Page 102 - 2025 Premier Digital Fence Catalog

Solar Energizer FAQs
Solar energizer best practices
•
When not in use, turn off unit and recharge battery to full. Periodically “top-off”
battery. If in use, leave the energizer turned on and face its panel toward the sun.
•
If an energizer tests less than 2000V across the energizer terminals (while disconnected
from the fence/ground), test the battery with a battery meter or fence and battery tester
(see p. 100) to make sure it is fully charged.
•
Check batteries to make sure there is no corrosion on the terminals.
• Reduce risk of rodents chewing on wiring harnesses by keeping them above the
ground.
• Do not allow livestock or poultry access to the energizer.
Summer vs Winter Sunlight
The maps below indicate the hours of summer and winter sunlight available per
average day that have sufficient intensity to enable a 12V solar panel to recharge a
12V battery (defined as the hours of solar insolation).
Winter Sunlight
(hours available per average day)
Summer Sunlight
(hours available per average day)
Winter (Nov–Feb) Solar IntelliShock Solar Panel Angle
Spring (Mar & Apr) / Fall (Sept & Oct) Summer (May–Aug)
Northern USA 60º 50º 43º
Southern USA 50º 43º 36º
Correct placement is critical to the best operation of the unit (see more information on our website).
1. Position the energizer so that the solar panel faces due south.
2. The sun’s position above the horizon dictates the proper angle for the solar panel. Note: Due to lack of sunlight in
the northern USA during winter, recharge batteries externally to properly power the energizer.
Q. How do solar energizers compare to
other fence energizers?
A. •
Their output is identical—a brief
high voltage pulse of energy.
•
•
Their input source is a DC battery.
When the sun shines, the solar
panel recharges the battery—which
eliminates the hassle of carrying the
battery to/from a recharger.
•
They’re larger in physical size than
110 volt energizers—because of the
solar panel, battery and case.
•
They are more expensive per unit of
output—again because of battery,
solar panel and larger case.
Q. How do solar energizers differ from
one another?
A. •
•
•
•
•
Pulse energy output (joules).
Battery draw (in mA/hr).
Pulse rate per minute.
Size of battery.
Size of solar panel (in watts and
volts) per milliampere of draw.
•
Number of days the battery will last
on its own without sunlight.
•
Cost/joule of output and durability.
Q. What are the negatives of solar?
A. •
Expensive per joule of output.
•
Usually have less frequent pulses—
which reduces its ability to stop
animals and their predators.
•
More maintenance including:
1. Keeping panel free of dust, debris,
snow and ice.
2. Keeping panel fully exposed to
the sun—unshaded by trees,
grass, fence posts or buildings.
3. During winter the capability of
the battery is lower—just when
available sunlight to recharge
batteries is also low.
Q. Are solar energizers less $$?
A. No. They require the additional
inputs of batteries and a solar panel to
operate. These add to up-front costs.
102 ENERGIZER SYSTEMS premier1supplies.com • 1-800-282-6631