Using Solar Powered Fence Energisers

Tips on using Solar Powered Electric Fence Energisers.

 Solar powered fence energisers are in essence the same as ordinary battery powered energisers except for the addition of a photovoltaic solar panel.  The panel adds charge to the internal battery whenever it is exposed to light.  The energiser itself draws its current from the battery in exactly the same way as an ordinary battery unit and does not rely directly on the solar panel for its energy so the unit continues to operate even during darkness.

As long as the amount of light energy falling on the solar panel is equal or greater than the energy drawn by the energiser, the unit will continue to operate, but when the energy from the solar panel drops below that drawn by the energiser then the battery will eventually become discharged and have to be recharged.

The time at which this occurs depends on three factors: A. Site Position, B. Maintenance, and C. Latitude.

 1. Care should be taken to face the solar panel in a southerly direction in order to gain as much energy from the daylight as possible.  This position should be open to the south and as much expanse of sky should be visible from the panel as possible and should not be obstructed by trees or buildings. Remember that your energiser does not have to be positioned right next to your fence but can be connected using a long lead out cable if required.

2. A clean solar panel is essential; any dirt will obstruct the daylight.

3. Fig. 1 below shows the number of hours of daylight per day in Greenwich, reaching a peak of 16 hours 40 minutes in June down to just 7 hours 50 minutes in December.  These extremes move even further apart the more northerly your latitude.

During the winter months the amount of energy available from the daylight is often not enough to keep up with an energiser running 24 hours a day.  If the fence does not need to be energised all day and all night then switch the unit off when not needed and the battery will have chance to recharge.  If a live fence is required day and night during winter months then keep a spare battery and rotate them on a regular basis charging the spare one with a suitable mains powered battery charger.