Project Facts
Solar Automatic Dual Driveway Gate Opener Installation in Crandall, GA
North Georgia Fence Company recently completed a solar dual gate opener installation in Crandall, GA, adding LiftMaster automation to an existing dual-swing driveway gate.
The homeowner already had the gate itself, so the project centered on turning that entrance into a dependable automatic gate system without needing conventional electrical service at the driveway.
The installation included dual LiftMaster LA400 gate operators, an upgraded metal control enclosure, two large 33Ah batteries, solar charging, an automatic vehicle exit sensor and underground wiring between the system components.
LiftMaster identifies the LA400 as a solar-ready 24VDC linear actuator, and its documentation specifically supports larger 33Ah batteries for installations requiring additional reserve capacity.
This project also required careful routing of underground wiring along the driveway and across an existing concrete driveway to reach the second gate operator.
Customer Goal: Automating an Existing Dual Driveway Gate
The homeowner already had a suitable dual-swing driveway gate but needed a complete automatic opener system.
Because electrical service was not conveniently available at the entrance, solar power offered a practical solution.
The finished system needed to:
- operate both gate leaves;
- provide adequate battery reserve;
- recharge from solar power;
- automatically open for vehicles leaving the property;
- protect wiring underground;
- preserve the existing concrete and gravel driveway as cleanly as practical.
The project therefore involved considerably more than simply mounting two actuator arms to a gate.
Site Inspection & Remote Project Planning
Crandall is outside the area we typically travel for routine gate work, so good planning was especially important on this project.
A significant amount of the project details were coordinated in advance through telephone calls, photographs, text messages and email. That allowed us to understand the existing gate, driveway layout, equipment requirements and wiring needs before traveling to the property.
For larger automatic gate projects, good advance communication can make a long-distance installation practical by reducing uncertainty before the work begins.
Installing Underground Gate Wiring
One of the major installation tasks was creating an underground wiring route along the driveway.
We used our Kwik-Trench machine to cut a narrow trench alongside the driveway for the wiring serving the automatic exit sensor and solar equipment.
Running these cables underground protects them from normal property activity and leaves the finished entrance looking clean.
Crossing the Concrete Driveway for the Second Gate Motor
A dual-swing gate creates an additional challenge: the second actuator is on the opposite side of the driveway from the main control enclosure.
To connect the two sides, we used a concrete saw to cut a narrow channel across the existing driveway. This allowed us to route the required wiring from the control side to the second LiftMaster gate operator.
After the wiring was installed, the crossing could be closed while keeping the electrical connection protected below the driveway surface.
Upgraded LiftMaster LA400 XL Control System
For this installation, we used an upgraded LiftMaster LA400 configuration rather than the smaller standard control setup.
The system includes:
- a durable metal control enclosure;
- two larger 33Ah batteries;
- dual LiftMaster LA400 actuators;
- solar charging;
- automatic exit detection.
LiftMaster's LA400 product documentation lists a standard control box using much smaller batteries and separately documents support for two 33Ah batteries. LiftMaster reports significantly greater standby capacity with the larger battery configuration.
For a solar-powered driveway entrance, that additional stored energy provides considerably more reserve capacity during periods when sunlight is limited.
Solar Power & Automatic Exit Sensor
The system's solar panel was installed on a dedicated pedestal positioned where it could receive useful sunlight while remaining separate from the moving gate.
An automatic vehicle exit sensor was also installed so a vehicle leaving the property can trigger the gate without the driver having to use a remote control.
The sensor wiring was routed underground as part of the trenching work completed earlier in the project.
Solar-powered automatic gates can be especially useful at rural North Georgia entrances where bringing conventional AC electrical service to the gate would require extensive trenching or other electrical work. LiftMaster specifically lists the LA400UL among its gate operators suitable for solar applications.
Final Result
The completed system transformed the homeowner's existing dual driveway gate into a fully automatic solar-powered entrance.
The finished installation combines:
- dual LiftMaster LA400 operators;
- larger 33Ah battery capacity;
- upgraded metal control enclosure;
- solar charging;
- automatic vehicle exit detection;
- buried wiring;
- clean integration with the existing driveway and gate.
The homeowner was able to retain the existing gate while gaining modern automatic operation without having to extend conventional electrical service to the entrance.
Our Commitment Doesn't End at Installation
An automatic driveway gate is a combination of mechanical, electrical and safety components that need to work together every time the homeowner enters or leaves the property.
Our work doesn't end when the actuator arms are mounted and the gate moves for the first time. We test the finished system, verify proper operation and want our customers to know who installed their equipment if they have questions or need service in the future.
Whether the system is around the corner in Ellijay or a longer-distance project such as this installation in Crandall, our goal is the same: install it correctly and leave the homeowner with a gate system we are comfortable putting our name on.
Why This Project Matters
An existing driveway gate can often be converted into a modern automatic entrance without replacing the gate itself. This Crandall project also shows why the less-visible parts of an installation—battery capacity, underground wiring, driveway crossings, solar placement and exit detection—matter just as much as the operator arms people see on the finished gate.
Have an Existing Gate You'd Like to Automate?
You may not need an entirely new driveway gate.
North Georgia Fence Company installs automatic gate operators on suitable existing gates and can help determine the appropriate operator, solar system, access controls and vehicle detection for your property.
We specialize in LiftMaster automatic driveway gate systems throughout North Georgia and will occasionally consider projects beyond our normal service area when the installation can be properly planned in advance.
Ready to find out more?
Automatic Driveway Gate Installations for North Georgia mountain properties:
Take a look at our Recent Project Spotlight page to get a feel for who we are and what we do at North Georgia Fence Company.
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