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Energy Home Page - Solar Fence Charger
Solar Fence Charger - an Electric Fence Charger Makes Solar
Powered Electric Fences Possible
- plus 10 mistakes to avoid in order to get the best out of
your solar electric fence and charger system.
Solar
powered electric fences are not really that popular yet, because most
people are not aware that they are easier
to install than the generic electric fences.
Let's take a look at why this solar panel, charger, and battery system just might be your best choice in
animal and large-area electric enclosures!
Reliability?
Some people worry that solar powered fences work only during sunny days.
However, having a solar fence charger makes these fences work
- all day long,
- at night, and
- even during cloudy days.
A solar fence charger comes with a rechargeable battery, from which the
fence draws energy when the sun isn't out.
These systems are usually quite expensive, but your savings is in the long
term.
The convenience of the minimal maintenance required to keep a solar
powered electric fence running quickly makes up for the difference in
price.
10
Mistakes to Avoid With Solar Powered Electric Fence and Charger
If you are planning to install a solar powered electric fence, try to
avoid these common mistakes to make the technology work for you:
1.
Using poor quality insulators
Choose high quality, durable insulators and try to avoid using plastic
because sunlight can melt it or shatter it.
Look for
insulators that are painted black because these can resist damage done
by ultraviolet rays.

forestryimages.org
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2.
Inadequate earth grounding
You would have to invest on galvanized ground rods, about six to eight
feet long and several good ground clamps.
Not having adequate
grounding means weaker shocks and a less effective electricity charge.
3.
Solar panels not positioned correctly
Since your panels draw their power from the sun, your solar powered
electric fence would not work if the solar panels are facing the wrong
direction.
Put your solar panels in an area that receives the most
sunlight, and follow the instructions on the installation guide, which
usually comes with the package.
4.
Improper distancing of wires

Like many farms, Angelic Organics power their electric fences with
small solar
panels.
Photo by
Jessica Reeder
|
Wires should at least be five to seven inches apart.
Don't
use wires that are too small, especially if your fence extends for long
distances.
For a 20 mile hot fence, you should use at least a 12.5 gage
wire.
5.
Insufficient charger
Buy the right size of solar electric fence charger for your fence,
especially if you have a big area to cover.
Otherwise you will not get
the right amount of solar energy to power up your fence.
6.
Poor animal training
Your animals need to know that your solar powered fence is
dangerous.
One way to do this is to set up a handy training
fence, preferably installed on wet, heavy soil.
Lure the
animals to approach the fence by using hay. After a few minor shocks,
they will understand that they have to keep off the fence.
7.
Inadequate spacing in between fence posts
Some may think 50 foot space in between solar powered fence posts is
enough.
However, a good 80 to 100 feet is more ideal.
With this
distance, the wire will just pop back up when something touches it and
not knock down the posts to the ground.
You can use inline-strainers to
straighten the wires between posts without stretching them too tight.
8.
Not using a voltmeter with your solar fence
charger
A voltmeter is necessary to know exactly how "hot" the solar powered
electric fence is.
If your fence is not hot enough, animals may still
cross over it.
9.
Using various metals
When you use a steel wire and hook it up with copper, metal corrosion
will result and the shock power of the fence will weaken.
10.
Not checking the fence regularly
Fences tend to loosen up through time and without checking them
regularly.
Make routine checks, switch off the solar fence
charger and repair the loose ends.
Making
the Best Choice
- Choose a solar fence charger supplier who offers a warranty
for labor and parts. Some warranties even cover lightning
protection.
- Buy a good heavy duty solar electric fence charger that
produces high voltage and one that can work even in areas with heavy
vegetation.
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