Solar Gate Openers - Using The Sun To Open And Close Your Gate

Solar power can be applied to most appliances and devices as a power source. Provided the power required to operate the device is fairly small then solar power is a good option for personal devices. You will find solar cells (that generate DC electricity) on watches, calculators and as battery chargers. They are also used for outdoor and garden lighting, on roof tops and even solar power gate openers exist. This article will cover the principles behind solar power gate openers and how they are used.

Indeed the principle behind the solar gate opener is the same as most other solar appliances. If there is a device that uses a motor to achieve some purpose then it can be powered by solar energy. The fact that a solar gate opener is most likely to be outside is even better because the solar cell that provides power to the gate opener will have plenty of access to sunlight. This means it can either charge a battery or can be used directly.

The basic set up of a solar gate opener will be a solar cell. This can be placed above the gate mechanism on a high, sturdy pole so that it gets unobstructed access to sunlight. The solar cell can also be stored remotely of the gate mechanism is security is an issue.

Solar cells will generally last around 20 years with little to no maintenance but their efficiency will deteriorate with time (about 20% loss in efficiency of the 20 year period).

A battery bank can also be situated near the gate or away from it depending on your needs. Batteries will need to be replaced every few years (up to around 7 years depending on the system and usage).

An actuator system is connected to the battery. The actuator moves the boom or gate. The actuator can handle a swing or sliding gate mechanism. It can also move heavy framed gates.

Again depending on the types of system you select, various other features are available. Such things are a remote control to activate the actuator from your home or car. Other systems have programmable settings, so that the gate can be automatically closed or opened at a certain time.

Indeed, the solar gate opener operates like any other gating system that may be powered by grid electricity, except that it uses a solar cell and battery as it's power source. Many systems can be installed into an existing gate or you can purchase the whole package of gate structure, actuator and latching mechanisms and solar power supply. Such systems are ideal in regions of the world where the climate is good and there are plenty of clear days with unobstructed sunlight.     

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