Small Solar powered electric fence chargers under 2 joules
Your guide to selecting the right small solar unit for small animals
There is lots of choice out there
Choosing the right solar electric fence unit can be confusing with many options available, each is designed to meet your specific needs. You can select from models with various power levels to ensure adequate energy for animals or crop protection. When looking at these units we reviewed product spect and online reviews to understand strengths like weather resistance, easy installation, competitive pricing and simple maintenance. Whether you need a portable or permanent setup, there's a range of choices for your agricultural needs.
Here are the important things to look at
What animals are these units suitable for?
These units are great or smaller animals, in smaller fenced areas, and usually for temporary of portable systems.- 🐑 Sheep
- 🐐 Goats
- 🐎 Horses
- 🐖 Pigs
- 🐔 Poultry (Chickens, Turkeys)
Not suitable for:
- 🐄 Cattle (With some limited exceptions)
- 🦌 Deer (and other larger wild game)
- 🐗 Wild boar (or similarly large, aggressive feral animals)
- 🦁 Large predators (Lions, Bears, Wolves)
- 🦍 Extremely strong, thick-skinned animals (e.g., Rhinoceroses, Elephants)
Ease of use and installation
Small Solar energizers are typically designed with user-friendliness in mind, allowing them to be installed by the purchaser without the need for professional assistance.
This means for the most part, you can easily set up these devices on your own, following straightforward instructions provided by the manufacturer.
The process typically involves simple steps that do not require advanced technical skills or specialized tools, making it accessible for a wide range of ranchers.
As a result, customers can enjoy the convenience and cost savings of a DIY installation, without the hassle of scheduling and paying for a specialist.
Larger installations may however need to be done by a specialist. particularly for large solar setups in the middle of nowhere!
Location and climate
As solar powered electric fences draw their power from the sun, location and climate can play a significant role in determining their effectiveness and usability. In regions with abundant sunlight throughout the year, these fences can function efficiently year-round, providing a reliable and sustainable solution for containing livestock or protecting crops.
However, in areas where sunlight is limited due to seasonal changes, such as during long winters or in regions with frequent cloud cover, the efficiency of solar powered fences may be compromised. So you may consider alternative power sources, such as battery or mains powered fences, to ensure continuous protection of your stock. These alternatives can provide the necessary backup during periods when solar energy is insufficient, which will keep your animals contained.
Power and output
When thinking about power and output for enegizers the language that is used is that of Joules and you are basically wanting to make sure the unit has the right output for your fencing need.
Anything below 0.5 Joules would not be suitable for cattle. In saying that, a high joule output may also be unsuitable for smaller animals like chickens or pets where a smaller 2 joule or below unit will likely work just fine.
When it comes to small solar, your power output and joules are going to be lower. There are larger solar units that can absolutely put out more power, we will cover that in our other reviews.
Lets quickly compare Lithium and Lead Acid
Lithium and Lead Acid batteries are going to be the most common batteries you will come across. And we have listed out a comparison between the two so you can make a more informed choice.
Feature | Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) | Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) |
---|---|---|
Cost | Lower initial cost | Higher initial cost |
Lifespan | 3-5 years | 10-15 years or more |
Efficiency | Lower efficiency, slower charging | Higher efficiency, faster charging |
Weight/Size | Bulkier, heavier | Lighter, more compact |
Maintenance | Requires more maintenance | Maintenance-free |
Deep-Cycle Performance | Poorer deep-cycle performance | Excellent deep-cycle performance |
Temperature Sensitivity | Moderate (works in wide temp range) | Sensitive to extreme temperatures |
Charging Time | Slower charging time | Faster charging time |
Recycling | Easier to recycle | More difficult to recycle |
Safety | Safe if maintained | Requires BMS to ensure safety |
To summarise: SLA batteries are cost-effective, durable, and require more maintenance, with shorter lifespan and slower charging. Li-ion batteries last longer, charge faster, are lighter, but cost more upfront.
How we've reviewed these solar electric fences
We've been hard at work, pouring through reviews, unboxing videos, talking to farmers and ranchers and getting the low down on solar Energizer so you can make an informed decision.
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Price
Getting the price right is a tricky thing, and we've put price square on the table.
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Reviews
We've searched through hundreds of reviews to learn what people like, dislike and where potential faults may lie
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Design and look
The care put into designing great products is worth a mark, so we've taken design into account in our recommendations
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Battery
Lithium or Lead Acid? Which is most reliable? We've taken this into consideration for our recommendation.
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Solar panel
How efficiently will your energiser get back up to charge when the weather and night time aren't on your side? We took a look.
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Technology
With the growth of technology, are you picking a product that will be obsolete in a years time?
Small and portable
Smaller solar electric fences that can powers Up to 3-5 Miles with solar lithium or lead acid batteries. These Solar electric fence units are ideal for smaller holdings, pets and temporary fencing.
Gallagher S12
Gallagher S12 Solar Electric Fence | Powers Up to 4 Miles / 18 Acres of Fence | Solar Lithium Battery | 0.12 Stored Joule Energizer | Built-in Earthing | Portable and Super Tough
Zareba ESP5M-Z
Solar Powered Low Impedance Electric Fence Charger | Powers up to 5 miles / 20 Acres of fence | Solar Lead Acid Battery | 0.1 stored joules | 360 Degree Rotation | Robust and the highest reviewed product on Amazon.
Pet & Livestock HQ Solar Fence Charger
The Pet and Livestock HQ Solar Fence Charger powers up to 5 Miles / 20 Acres of Fence | Solar Lithium Battery| 0.1 Stored Joules | Cost effective and easy to use.
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