solar fencer recommendations

Trisha in WA · #1 06/12/10, 10:20 AM

I am in the market for a solar fencer. Any thoughts on what works well and what to avoid would be great. I will likely be ordering it online, so if you have website suggestions, that would be wonderful too.
Thanks,
Trisha

Lazy J · #2 06/12/10, 11:05 AM

Only one in my mind: GALLAGHER!

http://www.gallagherusa.com/

agmantoo · #3 06/12/10, 01:29 PM

For the maximum joule output for the least money and USA made
http://www.jefferslivestock.com/ssc/...=2&pf_id=12154

lasergrl · #4 06/12/10, 07:08 PM

i love my parmak! I have it fencing off my 3 acre pasture. I have a cheap 5 mile TSC one for my one section of e-net fence. works great for that but not for much more.

Farm 36 · #5 06/12/10, 10:23 PM

I like my Gallagher S17 It sits on top of the fence post or tee post and use the post for ground clip and hook up the hot wire cost is around 190

genebo · #6 06/12/10, 10:35 PM

I used a solar fence charger for a few years. It cost over $300 to buy and every lighning strike cost me about $40 for a new board. The gel cell batteries weren't cheap and didn't power the system for very long during bad winter weather.

So I put a 45 watt solar battery charger from Harbor Freight on my barn roof with a marine deep cycle battery hooked to it. Then I bought a Parmak battery powered fence charger for about $80. It has been working without fail for 4 years. Plus I have enough electricity left over to power lights around the barn about 25 minutes every night and once in a while I use a power inverter to run a small fan or hand tool.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

DenMacII · #7 06/13/10, 12:34 AM

I was able to pick up a used 80W solar panel cheap, a Morningside charge controller and used that to power a Gallagher 12v system (total cost was $260 excluding battery). It cost me a little more than buying a solar included system, but I have the capability to use the battery for 12v irrigation valves in our garden or a couple of led lights at the barn. Since hooking everything up I have had no problems with the battery crashing - although I may need to reposition the panel a few times a year to achieve optimum efficiency.

Trisha in WA · #8 06/13/10, 09:48 AM

You guys are giving me some great info. thank you and keep it coming.

genebo · #9 06/13/10, 12:50 PM

None of the solar or battery powered chargers can deliver the powerful shock that the heaviest 120v units can, but the shock they deliver is quite enough for most applications.

Solar and battery units have one definite advantage over 120v ... when your power fails, the solar and battery units keep on working. Your neighbor's fences might be dead, but yours aren't.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

Trisha in WA · #10 06/30/11, 09:41 AM

OK I finally have the cash and the immediate need.
Agman your like is not showing me a product. Would you be willing to send again please?
I am leaning towards a 12v battery operated unit that I can use a regular car charger to recharge regularly (or switch out with a fully charged battery as needed).
I would really like to hear some more conversation on which might be better...solar powered or just battery powered with needed to charge by other means.
Thanks again!

agmantoo · #11 06/30/11, 09:54 AM

Try this like
http://www.jefferslivestock.com/parm.../LIV/cp/12154/

Trisha in WA · #12 06/30/11, 10:01 AM

thank you! I thought that was the one you said. How long have you been using yours? Does it seem to keep a good charge? Have you ever had to replace the battery or the solar panel?

agmantoo · #13 06/30/11, 10:02 AM

This unit will run a long time off a charged car battery.
http://www.jefferslivestock.com/parm.../LIV/cp/P2-P7/

Make certain that you buy a large enough output energizer for the size of your place. Lots of energizers are stated to be for larger areas than they can accommodate so be careful.

agmantoo · #14 06/30/11, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trisha in WA

thank you! I thought that was the one you said. How long have you been using yours? Does it seem to keep a good charge? Have you ever had to replace the battery or the solar panel?

I had a 6 volt and it was not adequate. I have had the 12 volt version for more than 3 years. The battery will need replacing soon. No repairs during the period of ownership.

Trisha in WA · #15 06/30/11, 10:31 AM

thank you very much! Extremely helpful.

farmgirl6 · #16 06/30/11, 04:10 PM

I use a big 25 mile parmak for less than two acres and run four strands, works like a charm, keeps my 1800 pound steer in but won't keep goats in, not sure anything but solid fence does that

Trisha in WA · #17 07/01/11, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agmantoo

This unit will run a long time off a charged car battery.
http://www.jefferslivestock.com/parm.../LIV/cp/P2-P7/

Make certain that you buy a large enough output energizer for the size of your place. Lots of energizers are stated to be for larger areas than they can accommodate so be careful.

That's the one I ended up getting. I got it locally and managed to find it for 89.99 ! I am thrilled!!! We'll be doing the install tomorrow and I am really looking forward to getting my animals onto a new section of grass that I couldn't get charged before!