Solar Electric fence Systems

Solar electric fence systems are stand alone units without moving parts. This type of fence can be designed to operate an existing electric fence or for a new electric fence. Having a solar electric fence installation done is going to give you the peace of mind of knowing your pets or livestock are safe and sound where they belong.

Typically, in agriculture they are used to keep animals in where as in suburbia they are designed to keep pets within the garden or away from ponds or off of flower beds etc. While still not common place in the farming community, they are a popular choice with the homeowner who has a large garden perimiter.

The name is a little misleading because of course the fence controller is powered by a bank of batteries, the amout of which depends on the size of land the fence is protecting. The fence controller has either a solar panel built in or is attached to one and its this that charges the batteries.

You will usually have to charge it after the initial install to ensure a good shock but once up and running they should be more or less maintenance free. Solar chargers have come along way since we all started to go a little greener and they will continue to give good results even through winter.

For a range of up to 5 miles you can expect to pay around $150 although of course you would still have the fence wire, posts etc to install if building from new. If you already have an electric fence system installed, converting to solar power is a painless procedure which in the long term will save you money.

For domestic use you can use a hidden electric fence that is buried just below the ground. These are designed more to keep your pets in than other animals out though. Your dog or cat wears a special collar and when they approach the boundary the system detects the collar and administers a short sharp shock.

The pet soon associates approaching the boundary with this shock and learns to keep away from the perimiter. Although not yet widely available in solar power format there are a few models starting to appear on the market.

One problem with this type of fence is that if distracted the animal may simply ignore the shock. Say your dog spots a cat or rabbit in the garden and gives chase. He'll barely notice the shock but once the chase is over he will remember and will be loathe to come back.

One or two of the better systems are designed to be aware when the animal has broken through the system and will automatically shut down to allow the pet to come back. Whether he will approach or not though is another matter!

Solar power is here to stay and it improves year by year. A solar electric fence is now reliable enough to be considered for both domestic and farming fencing.