solar controller also has an integrated timer that will turn on the solar panel at regular intervals to maintain a full charge.
What Comes with Your Solar Powered Gate Opener Kit?
While this entirely depends on the kind of solar gate opener kit you purchase, most of them include the same components. Let's take a quick look at one of our best-selling kits, LiftMaster LA400XL20W Upgraded Dual Swing Gate Opener Kit with XLSOLARCONTUL Control Box & 20W Solar Kit (20 Watts), which is a powerful solar powered kit that runs a dual swing gate. This particular kit comes with:
- Primary and secondary arms
- Mounting bracket and mounting hardware
- Two 33AH batteries with tray
- Solar harness
- Large control box
- 210W solar panel kit (Two 10 Watt Solar Panels/Total 20 Watts)
- Retro-reflective photo eye
- Two remote control units
Why Use Solar Powered Gate Opener Kits?
There are many reasons why solar powered gate opener kits are a great idea. Here are some of the key features and benefits that come with using a solar powered gate:
Cost-Effectiveness
Thanks to technological advancements, the cost of manufacturing photovoltaic (PV) panels is much lower, which makes solar gates more affordable, however, it's not all about the initial investment. It's also about the overall running costs and maintenance. Since solar powered gates run on energy harnessed from the sun, it won't affect your electric bill every month. This makes running this gate extremely cost-effective.
Power Outage Protection
While most electric gates do come with a backup system (at an extra cost) or a manual override, the truth is that these gates are vulnerable to power outages and bad weather. Extreme weather could short circuit your electric gate opener, leaving you stranded or locked outside or inside your property. This isn't a problem you have to worry about when dealing with a solar powered gate. Since it runs on the sun's energy, the power supply to this kind of gate is always available and isn't prone to outages or grid malfunction.
Eco-Friendly
Solar energy is not only renewable, but it's also clean. Using a solar powered gate, therefore, goes towards reducing your carbon footprint on our environment, making this entire process extremely eco-friendly.
Easy Installation
With the right kind of solar powered gate opener kits, you don't have to worry about the installation process or heavy-duty assembly. Even though you do need an expert for the installation, the process is fairly simple.
Drawbacks to Using a Solar Powered Gate
As you would imagine, some disadvantages come with using a solar powered gate. Here are some things that you need to consider:
- Sunlight: When it comes to solar power and solar powered machines, solar light is a double-edged sword. While it does give you all the benefits that come with renewable energy, it also has a few drawbacks. One of the biggest issues is if you live in a place where you don't get many hours of sunlight every day. This typically means that your solar panels will not get enough energy to function properly. This means you would need an additional power source or battery backup system. This dual gate opener system can be costly.
- Limited use: Although this does depend on the kind of solar powered gate opener kit you get, some offer limited use or just enough power to open and close your gate a limited number of times. This can mean limited access control of 8-10 times every day, for example. Not only does this limit your movements, but it also means that you'd have to plan for a backup system should you ever need to open and close your gate more often than the supported number of times.
- Associated costs: While having a solar-powered gate eliminates the need for electricity, some additional costs may be incurred. A good example would be the fact that you need to replace the batteries every few years (3–5 years). Another one would be that you have to make sure that there are no overhanging trees that might create shade over the panels. Solar powered gates also require more frequent maintenance calls than regular gates.
These drawbacks, however, are nowhere near the kind of benefits you get from installing a solar powered gate operator. If you choose the right kind of solar powered gate opener kit, you will gain independence from the grid, an eco-friendly barrier solution, and a cost-effective security system for your property.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Solar Gate Opener
A solar powered gate opener kit can be a great addition to your home if you want to increase security and convenience. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a solar powered gate opener kit:
- The size of your gate: Make sure to measure your gate before purchasing a solar powered gate opener kit, as you will need to purchase one that is compatible with the size of your gate.
- The amount of traffic: If you have a lot of traffic going in and out of your gate, you will need to purchase a solar powered gate opener kit that can handle the amount of traffic.
- Your budget: Solar powered gate opener kits can range in price, so it is important to set a budget before you start shopping.
By keeping these things in mind, you will be able to find the perfect solar powered gate opener kit for your home.
Solar Powered Gate Openers are a Great Way to Save Energy and Money
Solar powered gate openers are a great way to save money and help the environment. They provide an easy, convenient way to get your property secured without needing access to the power grid. If you have any questions about solar powered gates or how they work, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you find the perfect system for your needs. Thanks for reading!
