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Zareba ESP5M-Z Solar Powered Low Impedance Electric Fence Review

How does the Zareba ESP5M-Z stack up?

We scoured the internet for reviews and advice

The Zareba ESP5M-Z Electric Fence Charger is the most popular small solar electric fence on Amazon with over 1400 reviews and a 4.4 star rating the Zareba energizer is a great choice for anyone looking for a portable electric fence unit. 

From our analysis of these reviews, verified buyers like its ease of use and rate the sturdiness of the product. Powered by a 12v sealed lead acid battery gives the product a robust battery that, when fully charged will keep the unit running for two weeks before requiring a  recharge . The mounting system is also designed to fit on a T-post and can be rotated easily to face the sun when the T-post is fixed in place, making installation a bit easier.

There were few negative reviews which tend to reflect the durability of the product rather than an issue with the customers installation or customers expectations being unreasonable for a smaller unit. Specific components like the power switch, the screw caps and the battery life were questioned. But negative reviews were usually paired with general favorability for the product.

Here are the important things to look at

Review Highlights

The Zareba ESP5M-Z is a standout performer and the number of 5 star reviews speak for them selves with buyers loving

👍 Ease of Installation: A common mention was, "Super easy to install," highlighting the charger's user-friendly setup.

👍 Sturdiness: Customers praised the Zareba ESP5M-Z for its robust construction and durability, noting its ability to withstand harsh weather and maintain performance over time.

Review Drawbacks

Just like anything else, some users weren't as impressed with their experience. 

👎 Charge Setup: A few customers noted the need to charge the unit before use was painful and there were a handful that weren't able to charge the unit, noting the instructions were unhelpful.

👎 Value for money: Some users highlighted the cost was higher than comparable units. And while this is the most expensive unit we have reviewed for small solar, reviewers reflected the investment was worth it. 

👎 Durability : There were a number of reviewers who questioned the durability of the product, however these were less than 1% of reviewers concerns

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Area cover

The Zareba ESP5M-Z is a smaller, more affordable electric fence charger suited for smaller areas. To ensure the most effective protection, you'll want to keep your fence line free of grass and debris, as they can drain power from the fence.

To put this into perspective, if you have 5 miles of single fence line, you could enclose an area roughly the size of 13.2 acres (equivalent to about 10 football fields, including the end zones).

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • 1 football field (including the end zones) is about 1.32 acres.

  • Under ideal conditions, 5 miles of fence line can cover around 18 acres, which is approximately the area of 13.6 football fields.

However, for cattle containment, you will need a lot more joules and at least 2 hot wires for proper effectiveness, which cuts the coverage area in half. This means you'll have about 9 acres of effective coverage. Keep this in mind before making a purchasing decision based solely on the claims on the box

 

Best Use Case: Temporary or Portable Fencing

🐓 Small Animals: With a stored energy capacity of 0.12 joules, the Zareba ESP5M-Z is not ideally suited for containing larger livestock such as cattle, which typically require a more robust and powerful fencing solution to ensure their containment. However, this model is quite effective for smaller animals, such as sheep, goats, or even pets, that require a fencing solution that is both temporary and portable. The S12's design makes it particularly advantageous for situations where flexibility and ease of relocation are important, such as setting up temporary enclosures for small-scale farming operations. Its lightweight and compact nature allow for quick setup and dismantling, making it an excellent choice for those who need a fencing solution that can be easily moved and adjusted to suit changing needs or environments.
 
🐕 Pet exclusion: The S12 is also a great \ solution for keeping pets and pests out of your precious gardens, providing a reliable barrier that helps maintain the integrity and beauty of your outdoor spaces. Its efficient design ensures that curious pets, such as dogs and cats, are deterred from entering areas where they might cause damage or disruption. Additionally, the S12 is effective in preventing unwanted pests, like rabbits or raccoons, from accessing your garden and potentially harming your plants or vegetables. This makes it an invaluable tool for gardeners who wish to protect their hard work and investment from being compromised by animals. The ease of installation and portability of the S12 means it can be quickly set up around garden beds or flower patches, offering a flexible and adaptable solution that can be adjusted as your gardening needs change throughout the seasons.

