Understanding Solar Power For Automatic Gate Openers

So you're interested in solar panels, but want to learn more about the benefits of owning one? If you own a home and purchase a solar powered/solar charged USAutomatic gate operator manufactured by USAutomatic, LTD. after Dec. 31, 2008, you may receive a 30-percent tax credit. This tax credit is available for the installed cost of your solar gate operator on your Federal tax return. Learn more about the Federal Solar Tax Credit.

Click Here for USAutomatic's Solar Certification

About Solar Charged Gate Operators

The system design and the accessories recommended are all Solar Friendly meaning that they require the least amount of energy possible to perform the job they were designed to do. The solar option allows you to install the gate operator in remote areas or in applications where you prefer the system to be solar charged. Solar charging does provide isolation from lightning that might damage the unit via the AC power needed for the transformer.

Understanding AC Charged Systems

USAutomatic AC charged gate operators come with a low voltage transformer that plugs into the charge controller and can easily provide 575 cycles of operation a day without decreasing the battery charge. In the event that AC power goes out, the operator will operate for weeks on the battery (if cycles per day are below 20) before needing service. Again, accessories connected to the opener are critical. Always use Solar Friendly accessories to help avoid premature battery failure in cases of power outages.

Understanding Solar Charged Systems

USAutomatic solar charged gate operators are designed to provide enough cycles a day for most installations without needing more than one solar panel. Care must be taken to ensure the solar panel has full sun throughout the day; the partial sun will give partial results. If no sun is present then a solar system is not practical no matter how many panels might be installed. Solar panels must be kept clean and in full sunlight. The design of the system must pay particular attention to any accessories that might be added - use only Solar Friendly accessories to help avoid premature battery failure. For a complete list of accessories please visit our Accessories page.

How well will a solar-powered gate work in my area of the country?

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) have updated the National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB). The 1991-2005 NSRDB contains hourly solar radiation (including global, direct, and diffuse) and meteorological data for 1,454 stations. This update builds on the 1961-1990 NSRDB, which contains data for 239 stations. The update includes the conventional time series for NSRDB ground stations as well as a one-tenth-degree gridded data set that contains hourly solar records for 8 years (1998-2005) for the United States.

Region 1 covers the area of the country receiving the least amount of solar radiation. On average, the amount of charge time is 1.5 hours in region 1 and 3 hours in region 2 and 5 hours in region 3. These are conservative numbers and the USAutomatic Patriot opener should have no problem performing as stated in the chart above. See the map above to determine cycles that can be expected. These numbers are based on a basic system and adding solar friendly accessories will not have any great effect on the numbers stated.

Click Here to Read More about the NREL

Gate Cycles Per Day (Solar Charged System - Optional Solar Kit)

Solar charged systems should not exceed the cycles listed in the chart above. These numbers are based on a single 6-watt solar panel installation. Use the Region Map to determine the area of the country in which you live to determine cycles that can be expected. If additional panels are installed, additional cycles will be available. Solar charged gate operators are easy to install because no electrical power is needed. They are also the most challenging to design correctly. Incorrectly designed installations can lead to premature battery drain, creating intermittent problems and operational failure. The Solar Friendly Manufacturers Association evaluates gate operator accessories and identifies those which meet the associations’ requirements. The primary requirements include stand by current draw, product reliability, and customer service. If a product meets these requirements it may be recommended by the association for use on solar-charged gate operators. A recommendation by the association does not limit the product to purely solar-charged operators, but it does recognize the product as being the best for solar-charged installation.

Solar friendly accessories typically require less than 5 minutes of sunshine a day (using 6 watt panel) to perform a specific function, compared to non-solar friendly accessories which can need up to 2 hours of sunshine a day to perform the same function. Utilizing solar friendly accessories is critical in the system design.

I want a solar-powered gate operator, but why purchase one from USAutomatic?

To put it simply, USAutomatic is the leader in solar charged gate operators. The most common problem when installing a solar charged system is improper design, which incorporates accessories that require more energy from the battery than the battery can provide and remain charged. We offer design assistance to all of our customers to help ensure that you get the most out of your solar panel. USAutomatic has designed all of its operators to support a full complement of accessories without adding additional solar panels. The 6-watt solar panel supplied with all our operators is sufficient for most areas of the country. See the solar region map for the expected number of cycles per day in your area.

