What are the benefits of a solar gate opener?
Some driveway gate installation sites make it difficult or costly to run electric power to the location of an automatic gate. Consider installing a solar gate opener system that can be automated without running underground electric power to the gate in these situations.
For the environmentally conscious, the additional carbon footprint caused by installing an electronic gate may deter opting for one. Solar-powered electric gates are the ideal solution.
Solar energy is clean, renewable energy. As the power is made from sunlight rather than burning fossil fuels, there are no direct greenhouse gas emissions. This means less environmental impact.
Dependability of a solar gate opener:
You will never find yourself locked out of your property due to power failure.
Environmentally friendly:
Solar power is a clean, renewable energy source. This means your carbon footprint is reduced, and emissions are cut.
Reduced electricity consumption:
While other gate openers rely on mains power to operate, solar gate openers harness the sun’s energy, allowing you to reduce your electricity usage.
Lower power bills:
Solar gates don’t draw on your national grid electricity supply. Less electricity usage means lower power bills, which ultimately means more money in your pocket.
Suitable for remote areas:
Some locations have limited access to a power source. If your home or business sits on a large property or is in a remote area, the main power source is likely to be a long distance from the location of your driveway gate. Feeding electric power to the gate can be expensive, digging trenches and burying cable. With solar panels, this is a non-issue.
Increased security:
Power outages can cause automated gates to malfunction; however, the batteries will keep the system up and running with solar power.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the benefits of a solar gate opener?
Environmentally friendly, reduced electricity consumption, lower power bills, suitable for remote areas, and increased security.
Some driveway gate installation sites make it difficult or costly to run power to the location of an automatic gate. A gate that can be automated using solar energy without running electric power to the gate solves this problem and saves installation costs.
How Reliable are Solar Gate Openers?
Reliability is rock solid. Solar Power is highly dependable. Solar gate openers use the same motors and electronics as 120VAC electric systems; the only difference is that they are not connected to the local power grid; they are powered by batteries that are kept fully charged by the sun.
Are Solar Gate Openers Any Good?
Solar Gate Openers are highly dependable, environmentally friendly, reduce electric consumption, lower power bills, are suitable for any location without available electricity, and increase security.
How long do solar gate batteries last?
LiftMaster suggests replacing the batteries every 3 to 5 years. The batteries are locally available at the big box stores and cost $45 each. Two are required, and they are easily exchanged.
We have solar driveway gate openers that have been in service for over 10 years and continue to run on the original batteries.
How Much Sun Does A Solar Gate Opener Need?
Solar-powered gate openers require 6 to 8 hours of unobstructed sunlight each day to collect enough energy from the sun to keep the batteries fully charged. In low-light situations, additional solar panels can be added to decrease charging time.
What Is The Best Solar Gate Opener?
N GA Fence Co has installed solar-powered driveway gate openers from BFT, Viking, Nice, Apollo, Door King, and LiftMaster. Over the years, we have come to rely on LiftMaster as our preferred brand.
LiftMaster motors provide excellent gate security, offering better resistance to wind and forced entry compared to other brands. As the industry leader in driveway gate operator technology, LiftMaster offers advanced accessories such as audio and video intercom systems. Many homes are already equipped with a LiftMaster garage door opener, making homeowners familiar with the LiftMaster MyQ Community smartphone connectivity feature which is compatable with a LiftMaster driveway gate opener.
Solar and Electric Comparison:
Investing in an automatic gate opener is an efficient way to enhance your property’s security and give you complete control over who can access it. Whether you need it for residential or commercial use, gate openers add more sophistication, safety, and convenience to your space.
A common dilemma is knowing what type of automatic gate opener to choose. The choice is typically between electric and solar-powered automatic gate openers.
In this article, we demystify both types of automatic gate openers, listing their features, benefits, and more to help you decide which is best for you.
Electric Gate Openers – Reliable Power and High-Performance Work Horses
Electric automatic gate openers are popular among homeowners and businesses due to their dependability and ease of use. These systems connect directly to a property’s electrical grid, ensuring consistent power for smooth operation.
Here are a few advantages that electric gate openers offer:
Consistent Power Supply
As long as your property has a stable electrical connection, your gate opener will operate continuously, especially brands like LiftMaster, which are known for delivering reliable performance over a long period.
