This is one of the most common questions we receive, and the good news is there are clear answers depending on your situation. This guide will walk you through the key factors to help you determine the best power source for your automatic gate.
1. Do you have mains power available at the gate?
This is the starting point for most people weighing up solar against electric. In many cases, mains power simply isn't available at the gate — either because the automatic opener was an afterthought after construction, or because the gate is too far from the nearest power source to make running a cable practical.
As a general rule: if mains power is available, use it.
If mains power isn't available, the next question is whether a low-voltage cable can be trenched from the house (or nearest power point) to the gate. If that's also not feasible, then a solar solution is the right path forward.
2. Are solar gate systems reliable?
Short answer: Yes — when correctly set up and maintained.
Longer answer: Reliability depends on several factors. Here's a breakdown of each:
Solar panel size: We always start with a minimum of a 60-watt panel in all our kits. Many suppliers cut corners here (or charge extra), but a 60-watt panel will comfortably handle 99% of residential installations without issue.
Shading: The above assumes the panel receives unobstructed sunlight. Even partial shading significantly reduces charging efficiency. If trees or structures are casting shade on the panel, relocate it further along the fence line — our panels come with a 10-metre pre-connected cable to assist with this (and can be extended to 20 meters). Keeping overhanging branches trimmed is equally important.
Battery size: All of our solar systems are supplied with 15Ah deep cycle batteries as the standard minimum option. This is a generous capacity that provides a solid reserve for winter conditions. One factor that's often overlooked is standby current draw — even when the gate isn't operating, the system is drawing a small amount of power nearly 24 hours a day. Over time, this adds up. Any accessories such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth app controllers will increase this drain further, so it's important to have adequate battery capacity in reserve.
Night-time operation: Solar gate systems operate identically day and night. The gate system runs off the battery, and the solar panel simply recharges it during daylight hours.
Location and climate: Where you are in Australia has a meaningful impact on solar performance, particularly during the worst weather of the year. In Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, poor weather typically clears within two to three days. In Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, and the ACT, overcast or wet conditions can persist for up to two weeks continuously. This is why battery capacity is so critical — your system must be able to sustain standby power draw through extended periods without meaningful solar charging.
Maintenance: Batteries are the heart of a solar gate system and should be replaced every 18 months as a routine service interval. The solar panel itself requires very little maintenance — a yearly wipe-down if dusty or dirty is all that's needed.
Summary: How to Choose
Work through these questions to determine the right solution for your property:
Is mains power available at the gate? → Use an electric gate opener system.
Is mains power unavailable but a low-voltage cable can be trenched to the gate? → Use a low-voltage gate opener system.
Is the site heavily shaded by trees? → Can the solar panel be repositioned to a clear area within 20 metres? If yes, solar remains viable. If no, use an electric or low-voltage system.
Is trenching for mains or low-voltage power impractical due to distance or cost (for example, cutting through concrete rather than open lawn)? → Consider a solar gate opener system with multiple panels to increase total charging wattage.
The most common deciding factor is simply the cost and practicality of getting power to the gate. The further the gate is from an established power point or switchboard, and the more obstacles between them, the stronger the case for solar.
Still unsure which system suits your property? Call us on (03) 9123 1226 for a no-obligation assessment with one of our specialists.