15 Ryehill Court, Lodge Farm Industrial Estate, New Duston, Northampton, NN5 7EU, UK

"Opens bigger gates and
at much faster speeds.
No more waiting on that dangerous road."

"The Farmer's Favourite."

Solar Charging Systems

The answer to that most frequently asked question is – YES! "Solar power does work in rainy old Britain". Ultra Secure Ltd has installed solar powered automated gates of all sizes, in all locations throughout the UK since 2003. The solar panels do not require sunlight as we might be in trouble in the UK, were that to be the case. The solar panels simply require daylight that then acts as a 'charger' to the battery.

How do solar gate systems work?

In simple terms, we operate an automatic gate using battery power. The battery is charged by the solar panel during all daylight hours. The battery then works the automated gate - day and night.

Because the system we choose to use when using solar power requires far less power than traditional systems - we can, and do, successfully operate automatic gate openers, miles from the nearest traditional power supply.

It is important to choose the right size solar panel and battery to suit your particular application. The more frequently the gate is operated and the more accessories that are continually draining the system, will determine what size solar panels and battery to choose. One of the changes we have made over the years is to have a choice of size of battery and not just the solar panel. This we believe gives everyone far more choice to suit any application. You may prefer a small solar panel and very large battery, or the opposite: both have their own merits. Quite often it is a bit of both.

Automatic Solar Gate Systems FAQ

Click on the questions below to view the answer.

Question 1
What size gate can we automatically operate?

• Answer 1.
  We can operate gates to over 28-foot in length using solar power.

Question 2
Where does the solar panel have to be mounted?

• Answer 2.
  The solar panel needs to face due South.

Question 3
Does the solar panel need to be next to the gate?

• Answer 3.
  No, we can move the solar panel anything up to 100 metres away from the gate; this allows us to find a good South facing location, but the size of cable needs to be increased.

Question 4
What size solar panel do I require?

• Answer 4.
  To find out the answer to please complete the 'Which AgriWheel kit is best for me?' question form.

Question 5
We have got a traditional power supply near to the gate, but like the idea of using solar power - what is best?

• Answer 5.
  We normally find that due to cost, if your power supply is more than 100 metres away it would be cheaper to use solar power; if your power supply is close-by it is cheaper to use mains chargers.

Question 6
Have you ever fitted solar panels next to gates that have a power supply?

• Answer 6.
  Yes, some customers do choose solar power even when a power supply is next to the gate; they like the principle of an eco-friendly system that costs no money to run. Drawings or brackets available upon request.

Question 7
How do you mount the solar panels?

• Answer 7.
  They can be mounted on wooden or steel posts, high; low, portrait or landscape layout however suits your application.

Question 8
When does the solar panel not work?

• Answer 8.
  The panel will not work during dark hours, thick fog or snow cover.

Question 9
Is solar power expensive?

 

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• Answer 9.
  Initially, yes - due to the up front one-off cost of buying the solar panel. If you have a mains power supply within 100 – 150 metres of the gate location it is cheaper to use that. However, over time and particularly if the location is remote - solar power can soon cost in and can actually save you a fortune.