Companies do not sell or install accessories such as photo eyes, wired keypads, 7 day timer, loop detectors, free exit probes and free exit loops because over the years either by experience or because they were told by manufacturers that premature battery drain would occur. USAutomatic operators were designed to support all of these accessories without adding additional solar panels, saving you a ton of money. Many companies simply install additional solar panels without actually determining if they are needed. This practice increases the cost of the installation and does not guarantee the battery will not be prematurely drained. Every installation needs to be designed, not guessed at, and that is what we do.

Solar-charged gate operator battery selection

Battery selection for a solar charged gate operator will vary in certain parts of the country. If the installation is in region 2 it is recommended that a battery with larger reserve capacity be used. Region 2 only receives on average 3 hours of solar radiation per day, meaning that many days have no useful sunshine. In these installations, a higher reserve capacity is desired.

The recommended battery for any USAutomatic gate operator is a Group U-1 sealed maintenance free battery (typically 30 to 35 amp-hours). This type of battery delivers enough reserve capacity for weeks of operation in case of power outages when AC charged or on cloudy days when solar charged. The group U-1 battery offers a temperature range that will not require heaters to prevent freezing and add drain on the battery.

Is a Deep Cycle Battery Required? When the system is designed correctly, the battery does not need to be a deep cycle marine battery. The primary purpose of a deep cycle battery is that it can be discharged and charged more times than a typical battery. To recommend this type of battery is to recommend that the gate opener work until battery is discharged and then recharge the battery until it drains again. USAutomatic believes that the battery should remain charged so that the gate operator works when it needs to, thereby eliminating the need for a deep cycle battery.

Choosing The Right Gate Opener For Your Property

Selecting the right automatic gate opener is an important decision that influences your property's security, convenience, and overall efficiency. Whether you're outfitting a residential driveway, commercial facility, private entrance, or remote access point, your choice should be tailored to the unique characteristics of your site. A well-matched opener can reduce manual labor, improve daily access, and help ensure long-lasting reliability, especially in demanding or high-traffic environments.

Gate Size and Weight Considerations

The physical characteristics of your gate are critical in determining the right opener. Swing gate systems are generally recommended for lighter gates up to 13-16 feet, depending on the model. On the other hand, slide gate openers are built to support heavier gates or longer spans, often up to 32 feet or more. Ensuring your gate opener is properly rated for your gate’s dimensions and weight is essential for smooth, long-term operation.

Swing VS Slide Gate Openers: Which is Right for You?

Swing Gate Openers

Swing gate openers are a popular option thanks to their simpler installation, lower upfront cost, and straightforward operation. These systems work well when there's ample clearance behind the gate for it to open inward or outward, and they are typically easier to maintain. Swing openers are available in both single and dual configurations, making them flexible for a range of property layouts.

Slide Gate Openers

Slide gate openers are ideal for locations with limited space behind the gate, where a swinging gate may not operate safely or efficiently. These systems slide horizontally across a track or cantilever rail, making them a better fit for narrow driveways, uneven terrain, or areas prone to strong winds. While slide openers may require more complex installation and come at a higher cost, they offer excellent durability.

Top Gate Opener Choices That Include a Solar Panel

USAutomatic Patriot I

• For single swing gates up to 16 ft and 650 lbs.
• Includes receiver, photo eyes, two transmitters and a solar panel.

USAutomatic Sentry 300D

• For dual swing gates up to 20 ft and 400 lbs.
• Includes receiver, photo eyes, two transmitters and a solar panel.

USAutomatic Patriot RSL

• For single slide gates up to 32 ft and 800 lbs.
• Includes receiver, photo eyes, two transmitters and a solar panel.

A Guide To Our USAutomatic Gate Openers

Below is a helpful comparison chart featuring some of the most popular gate openers from USAutomatic. It highlights key specifications such as supported gate sizes, compatible power sources, and unique features of each model. If you're unsure which opener is the right choice for your property, feel free to reach out as our experienced sales team is here to assist you.

**please note that all gate operators listed are compatible with solar power or ac power, but not all gate operator kits include a solar panel.

USAutomatic Single Swing Gate Opener Comparison

USAutomatic Double Swing Gate Opener Comparison

USAutomatic Slide Gate Opener Comparison

Ready to Make the Switch to Solar?

Whether you're managing a residential property, private driveway, or commercial entry point, solar-powered gate openers offer a reliable and sustainable solution for automating your access points-no hardwiring required. With models designed to handle a wide range of gate sizes and usage needs, USAutomatic provides dependable equipment backed by American manufacturing and expert customer support.

Still not sure which solar-powered system is right for your gate? Contact us today and one of our knowledgeable team members will be happy to walk you through your options and help you find the perfect fit for your setup. We’re here to ensure you get the most efficient, convenient, and cost-effective solution for your needs.