These top 11 solar powered gate opener reviews can help you to pick the best automatic gate opener for your home.
Solar powered gate openers are very useful, especially when failures of the electrical service are too frequent. In case of blackout, these devices also guarantee your peace of mind because they only need sunlight to work. In addition, they’re energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
However, not all solar powered gate openers work the same way. In fact, all of them have different size and load capacities. So, many of them may have trouble to move some kinds of gates, especially if they’re too big or too heavy.
In this buying guide, you’ll find some valuable tips that will help you choose the best opener for your gate. In addition, you’ll find a top 11 list with detailed reviews of the best-selling models in 2022.
Benefits & Features
If you read the remain Solar Powered Gate Opener Reviews article, then you can know the benefits and features in details.
So, let’s go and keep reading.
Solar powered gate openers can work without being connected to an AC power source. The functioning of these devices is also very simple and begins in the solar panel. When sunlight touches the panels, a small amount of current is produced. This current charges the battery that powers the control box and the motors of the opener.
All solar gate openers require batteries to work. In most cases, it’s a 24-volt lead battery. It’s recommended to store the battery in a battery box so external agents can’t damage it. In average, the service life of a lead battery connected to a gate opener is 2-3 years. However, it’s recommended to replace it when signs of damage are too evident.
Some gate openers may include additional gadgets to make the system more functional, responsive and safe. For example, obstruction sensors, alert lights, alarms and key panels.
Certainly, installing solar powered gate openers in your property has so many benefits. Below, you’ll find a list with some of them:
- You can operate the gate from a long distance
- Easy to install
- Don’t depend on the electric service to work
- Consume little energy
- Resistant to extreme weather conditions and harsh use
- They’re silent and require little maintenance
Top 11 Solar Powered Gate Opener Reviews
Solar powered gate openers are very common in the market and you can find them in a wide variety of models. Because of that, choosing a specific model may be difficult sometimes. If you’re having trouble trying to make a decision, don’t worry. Below, you’ll find 11 different buying options that will never let you down.
1. Homeland Hardware Swing Gate Opener
This opener can move swing gates of 16 feet in length and a maximum weight of 600 lbs. In addition, it includes two 10-Watt solar panels to extend the life of batteries for longer. This device also has sensors that automatically stop and reopen the gate in case of obstruction. So, it’s by far the best buying choice for homes with small children.
Features
- Maximum gate length: 16 feet
- Maximum load: 660 lbs
- Includes solar panels, emergency release key and obstruction sensors
- Input voltage: 110 V
- Batteries not included
Certainly, this swing gate opener is reliable, resistant to external agents and incredibly silent. It also generates a great amount of torque, thanks to its powerful motor. In addition, it has more safety features than most solar powered devices on the current market.
2. TOPENS AD5S Gate Opener Kit
TOPENS AD5S gate opener has a sturdy structure to move 16-feet gates with a maximum weight of 550 lbs. This device also has a soft start and stop that helps protect the motors and prevents high impacts on the gates. In addition, you can adjust the auto-close time at your convenience.
Features
- Maximum gate length: 16 feet
- Maximum load: 550 lbs
- Includes solar panels
- Input voltage: 110 V
- Batteries not included
- 1-Year warranty
- 30-Day money back warranty
TOPENS AD5S is easy to install and it’s a great buying choice for DIY enthusiasts. Once installed, the opener can operate without an AC power source. The solar panels can also generate enough power to keep the batteries fully-charged all the time.
3. TOPENS A5S Gate Opener Kit
TOPENS A5S gate opener has a powerful motor and it’s also covered by a 12-month warranty. In addition, it’s highly resistant to external agents and its mounting brackets are also 100% rust-proof. So, this may be an excellent choice for gates located in humid and rainy environments. This opener is also suitable for 16-feet swing gates with a maximum weight of 550 lbs.
Features
- Maximum gate length: 16 feet
- Maximum load: 550 lbs
- Includes solar panels
- Input voltage: 110 V
- Batteries not included
- 1-Year warranty
If high-humidity levels on your property always cause serious damage to your gate opener, this may be the replacement you need. Its control box and motors are also sealed, making them 100% waterproof. In addition, the mounting brackets will never rust.
