Solar Gate Info
Looking for a REAL solar option? YOU FOUND IT.
The Sentry gate opener is the first truly solar charged gate opener for the Do It Yourself market. The system design and the accessories recommended are all Solar Friendly meaning that they require the least amount of energy possible to perform the job they were designed to do. The solar option allows you to install the gate opener in remote areas or in applications where you prefer to be solar charged. Solar charging does provide isolation from lightning that might damage the unit via the AC power needed for the transformer.
Government Solar Tax Incentive Program
If you own a home and purchase a solar powered/charged Sentry Gate Opener manufactured by USAutomatic, LLC. after December 31, 2008, you may receive a 30% tax credit. This tax credit is available for the installed cost of your solar gate opener on your Federal tax return.
Gate Cycles Per Day Solar Charged System
Understanding AC Charged System
The Sentry gate opener comes with a low voltage transformer which plugs into the charge controller and can easily provide 575 cycles of operation a day without decreasing the battery charge. In the event AC power goes out the opener will operate for weeks on the battery (if cycles per day are below 20) before needing service. Again, accessories connected to the opener are critical. Always use Solar Friendly accessories to help avoid premature battery failure in cases of power outages.
Understanding Solar Charged System
The Sentry gate opener is designed to provide enough cycles a day for most installations without needing more than one solar panel. Care must be taken to ensure the solar panel has full sun throughout the day; partial sun will give partial results. If no sun is present then a solar system is not practical no matter how many panels might be installed. Solar Panel must be kept clean and in full sunlight.
The design of the system must pay particular attention to any accessories that might be added, use only Solar Friendly accessories to help avoid premature battery failure. For a complete list of solar friendly accessories please click here.
