Tips For Buying A Solar Electric Fence
A solar electric fence is a great way to keep horses, dogs or other pets contained (or other animals out) without having to worry about wiring the fence into your main electrical supply or changing batteries on a regular basis. If you're building a remote fence, solar power is really the best option. Let's look at some of the things to consider when choosing a solar charger.
The first thing you'll need to determine is how long the fence is going to be. The solar chargers have different ratings that will electrify different lengths of fencing. For example, the Woodstream 5 mile charger (approximately $165) will power 5 miles of fence, or about 10 acres of enclosed space. If you have more space to cover, you can either choose a solar charger with a higher output rating, or use multiple smaller chargers along the length of the fence.
The second thing to consider is how much you want to spend. Solar chargers vary in price from just over $100 and up. There are several popular brands, such as Gallagher, Havahart and Parmak, and each offer multiple models of chargers. The Parmak DF-SP-LI 6 Volt Batter costs approximately $205, for example, versus the Zareba SP3 charger which runs about $115.
You'll also want to consider your alternatives in some cases, such as burying an underground "invisible" fence to keep your dog contained perhaps. These pet safe fences work with a special dog collar that will give your dog a small shock if it tried to pass the buried fence. This can be less expensive as well as less intrusive for smaller animals than building an electric fence.
If you're building a fenced area for horses or other larger animals, however, an underground fence is generally not going to be as effective.
Installation of the fence and the solar charger is another factor to consider. If you're comfortable doing the work yourself, it can be a lot cheaper than having to pay someone to do it for you. But if you're not comfortable with doing the work yourself, you should look for a supplier that can not only sell you the equipment, but can do the installation work as well.
A wireless solar fence can be a great way to contain an area, especially in remote locations. With a little bit of forethought, your fence should serve you well for years to come.
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