Solar-Powered Hot Wire

[theuglyduckling]

Hi, I'm interested in knowing whether anyone here has solar-powered hot wire on their fencing. How does it work? Is it reliable/cost-efficient?

I'm concerned about predators entering through holes in the fencing at night, but I'd like to make my security measures as self-sustainable as possible. I also imagine predators can climb over my fencing, so additional netting won't be enough it seems.

Does anyone have ideas for cost-efficient measures to protect a fenced-in coop?

Thanks!

 

[Lazy Farmer]

It is battery powered. The solar panel charges the battery. They are good during power outages and when a a/c outlet is unavailable. I use an a/c because they pack more of a punch. At least the d/c models I saw ratings on. We have 8000 volts on a low and high wire. Low for coyotes and high for coons (on the outside) and one in the middle to keep our larger livestock from damaging the fence (inside).
Electrical shock wires are often referred to as physiological barriers. They do just that. Get one that pulses so if a chicken touches it, she can jump away and not fry. Continuous current wires are dangerous for livestock.

 

[Schrute Farms]

It is battery powered. The solar panel charges the battery. They are good during power outages and when a a/c outlet is unavailable. I use an a/c because they pack more of a punch. At least the d/c models I saw ratings on. We have 8000 volts on a low and high wire. Low for coyotes and high for coons (on the outside) and one in the middle to keep our larger livestock from damaging the fence (inside).
Electrical shock wires are often referred to as physiological barriers. They do just that. Get one that pulses so if a chicken touches it, she can jump away and not fry. Continuous current wires are dangerous for livestock.

Thanks; I posted this question originally on my wife's account. What are low and high wires?

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Thanks; I posted this question originally on my wife's account. What are low and high wires?

Heights of the wires.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

The all in one solar units are pricey and I've never seen a good review of one. As stated above they also tend to be lower output. It's all on what your looking for. 4k volts is a good jolt and what most people get by with. The gig with that is as weeds or any other reason for grounding out of hot wires will bring down the output. A unit that puts out 6k volts will still provide 4k plus with some minor weed grounding of it. The only thing requiring 8k volts is bear and goats. Goats have hollow hair and are tough critters to keep penned. But again, with 8k you strive to maintain 6k +. That's what we use for apiary. For electric poultry netting we use a 6k output and keep the netting from grounding out too much to provide 4k.

Anywho, the short of it is to have a lasting solar set up it's better to make it yourself, 20W solar panel (inexpensive on eBay) a controller (Morningstar controller for around $30) and a DC fencer that provides the output you want, and of course a cheap car battery from Walmart. This is much bulkier than an all in one unit and requires assembly but will last many years and function the way you want. All in all you can make this set up for under $200. Then you need your poly wire and plastic standoff insulators and maybe gate handles (that's cheap= $35). Likely get it all for $225 total including battery. Walmart sells cheap 12v car batteries and Tractor Supply carries Zebra DC fencers. 0.5 joule should provide 6k peak volts and 1 joule 8k peak. If sold by mile coverage then 5 mile is closer to 0.5 joule and 10-15 mile is around 1 joule of power.

Here's a quality inexpensive controller- Morning star:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Morningstar...983987?hash=item4d4b127a73:g:mQMAAOSwdIFXxfKY

20w panel:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10W-20W-50W...hash=item4668117998:m:mfYtNk4bdFqnTB5aSOZGLwA

 

[Schrute Farms]

Thanks a ton for both of your responses! They're very helpful!

 

[mxday22]

Hello! I was hoping to get more help from Mr. Egghead_Jr or someone who has experience with setting up hot wire fences....
We recently set up a hot wire fence and it won't work! I'm not even sure where to trouble shoot!
Help!!