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Building a Solar Fence Charger

S

sageridge

New member
Joined
Jun 15, 2009
Messages
4
Location
Colorado
Hey all:

I was just wanting everyones thoughts on solar electric fence chargers. I was told that I would be better off buying a solar panel and building my own, rather than buying a self contained factory unit. I'm not sure. Was looking at a Parmak Magnum 12 that looked ok, but I have never had great luck with store bought solar chargers.

So if anyone has any advice on how to go about building my own solar charger that would be great. Also where I can get all the materials I will need, as I have no clue where to start. I want to charge approx. 3 miles of fence. Thanks.
 
Most of the self contained "solar fencers" are quite low powered and are only suitable for small acreages. We've had the best luck by selecting an appropriate powered charger for the fence we will be powering; compare fencers by their joule rating; far better to be overpowered than under as fenceline loads will vary with amounts of vegetation etc. and time of year(frozen ground vs. damp vs. dry).
You can pick up solar panels quite cheaply at Walmart, RV supply stores or ag hardwares. I've bought 15 watt panels for around $100 along with a charge controller for $15 (prevents overcharging batteries)and these are quite adequate for a medium strength charger and will maintain a battery for an entire season.
For bigger chargers I've stepped up to 25 Watt panels and these keep the batteries up right through the winter.
Hope this helps!
 
thanks cowsense:

what components do I need to buy to build the charger? Just a panel and battery or are there other parts I need? Can get it all Wal-Mart? Thanks.
 
Most panels come as a plug & go; wiring & connections included....just add the battery. However you will usually have to build a mounting bracket for the solar panel; simple fabrication work. I prefer to mount mine on a fence post high enough that stock or wildlife can't get at it!
 
I prefer Speedrite fencers, but any reputable ones are good.
Use a deep cycle battery (RV/MARINE battery). I am not sure about where you live, but around here John Deere is the cheapest place to get them. They hold a charge much better than a car type battery. I get panels off ebay and always try to buy a bigger panel than I think I need. It can always be used for other things that way, like water pumping. If you get a panel over 15 watts you also need a charge controller (keeps the panel from overcharging the battery and the battery from losing power through the panel at night. These are usually available at any good hardware or RV store. other than that they are usually pretty easy. Black to negative, red to positive.
The only other thing I would advise is to buy a cheap toolbox or rubbermade container to store the battery and charge controller and heat shrink wrap the connections.
 
I wonder why calves can chew fencer wires and not get shocked half to death lol. I'm committing fences gravest sin -my new fences are three smooth two barbed.
 
lol....I've had a lot of wires chewed off of fencers......now I install everything in Rubbermaid containers & use insulated undergate wire to bring my hot & ground wires out to the hookups. Has saved a bunch of grief & is fairly weathertight as well!
 

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