Powerful Motors for Heavy Gates
Electric gates typically have robust motors that can handle heavier gates since they typically don’t have the power cap that most solar gate openers have. This feature makes them ideal for commercial or industrial properties with large, heavy-duty gates.
Advanced Features
Many electric gate openers, such as the LiftMaster series, come with advanced features like remote access control, Wi-Fi connectivity, and compatibility with security systems. This integration allows for convenience and enhanced security for your property.
To be fair, LiftMaster solar automatic gate openers have these same advanced features.
Key Considerations When Installing Electric Gate Openers
- Installation costs: Installing an electric automatic gate opener may involve additional expenses for wiring and ensuring a stable power connection.
- Dependence on electricity: During a power outage, your electric gate opener might require a backup battery system to continue operating. Fortunately, most LiftMaster electric gate openers have backup battery systems built in.
Solar Gate Opener – An Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Solution
Solar automatic gate openers are designed for those who need a sustainable and energy-efficient solution. The primary difference between solar gate openers and their electrical counterparts is the use of solar panels versus direct electricity from the grid.
Advantages of a Solar Gate Opener
- Energy Efficiency: Solar-powered gate openers run on renewable energy, effectively reducing your reliance on the electrical grid and reducing energy costs. This makes them particularly useful for rural properties in sunny areas without an electric source nearby.
- Cost Savings Over Time: The initial cost of installing solar gate openers is no higher than that of electrical gate openers. However, the long-term savings on electricity bills make them a cost-effective choice.
- Independence from the Grid: Solar gate openers are especially ideal for remote properties in areas where electricity is limited. This can equate to thousands of dollars saved by eliminating expensive underground wiring to access the electric power grid.
- Environmentally Friendly: Solar automatic gate openers allow you to contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
- Solar Tax Credit: The federal government provides financial incentives to homeowners who use solar-powered systems. Homeowners can apply for a federal tax credit equal to 22% off the installed cost of their LiftMaster® Solar Powered Gate Operator System. Get the details here:
Considerations for Solar Gate Openers
- Weather dependency: The performance of a solar gate opener may vary depending on the availability of sunlight and battery capacity, which can become a concern in regions with limited sunlight.
- Battery Maintenance: These systems use batteries to store solar energy, and these batteries may require periodic replacement or maintenance.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Electric vs. Solar Automatic Gate Openers
| Features | Electric Gate Openers | Solar Gate Openers |
| Power Source | Connected to the electrical grid | Solar panels and battery storage |
| Cost | Higher initial cost for underground wire installation; higher electrical bills | Lower upfront cost; long-term savings |
| Suitability for Remote Locations | Limited; requires electrical access | Excellent; operates independently |
| Maintenance | Low; occasional battery backup checks | Moderate; requires solar panel cleaning once a year |
| Eco-Friendliness | Relies on non-renewable energy sources | 100% renewable energy |
As the table above shows, electric and solar gate openers each have unique advantages.
Popular Models to Consider
Electric Gate Openers
The LiftMaster LA500PKGUL Swing Gate Opener or the LiftMaster LA400PKGUL Dual Swing Gate Opener are premium choices for anyone looking for a powerful electric gate opener. These models possess powerful motors and smart home compatibility and offer incredible performance for residential and commercial properties.
Solar Gate Openers
The LiftMaster LA500XL60W and the LiftMaster LA400XL60W Upgraded Dual Swing Gate Opener Solar Kit are powerful solar gate openers known for their reliability and efficiency and the kind of performance expected of a LiftMaster product. These features make it a top choice for eco-conscious users.
These models come with an upgraded metal control box, which houses two large 35AH batteries plus an upgraded 60-watt solar collector.
In my opinion as an installer, the LA400XL60W upgraded Solar Kit is the best!. For only $250 more than the non-upgraded kit, you get a heavy-duty metal enclosure, two 35AH batteries versus two 9AH batteries, and a 60-Watt solar panel versus a 20-Watt panel. Honestly, it’s a great deal!
Choose the Right Automatic Gate Opener for You
Ultimately, choosing between an electric and solar automatic gate opener depends on your property’s specific needs and personal preferences. In summary, electric gate openers are great for those needing consistent power for advanced features like an audio/video intercom. In contrast, solar gate openers are ideal for rural properties without readily available electric power. Eco-conscious property owners looking for an energy-efficient solution will