4. TOPENS DSR600S Sliding Gate Opener
This opener can exert high amounts of torque to move the heaviest sliding gates. This unit can easily move 40-feets gates with a maximum weight of 920 lbs. In contrast to other opener with the same power, this one can work without an AC power input. Just two solar panels and a 24-volt battery are enough to keep this beauty on duty.
Features
- Maximum gate length: 40 feet
- Maximum load: 920 lbs
- Includes solar panels
- Input voltage: 110 V
- Batteries not included
Certainly, this is one of the most powerful openers in this top 11 list. If most gate openers can’t handle the excessive weight of your sliding gate, you need to try this machine. It’s also silent and moves smoothly. So, forget about vibrations and other similar troubles.
5. ECO-WORTHY Solar Gate Opener
This gate opener has a sturdy aluminum structure which is also resistant to high impacts, temperature changes and humidity. In addition, it can move gates of 16 feet in length with a maximum weight of 660 lbs. This kit also includes 2 backup batteries that will keep your gate opener working up to 4 days in case of blackout.
Features
- Maximum gate length: 16 feet
- Maximum load: 660 lbs
- Includes solar panel and backup batteries
- Input voltage: 110 V
- Batteries not included
Certainly, this kit gives you more for the price. When most installation kits only include opener and mounting brackets, this one goes beyond, giving you the solar panel and the batteries. In conclusion, one of the most complete kits you can find on the current market.
6. TOPENS AD8S Gate Opener Kit
TOPENS AD8S is another great buying choice for DIY enthusiasts. The instructions are also clear and easy to understand. In addition, all parts necessary to put your opener in operation are included. This opener can move 18-feet swing gates with a maximum weight of 850 lbs. Two solar panels are also included.
Features
- Maximum gate length: 18 feet
- Maximum load: 850 lbs
- Includes solar panel
- Input voltage: 110 V
- Batteries not included
- 1-Year warranty
- 30-Day money back warranty
If you’re looking for a reliable gate opener that you can install with your bare hands, this may be the best buying choice for you. In addition, you won’t have to buy additional parts to put it to work. That means no extra expenses.
7. TOPENS A3S Gate Opener Kit
This opener is more suitable for small to medium gates. It can move 12-feet gates with a maximum weight of 300 lbs. It can also be installed in two different ways: pull-to-open or push-to-open. In addition, you can adjust the closure time at your convenience.
Features
- Maximum gate length: 12 feet
- Maximum load: 300 lbs
- Includes solar panel
- Input voltage: 110 V
- Batteries not included
- 1-Year warranty
- 30-Day money back warranty
If your gate is small and not too heavy, this device is perfect for you. It’s also easy to install and the whole process won’t take more than 2 hours. In addition, it’s super quite, so your neighbors will never know when you open or close your gate.
8. ECO-WORTHY Gate Opener Kit
This kit is super complete and includes mounting brackets, opener, solar panel and backup batteries. In addition, the opener can move 16-feet gates with a maximum weight of 660 lbs. The opener also has sensors that automatically stop and reopen the gate in case there’s something obstructing its path.
Features
- Maximum gate length: 16 feet
- Maximum load: 660 lbs
- Includes solar panel, obstruction sensors and batteries
- Input voltage: 110 V
- 1-Year warranty
If you’re looking a gate opener that includes all it’s needed in a single kit, you may consider this buying choice. It’s also super easy to install and you won’t require complex tools during the process. Best of all, all parts are covered by a long lasting warranty.
9. ECO LLC Gate Opener Kit
This opener is perfect for 16-feet gates with a maximum weight of 660 lbs. This opener is also incredibly durable because it’s made with stainless steel. So, it can withstand more years of harsh in contrast to those made with aluminum. In addition, all its parts are covered by a 12-month warranty.
Features
- Maximum gate length: 16 feet
- Maximum load: 660 lbs
- Made with stainless steel
- Includes solar panel, limit switch and batteries
- Input voltage: 110 V
- 1-Year warranty
Certainly, ECO LLC gate opener is reliable and super safe. In addition, it’s highly resistant to high impacts and extreme weather. Best of all, it doesn’t require too much maintenance. That means you won’t have to spend money on technical service every year.