Limitations for Permanent High-Tensile Wire Fencing:

If you are looking for something more permanent, you should probably go bigger!

⚡Power Output: The Zareba ESP5M-Z is designed to energize up to 5 miles of fence, which is suitable for portable setups, but for permanent, high tensile wire fences that need to span long distances or deal with more challenging conditions (like dense brush, difficult terrain, or large livestock), you’ll likely need a higher-powered charger. Permanent high-tensile fences often require chargers with higher joule ratings for more consistent and powerful energy delivery.

⌛Long-Term Durability: While the Zareba ESP5M-Z is durable and reliable for temporary setups, a permanent high-tensile fence might benefit more from a charger that’s designed to be hardwired into your power system and capable of maintaining high voltage over longer distances, especially during wet or heavy vegetation conditions.

This means

Zareba ESP5M-Z: Great for temporary or portable fencing, rotational grazing, or small to medium-sized pastures. It’s easy to move and doesn’t require a permanent power connection.
 

So..

If your goal is a long-lasting, permanent high-tensile fence, you may want to explore hardwired or mains-powered electric fence chargers that can handle the higher demands of a permanent setup.

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Remember, energizers of this size typically not suitable for cattle

Another thing to consider is what you are protecting from pets to managing a variety of smaller livestock like chickens, sheep, or goats, this charger can meet your needs. It can even help keep things out. So if you want to protect a garden or area of land, it can be a great deterrent!

Electrified lines offer a safe boundary for pets like dogs, and the solar-powered design allows placement in remote areas without external power.

The Zareba ESP5M-Z provides a portable  solution for managing smaller livestock like chickens, sheep, and goats, effectively containing them with electric fences.

The Zareba ESP5M-Z is perfect for temporary enclosures, allowing flexible and secure management of animals and pastures with solar-powered ease.

Our final thoughts on the Zareba ESP5M-Z

We think the Zareba ESP5M-Z is a good choice and has clearly delivered for farmers and ranchers across the states. With a sturdy design, and easy installation, this solar electric fence will help keep your livestock contained.

  • Price 3/5

    While this is a higher price unit, it packs a punch in every other category

  • Reviews 5/5

    With the most amazon reviews in class, and sitting at a 4.4 average, we think you can trust the Zareba ESP5M-Z to get the job done.

  • Design and look 3/5

    The look and feel is a bit dated, and the lead acid battery makes the unit heavy which may come across as durable. 

  • Battery 3/5

    With a a lead acid battery, this unit requires a pre charge before setting up and comes with more weight. The battery will do its job though!

  • Solar panel 4.5/5

    Given the reviews about the units performance, even in places with lower light conditions, the solar panel does the job it says it does. 

  • Technology 3/5

    We've got to give the unit remarks for their 360 degree adjustable mounting that helps mount the unit on Y and T posts.

A solid unit you can trust.

With a patented design that makes the unit easier to use and install, made in the USA and solid reviews backing up their claims about the charge quality and versatility the Zareba ESP5M-Z is a reliable choice.

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Reputable brand

Zareba is a highly respected and well-regarded brand. With a long-standing reputation in the industry, it has consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality and innovation. Over the years, Zareba has built a strong foundation of trust with its customers by delivering reliable products and exceptional service. This dedication to excellence has solidified its position as a leader in the market, earning the loyalty and admiration of both consumers and industry professionals alike.

Reliable product

The Zareba Charger is a reliable unit. With over 1400 reviews on Amazon and an average 4.4 star review, the SESPM5-Z  is a solid performer.

Easy to use

The Zareba energizer is also super easy to use and install, with the earthing rod used as the stand for this energizer, you cant get an easier installation.

Read more about small solar electric fences

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