The benefits of installing solar power on your home simply cannot be underestimated, and using solar power to operate your front gate is a great use of technology. With a solar gate opener, you can automate your gate without using your home utilities.
Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of installing your own solar gate opener. This DIY guide will walk you through all aspects of the installation from start to finish.
What you’ll need
- A solar panel
- A power drill
- Open-end wrenches
- Phillips and flat head screwdrivers
- A tape measure
- A level
- Wire strippers
- A mounting plate (in some cases)
Step 1: Measure carefully
The first thing to do before installing a solar gate opener or doing any home repair work is to measure carefully . For proper installation of the solar gate opener, your gate must be level and solidly in place before you begin.
Next, clear your work space. The solar gate opener will go on the same side as your current gate hinges, so make room in that area. If your gate requires a mounting plate or other arrangement to accommodate the opener, consider this during your measuring step.
Step 2: Install the gate opener
When you are ready to install, the next step is to attach the brackets to the gate post. You will then attach the mounting hardware to the door. Depending on the hardware that comes with your solar gate opener, you may need a screwdriver, wrench, drill, or other standard tools.
The materials of your gate will also determine what type of tools you need. Obviously, fitting hardware to a wooden fence is simpler than drilling holes in a metal front door. Make sure both sets of hardware line up so your opener will fit.
Step 3: Install Your Panel
Once you know where your gate opener is going, you’ll need to install the panel nearby sun. You can connect the panel to an existing fence post or gate post, ideally closer to the opener side. Make sure the panel gets direct sunlight and doesn’t wobble.
Know, however, that solar panels will continue to collect power even when it’s cloudy outside (1).
If you need to buy a pole to get enough sunlight, you can get one at almost any hardware store. PVC pipe can also be useful for protecting any wires you need to connect to the battery that comes with your panel.
Step 4: Wire Your Gate Opener
This is where you will connect your gate opener already installed to your solar power source.
Make sure your control box is completely turned off to prevent accidents or injury, then attach the panel cables to the control box. The red wires are for the positive terminals and the black wires are for the negative. This is the time to wear your protective gear (2).
Also, if you need to use an extension cord, you can, but ideally the panel should be reasonably close to the box. The greater the distance between your solar gate opener and your gate, the more energy you will lose (3).