What Size Solar Panel Do I Need For My Gate Opener?
As with any method to power your gate, none of them are foolproof. If a power outage occurs, you should have an additional battery backup in your gate opener. But even then, if you use the wrong size solar panel with your gate opener, you may experience less operating power. After all, the panel type, whether 10W, 20W, or 30W, may influence how many times you can open your gate. That is why, if you are looking for a solar panel for your gate opener, you should consider how much traffic you will receive in the area. If you only open your gate 3 times every day, you may only need a 10W solar panel.
What Wattage Is Available For Solar Panels
There is an extensive range of wattages for solar panels, from 10 to 60. Remember that the larger you go, the more power from the sun your solar panel will be able to absorb. You may opt for the 60-watt solar panel if you use your gate heavily. However, you will not need to go above 30 watts for most residential homes. However, there are other factors to consider. Do you have a double gate on your residential home? If so, your gate will use more power if it has two linear actuators. There is no correct answer to what solar panel you will need, but a good rule is that if you use your gate more than eight times a day, you will need either two 20W solar panels or one 30W solar panel.
Climate And Sun Coverage For Solar Panels
If you live in a colder climate that does not receive much sun, you will most likely need more than a 10W solar panel. Usually, most installers recommend two solar panels. Monitor your gate opener while it is using a solar panel. Does the motor struggle to function even if the sun is out? Do you have too much traffic, and your solar panel cannot keep up? If so, the solution is a second or larger solar panel. If you live in a northern region, you can still use a solar gate opener but may need a larger solar panel. Even if your exact gate opener works with a 10W solar panel in another state, your situation may differ based on usage and climate.
Differences Between 24VDC And 12VDC Solar Panels
You may have noticed that specific wattage solar panels have different voltages. For example, the 24VDC 10W solar panel has a 12VDC 10W counterpart. This is based on your gate opener. Check whether your gate opener allows for 12VDC or 24VDC accessory power. If you need clarification, there are gate opener packages that have everything you need, including compatible solar panels for Nice Apollo linear actuators.