Many people usually adapt regular car batteries to their solar gate openers. However, doing this isn’t a good idea. Regular car batteries need a superior charging current rate. Also, they’re too big for best gate openers.
In these cases, a battery for best automatic gate opener is what you need. In this buying guide, you’ll learn how to choose the best model for you. Also, you’ll find a top 3 list with the top-selling models of 2022.
Features of 12V Battery for Solar Gate Opener
Certainly, you need the best battery to get the most out of the best sliding gate opener. Here’s a list with some benefits that these batteries can give you.
Versatile
Certainly, solar gate opener batteries are versatile, because they’re compatible with:
- Electric wheelchairs
- Trailers
- Gate openers
- Yachts
- Motorcycles
Durable
Also, solar gate opener batteries are durable, because:
- Resistant to high temperatures.
- Sturdy design.
- Made with durable materials.
- Leak proof.
- Long lasting warranties.
Top 3 12V Battery for Solar Gate Opener
If you’re looking for the best battery for gate opener but you don’t know which one to choose, don’t worry. Here’s a top 3 list with the best choices on the current market.
1. Renogy 12V 100 Ah AGM Battery
Certainly, this is the best battery for solar powered gate opener. Also, its AGM separators are much more resistant to acid. So, there’s less chance of leaks. It also delivers higher discharge currents. In addition, its monthly self discharge rate at room temperature is only 3%.
Pros
- Leak proof.
- Durable and resistant.
- Low discharge rate.
Cons
- Sometimes it may overheat.
Certainly, Renogy is an excellent choice for your solar gate opener. Also, its AGM separators prevent acid leaks and other major damage. Also, the battery has a very low discharge rate. So, it remains fully charged in long times of no operation.
2. Renogy 12V 200Ah Gel Battery
Certainly, if you’re looking for a leak proof battery, this is the best of all. It also uses a special electrolyte gel that doesn’t escape through small cracks. In addition, it has an estimated service life of 12 years. Also, it only loses 3% of its charge per month.
Pros
- Electrolyte gel.
- Low self discharge rate.
- 12 Years of service life.
Cons
- Sometimes it may discharge faster than expected.
Certainly, Renogy Gel Battery is the best battery for solar gate opener. Also, its thick electrolyte remains inside the battery, even if there are small cracks. Also, it has superior durability. However, it tends to discharge too fast, which is very disappointing.
3. Mighty Mule 12V 7Ah Battery
Certainly, this is the best battery for Mighty Mule gate opener. It’s also compatible with models FM500, FM702 and FM700. Also, with proper use, it can withstand 5 years of uninterrupted use.
Pros
- Durable and resistant.
- 5 Years of service life.
- Sturdy structure.
Cons
- Not very resistant to high temperatures.
Certainly, Mighty Mule batteries give you more for the price. They keep delivering the same voltage and current rate in extreme environmental conditions. Also, they can withstand 5 years on use without problems. However, they aren’t very resistant to high temperatures. So, it’s convenient to keep them protected from sun exposure.
Buying Guide – Solar Gate Opener Battery
Best automatic sliding gate openers need backup batteries to work. The electrical energy from the solar panels is stored inside the battery. The gate opener then consumes part of that energy to power the moving parts and electronic components.
Certainly, the proper operation of the best solar powered gate opener depends on choosing the correct battery. However, with so many generic products on the market, there’s always a risk of choosing wrong. So, if you aren’t an expert on the subject, pay close attention.
In this buying guide you’ll learn how to choose the best battery for solar gate opener. To make it right, you just need to consider a few important factors before making the final decision.
Voltage
Maybe, checking the voltage of the battery is the first step you should take before buying. The battery must deliver the exact voltage your gate opener needs. No more. No less. In most cases, 12V is all you need.
Also check the charging current rate suitable for you battery. For example, if the solar panel current rate is too high for the battery, it will tend to overheat. Over time, the best 12V battery for solar gate opener could deform and even explode.
If the battery is completely discharged, never use a car battery charger to solve the problem. You may permanently damage the battery.
Size
On the market, there are many different batteries that can deliver the same voltage and current. However, they don’t have the same size. In these cases, the size of the replacement must match the size of the original battery.
Usually, all the important components of a gate opener, including the best battery for Apollo gate opener, are inside a plastic case. The case protects these components from rain, direct sun exposure and other external agents. So, if the battery is too big, it will be exposed to these agents. In addition, its service life will decrease considerably.
Warranty
Also, make sure the battery has a long lasting warranty. For lead batteries, the warranty may extend to 1 or 2 years. Usually defective batteries tend to fail during the first 6 months of use. So, having a warranty in these cases is quite convenient.
With a warranty, you can get a new battery at no cost in case of any failure. With no warranty, you’ll have to pay more to get a replacement.
Reviews
Reading Internet reviews will help you make a better decision. Also, these reviews reveal much more information about the quality and other important features of the product.
If you don’t want to take risks, also make sure the battery has a rating higher than 4 stars. In addition, verify the seller has an excellent reputation.
Price
Finally, when you find the product you really need, start looking for prices. You can find a lot on shopping websites and physical stores. So, take your time to find as many different prices as you can. Then, calculate the average value of all prices. Finally, choose the battery with the price closest to the average value.
Solar Gate Opener 12V Battery FAQs
Below, you’ll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about batteries for solar gates.
Q1. Can I use a car battery charger on solar gate opener batteries?
Answer: No. You can’t charge a solar gate opener battery at a current rate greater than 2A. Usually, car battery chargers can deliver a current rate between 10-15A.
Q2. What is the maximum service life of a solar gate opener battery?
Answer: Usually, a solar gate opener battery can withstand up to 5 years of continuous use.
Q3. What is the difference between a gel battery and regular acid battery?
Answer: Gel electrolyte is much less acidic than sulfuric acid. That means, less corrosion and risk of leakage.
Final Verdict
Certainly, finding the best solar gate opener battery for you takes time. Also, you need to consider several key factors to make the best decision. If you carefully follow the tips on this buying guide, you won’t make any mistake.
