Solar selection guide

Solar power is the technology where usable energy is obtained from the light of the sun and has
come into widespread use especially in remote locations where mains power is not possible.
A Gallagher solar panel (a photovoltaic panel) converts sunlight into electrical energy and this is used
to charge up a battery. The battery collects energy when the sun is shining and stores it until it is
needed to power a fence.

Solar system components

1. Solar panel
Solar panels generate power by processing the UV light in the atmosphere. Depending on your power
requirements Gallagher have a range of solar panels to meet your needs.
2. Regulator
A regulator protects the battery from being over charged. All Gallagher solar panels have been
regulated to maintain the health of your battery.
3. Battery
There must be sufficient capacity to reliably power the energizer during winter or reduced light
conditions. The recommended battery type is a deep cycle (also called leisure or marine) battery.
4. Energizer
Gallagher has a range of battery energizers that are suitable for solar installation.
5. Earth
The earthing system refers to the galvanised metal stakes that are inserted in the ground near the
energizer. The earth completes the circuit which is what allows the animal to get a shock.
6. Fence
Connect a lead out wire between the energizer and the fence ensuring that the connection is
adequate for powering the fence.

Step 1: What size energizer do I need?

Permanent solar powered battery energizers are the logical choice for remote areas where there is no
mains power. The energizer uses the battery to operate during day, night or during periods of low
sunlight. Gallagher have a range of battery energizers that are well suited for permanent solar
applications.
There are several factors that must be taken into consideration when selecting your energizer:

The size of the area or how many paddocks you plan to fence

The type of animals you want to fence

The total distance of wire that you need electrified (either single wire or multi-wire).

Step 2: What battery should I choose?

The key consideration in choosing a battery for a Solar Power Fence system is the battery type and
capacity (amp hours, where capacity is measured in). There must be sufficient capacity to reliably
power the energizer during winter or reduced light conditions.
If you leave the solar panel connected to a battery, the battery will slowly charge up. If you are
putting in more energy than you are taking out, then the battery will eventually become fully charged.
If this continues, the battery will become overcharged and be damaged by corrosion of the plates. To
avoid this happening, all Gallagher solar panels have been regulated to stop charging when
appropriate.
We recommend deep cycle batteries for your solar installation because they are designed to discharge
and re-charge thousands of times. A deep cycle battery will typically last two to four times longer than
an automotive battery when used for powering energizers. A deep cycle battery is also designed to be
deeply discharged over and over again.
Batteries need to be placed on a level surface and protected against extreme temperatures. They
should not be in direct contact with a cold surface, such as the ground. A fully charged battery will
withstand colder temperatures than a discharged one. To help increase the service life of batteries,
place suitable insulating material under the batteries, or place them in a battery box and bury it.
Ensure that the battery has adequate ventilation to allow any gases to escape. Battery gases are very
corrosive and explosive.
The electrolyte level (water levels) needs to be checked regularly (once a month for deep cycle
batteries and at longer intervals for valve regulated and flooded batteries). If the level is below the full
indicator, then pure water (distilled or demineralised never tap water) may be used to top up the
level in each cell.
For further information contact your local Gallagher dealer or battery retailer for the most suitable
battery for your solar energizer system.

Step 3: What size solar panels and battery capacity do I need?

Depending on your power requirements Gallagher have a range of solar panels to meet your needs.
Gallaghers large energizers draw more current, therefore require more solar panels to charge the
battery to a level where it can satisfactorily power the fence.
Seasonal conditions also play a part in determining how many solar panels you will need. The amount
of sunlight can vary considerably depending on geographical location of the solar panel and the time
of the year. You would need a larger solar panel if the location you choose has limited sunshine
hours.
All Gallagher solar panels come with the option of a solar hardware kit set. This kit set attaches the
energizer to the solar panel and allows the panel/ energizer assembly to be mounted to a pole or
other suitable vertical surfaces. The kit set is easy to assemble and allows you to set your solar panel
tilt angle for premium cover during sunlight hours. It attaches to wood or steel posts and is a
permanent fixture that lasts for years.
Gallagher solar panels are warranted for a period of five years, from the date of sale to the original
purchasing customer, against power degradation in excess of eight percent of the minimum power
output.

Please refer to the following tables for panel and battery selection for various energizers

Step 4: What sort of earthing do I need?

The earthing system refers to the galvanised metal stakes that are placed in the ground near the
energizer. The metal stakes in the ground are part of the circuit that is completed when the animal
touches the wire. The completion of the circuit is what allows the animal to get a shock. It is essential
to have an effective earthing system. Important factors to remember are:
1. Soil conditions
Soil that is very dry, sandy or pumice will not conduct the electric current as effectively as clay or
slightly damp soil. In less than ideal conditions, it is more difficult to get an adequate earth system to
ensure the animal receives the maximum shock. It is best to choose a damp area for earth installation
where possible.

2. The 4.3.2.1 earthing rule

This general rule suggests you have earth stakes a minimum FOUR metres apart and that you use at
least THREE galvanised stakes such as Kiwitah earth stakes, each TWO metres long (underground) and
connected by ONE continuous wire.
It is also important to place the earthing system as close as possible to the energizer and at least ten
metres from any power supply, earth stake, underground telephone or power cable.

Step 5: How do I connect the fence from the energizer?

This is important to gain a good connection between the energizer and the fence for superior animal
management control. It is essential to have a lead-out cable that can deliver the full power of the
energizer to your electric fence. Think of it like water being pumped through a pipe. If the pump is
capable of delivering enough water to fill a 100mm (4) pipe but your pipe is only 25mm (1) you are
not utilising the pump to its full potential.
In an electric fence system, it is important to use a low resistance cable (such as Gallagher G6270 or
G6279 coated cable) to ensure good delivery of power. This can be buried in the ground where
necessary.
When selecting a lead-out wire or cable, remember the longer the wire, the higher the resistance and
the larger the cable the lower the resistance.

Key factors to take into consideration when you are installing your solar unit
It would be best to install your solar panel in an area which can be visited for general maintenance of
the battery which needs to be checked once a month. It is also beneficial to give your solar panel a
clean with a damp cloth to allow the panel to perform at its designed capacity. Cleaning is more
important if you are in areas that are exposed to dusty conditions, or close to the ocean where salt
might build up.
When you design your solar system it needs to be protected from livestock that might want to
interfere. If the panel is to be installed on the farm fence it is recommended you fence an area off
around the panel for safekeeping. You should also consider human interference, such as theft, when
deciding on your location for solar fence installation.

How to set the tilt angle for the solar panel

The solar panel should be set to face the Equator i.e. North in the Southern Hemisphere and South in
the Northern Hemisphere.
The tilt angle of the panel is measured from the horizontal. A minimum of 15 degree tilt angle is
recommended to minimise the build up of dust and dirt and to allow rain to wash the surface clean.
Handy hint: When set correctly, the panel will create its largest shadow at midday on the shortest
day of its use.
If you have any questions please contact your local Gallagher Territory Manager.