What exactly is a Solar Powered Energiser?

Solar powered energisers, or more specifically solar assisted energisers, are generally battery operated energisers, with the addition of a solar panel module. Increasingly growing in popularity due to their combination of benefits from battery powered operation and that of the panel. 

The energiser works just like any other battery powered energiser, the battery serving as the primary power source, consuming its power. However with the inclusion of the solar panel-, that power is replaced, harvested from natural UV rays, found in daytime sunlight. Leading us unto the primary reason for the rise in popularity. 

The benefits of Solar Powered Energisers

With the consistent source of new power provided by the solar panel, the recharge requirement, and down time caused by that need to recharge, is virtually removed. Depending on the balance of consumption to rechargeable power, it is possible for some units to replace as much power as is used, maybe even more. Potentially offering 24/7, 365 days a year, of zero down time and next to no maintenance. 

A major technological fault found with current 12v battery powered energisers, operating of standard lead/acid batteries, is the constant drain of battery voltage from the very moment of activation. This not only results in the eventual need to recharge the battery but has a reducing effect on the energiser's outputting ability due to the drop in input voltage from the battery. This fault is resolved, due to the sustained high voltage in the battery thanks to the solar panel.

With the constant power replenishment, the battery's own stored power acts as a back-up power source. Should the panel ever stop charging, i.e the unit is knocked over, or an unfortunate streak in low UV daylight, most Solar Energisers are equipped with sufficiently sized batteries allowing up to 20 days or possibly sometimes even more, of independent operation. 

Thanks to this, solar powered energisers offer a level of autonomy, requiring less, sometimes even no supervision or maintenance. All this equates to both time and money saved. On top of that, most small-to-mid tier solar energisers are “all-in-one”. All components built into one relatively small, lightweight housing. No more lunking around big heavy batteries or bulky panels with a bawl of wires under your arm. 

The drawbacks of Solar Powered Energisers

Comparing energisers on a “power for £” level, solar energisers are often on the more expensive side of the range.  On top of buying what is essentially an energiser, battery and solar panel module, there is the addition of technologies such as charge/discharge regulators and the likes, to protect the battery from charging too much, or from being drained too much during operation. This all adds to the higher initial cost of a solar powered energiser compared to that of any other type of energiser.

The weather also plays a crucial part in the performance and sustainability of solar energisers. Whilst direct, strong sunlight is not necessary, a moderate level of daytime UV is. Even here in the UK, most of the year, the weather is adequate for most energisers. However during the darker, winter months daylight UV can be very limited. During particularly bad periods it can take a toll on the effectiveness of low wattage panels. 

Not only the panels, but batteries are also susceptible to bad weather conditions. With the drop in temperature, you will see reduced usable battery capacity and slower charge absorption.

Key points to consider

When looking at the effectiveness of Solar Powered Energisers there are several key points to consider:

  - Joules

Just as with any energiser you need to consider the “Joules”, this is essentially the power rating for the energiser. Finding what joules you require depends on the size of the area/distance you wish to cover and what exactly it is you wish to contain or deter.

  - Wattage

The wattage refers to the size of the solar panel, a larger panel serves to collect more charge from daylight UV. Larger panels will collect more charge in duller conditions where small panels would struggle. For a solar energiser to run efficiently it must replenish as much charge if not more, than what is being used. They must be adequately sized for the strength of the energiser. In some cases, it is necessary to look past the joule of the energiser, and prioritise a larger panel for the benefit of more reliable recharging.

  - Battery*

Just like the solar panel, the size and capacity of the battery will usually be determined by the strength of the energiser, and how much it consumes. However there are factors besides the joules that are important to consider. Size and  composition of a battery will affect how long the energiser can operate with low daylight UV, and also how efficiently the panel’s charge can be used and utilised by the energiser. For example lithium batteries will typically maintain voltage and tolerate temperature changes better, at a greater cost. However lithium batteries do not like cold weather, and can encounter low charge absorption, sometimes none at all due to safety measures within the device.

  - Self sustainability

Whilst a solar energiser should technically require less maintenance and supervision than a typical 12v Energiser, it is important to choose a unit that best suits its conditions. Overcast, rainy days, whilist not ideal, are still mangable. However, the winter season as an example with its shorter, duller days, with less good daylight, will affect performance, especially when the battery performance is potentially hit by the temperature drop.

Should you require a energiser for a remote location, operating all year round, with little to no monitoring, a right Solar Energiser will not only give optimal security but peace of mind to the user.

Our guiding advice

When it comes to choosing which solar energiser to buy, here are our 3 bits of advice.

- Budget

Solar Energisers are generally more expensive than their similarly sized mains or standard battery operated counterparts. When budgeting for which energiser to pick, it is key to remember that the price will include the energiser, a battery, and a built in, self charging panel, with technologies such as deep discharge protection and more. These “included parts” will not only save you time and money in the long run, but protect the individual components meaning they last you longer.

  - Joules

Just as with any other energiser, the strength must be adequate for the task. Whether you're keeping pets out of the neighbours yard, deterring pests and predators from gardens and livestock, covering 100m or 10 miles, if your energiser doesn't suit the task, it simply won't work. For example, as a rough guide if we say, 0.1J-0.2J is sufficient for pets and garden borders, 0.2J-0.5J is sufficient for foxes, cats and general wildlife, and 0.5J-1+J is sufficient for otters, boars and serious predators. To use a 0.1J energiser to deter otters, against their thick, wet coats, simply isn’t enough even if the fence is only 10m long.

  - "Bigger is better"

Simply put, bigger panels will absorb more charge, bigger batteries will hold more charge to better withstand low UV days, bigger energisers will cover more area and better deter/contain what is needed. In some cases it will be necessary to priorities one over the other to suit you needs.

 

Next Steps

We offer a range of Solar Powered Energisers from a selection of market leading brands, tried and tested around the globe. All shapes and sizes to suit everyone's requirements. We are always available to discuss your options and find which Solar Powered Energiser is best for you.

 

We also highly recommend, if you are within the agricultural sector (and indeed others), always check for possible governmental grants for such devices. We can supply the necessary quotes and documentation as required and are always happy to cater to such requests.