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When looking for the best solar gate opener, you want a model that offers the right mix of features for your needs.
We’re talking about the right load capacity, power rating, backup battery cycles, ease of installation, and so on (more on choosing a solar gate opener later).
With the numerous solar-powered gate openers on the market, pinpointing a model that suits your particular needs can be challenging.
To help, we’ve rounded up the best solar gate openers and highlighted what makes them stand out.
That way, you can buy your solar gate opener from a point of information.
Let’s get cracking.
Top Solar Gate Openers
Whether you want to bolster your home’s security or lower your energy bills, these four top-rated solar gates openers have got you covered.
1. LiftMaster LA400 Solar Gate Opener
The LiftMaster LA400 has our vote if you’re in for a heavy-duty swing gate opener.
With an impressive 850 lbs. load capacity, this unit is ideal for light commercial or residential swing gates up to 16ft. long.
It is compatible with wireless dual-gate communication, eliminating expensive conduit costs. Installing it is a breeze, thanks to the LED diagnostic display. The display also simplifies troubleshooting.
The LA400 runs on a powerful 24VDC motor for exceptional starting torque. Meanwhile, the soft/stop operation extends this gate unit’s life and ensures a reliable performance.
Further, the synchronized closing system ensures your gate closes as soon as your vehicle pulls off the interrupt loop.
The LiftMaster LA400 is HomeLink® compatible, allowing you to close and open your gate from the comfort of your car.
It can also connect to the myQ® smartphone app via the optional 828LM enabling monitoring and control of your gates from anywhere.
And then there’s the quick close feature to prevent tailgating.
2. USAutomatic Patriot II Solar Gate Opener
While the Patriot II doesn’t come cheap, it sports a host of outstanding features to justify the hefty price tag.
One of the best solar gate openers if you’re looking for operating speed, this unit opens 90 degrees in just 12 seconds.
It offers up to 650 lbs. load capacity or gates up to 16 ft. long.
You will love the independent Gate 1 and Gate 2 sensitivity adjustments for complete control of the gate opener.
You can also set the built-in timer to open/close your gate in preset intervals for increased convenience.
The Patriot II packs a Thompson 24” linear actuator that can deliver up to 500 lbs. of dynamic thrust. It also boasts a remarkable 1000 lbs. load rating.
Other notable highlights include the onboard LCR dual-channel receiver and slide, dual or single operators’ compatibility.
The Patriot II is a perfect solar gate opener for residential, farm, light commercial, and ranch use. All USAutomatic operators are made in the USA.
The control board comes with a 5-year warranty. The rest of the components have a 3-year warranty, further assuring you of the quality of this unit.
3. LiftMaster LA412 Solar Swing Gate Opener
The LiftMaster LA412 is a great unit if you’re looking for an automatic swing gate opener without leaving a hole in your budget.
Designed for residential swing gates, it comes with an onboard radio receiver for control inputs and a powerful DC motor for performance you can count on every time.
The motor features bi-part delay for smoother slow-start/operation. And then, there are the built-in LED indicators for external obstruction sensing.
The LA412 runs on EverCharge power management to maximize run cycles while preserving solar power.
You don’t have to worry about unauthorized access to your property with its gate opener, thanks to the security+ 2.0® function.
The LiftMaster LA412 can operate gates up to 16 ft. long, or weighing up to 850 lbs.
4. LiftMaster LA500XL Upgraded Dual Swing Gate
One of the best solar-powered gates for driveways, the LA500XL can open gates 18 ft. long, weighing up to 1,200 lbs.
With such power, this unit can open your gate to 90 degrees in 15 to 17 seconds. And it’ll continue to do so 500 times a day.
And when there’s limited or no sunshine, the battery backup can keep the LA500XL running for 7 days or 500 cycles. Further, this model can power several ancillary and safety devices as needed.
In the meantime, the onboard photo-eye detects motion, position, and distance of objects that may obstruct your gate’s operation.
The LA500XL is HomeLink® compatible and comes with a simple-to-set electronic system limit to maintain accurate gate position.
How to Choose the Best Gate Opener – Buyer’s Guide
Some factors to consider when scouting for a solar-powered gate opener include:
Load Capacity
You want a gate opener that can handle your gate’s weight and length. You can look for this information on the product description page.
Check What’s Included
You don’t want to buy a solar-powered automatic gate opener only to find out there’s no solar panel included.
It would be best to check if the package has all the components you need to get the gate opener up and running.
Reviews
The best solar gate reviews are independent and unsolicited. So be sure to find out what other users have to say about the gate opener you want to buy before investing your money in it.
Budget
You can only buy a solar gate opener that you can afford, right? Sure, but just be wary that cheap openers aren’t necessarily the best and vice versa.
Because a gate opener is a significant investment, ensure that the unit you want to buy offers the features you’re looking for.
Other factors to consider include:
- Quality of materials
- Warranty terms
- Ease of maintenance
Conclusion
Choosing the best solar gate opener boils down to knowing what specifications to look for in the model that you want to buy.
So, check things such as your gate’s weight and length before heading out to look for an automatic solar gate opener.
The four solar gate openers on this list will serve most people. Still, you can always help you choose the right model for your needs by letting us know what you’re looking for in the comments section below.