10. ECO-WORTHY Gate Opener Kit
ECO-WORTHY gate opener is completely made of stainless steel, which makes it incredibly resistant to high stress. It can move heavy gates with a max length of 16 feet and max weight of 1320 lbs. This device also has a great performance under extreme climate conditions, being capable to operate at a minimum temperature of -25º C.
Features
- Maximum gate length: 16 feet
- Maximum load: 1320 lbs
- Made with stainless steel
- Includes solar panel and batteries
- Input voltage: 110 V
Above all, this powerful gate opener will never let you down. Its motor can also generate more torque. Because of that, it can move the heaviest gates smoothly and without noise. This device also has an incredible resistance to low temperatures. So, it won’t stop working in winter.
11. ECO HOUSE Gate Opener Kit
This kit includes a pair of batteries that can keep the opener working during 4 days when the electric service fails. It also comes with an 11-Watt solar panel that keeps the batteries fully charged during the day. In addition, the opener can move gates with a maximum weight or 700 lbs.
Features
- Maximum gate length: 16 feet
- Maximum load: 700 lbs
- Made with stainless steel
- Includes solar panel, sensors and batteries
- Input voltage: 110 V
With this kit, you won’t have to buy additional pieces separately to put your new gate opener to work. In addition, it’s so easy to install so you won’t have to spend more money on professional installers. So, if saving money is your highest priority, this kit may be your best choice.
Buying Guide
Below, you’ll find some valuable tips that will help you find the most appropriate solar powered opener for your gate.
Opener Power
As said in the beginning of this article, all gate openers have different size and weight capacities. So, the motor of the opener may get stuck if the gate is too big or too heavy. Because of that, it’s convenient that you know the weight and size of your gate before choosing the opener.
Also make sure the admissible load of the opener considerably surpasses the total weight of your gate. That way, you can be sure to motor is powerful enough to smoothly move the gate.
Installation Kit
In the case of solar powered openers, make sure the installation kit includes these basic elements:
- Gate openers
- Solar panels
- Batteries
- Mounting brackets
Lead batteries are essential elements in solar powered systems. So, you need them to put your opener to work after installation. Installation kits without batteries make you lose time and money.
The batteries also need to be protected from external agents to work properly. For example, lead batteries exposed to high humidity have a shorter service life. Because of that, always opt for installation kits that include battery boxes.
Warranty
Never buy a solar powered gate opener without warranty. Solar panels are also prone to damage, so they’ll probably need to be replaced after the first year of use. With a long lasting warranty, you won’t have to buy a replacement if your solar panel gets damaged before the first year of use. In the case of solar gate openers, it’s recommended to have 1-2 years of warranty.
FAQs
Bellow, you’ll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about solar powered gate openers.
Q1. Can solar powered gate openers work without a battery?
No. The electric power generated in the solar panel is accumulated in the battery and then used to power the opener. In conclusion, without the battery, the solar panel is useless.
Q2. What is the average service life of a battery connected to a solar powered gate opener?
In this case, the average service life is 2-3 years.
Q3. How do solar powered gate openers work?
First, the solar panel generates a small electric current when sunlight touches its surface. Then, the current charges the battery. Finally, the energy accumulated in the battery is used to power the gate opener.
Q4. What is the reach range of remote controls used in gate openers?
In this case, the usual reach range is 50-100 feet.
Q5. What is the average service life of a gate opener?
A gate opener can last up to 10 years receiving minimum maintenance. However, the service life can be longer or shorter depending on the kind of treatment the opener receives.
Final Verdict
As you can see, solar powered openers can make your gates totally independent from AC power sources. That means the opener won’t stop working it the electric service fails. This may be a great advantage in areas where blackouts happen every time it starts to rain. Before choosing a specific model of gate opener, make sure to know the weight and dimensions of your gate.
Also, verify the quality of materials and always prefer stainless steel over aluminum. If you carefully follow these tips, it’s almost impossible that you choose wrong.
