Solar Panel Update

Fred Werring · Oct 8, 2013

Few weeks ago asked about solar panel size to charge a deep cycle battery running a Parmak 12V fencer.

Came up with a 30W panel for $54 and a charge controller for $12 off of ebay. Both prices included shipping.

Thing I like about the controller is while it prevents overcharging, it also prevents battery damage from over draining...shuts off the power to the fencer if the battery voltage gets low. What is low?...they don't say.

Had it up a couple weeks, everything seems to be working as advertised, (the battery was at 12.9V checked with a meter when set out, after a day was at 13.2v) the real test will be this winter with the short days, and next spring when the grass gets tall and starts grounding out the fence.

Thanks for the replies

Fred

Too Far Gone · Oct 9, 2013

Thats neat Fred.I was just talking about this very thing this morning with my neighbor,because my Zarebra fencer wont handle 3/4 mile of fence,let alone the advertised 3 miles,So I was gonna hook up an old 6 volt Parmak to a 6v car battery,since I already have one anyway and wanted a way for solar to recharge it,so it wont go all the way flat

Bret4207 · Oct 9, 2013

Get the battery up off the ground! I found the charge lasts a lot longer, I mean a couple weeks at least, if it's not in ground contact. Mine sits on a plastic refrigerator shelf I had kicking around.

I like that set up, been thinking of doing something like it myself. Could you provide some makes and models to look for? I know zilch about them.

Geo-TH,In · Oct 9, 2013

Let us know how it works in the winter. I have solar lights in yard. Not enough day light in winter to make them work half the night.
george

Fred Werring · Oct 9, 2013

I don't know about brand names, got them off of ebay.

All I did was search for 'solar charge controller regulator 12V' and '30w solar panel', picked the lowest price including shipping from a US seller that had a good feedback rating.

Fred

Fred Werring · Oct 9, 2013

Had the same problem with the premade solar fencers, they work fine as long as your fence is absolutely weed free, the smallest weed load and it drains the battery.

Saw the Parmak solar fencer on sale in an email I got for $251, and their 12V battery fencer for $80...a difference of $171, less $66 for the panel and controller leaves you $105 to buy a battery (I already had one) , not portable like the factory made job, but it'll work for what I'm doing.

Fred

Too Far Gone · Oct 9, 2013

Right,Now you have some serious back-up power,instead of that tiny lil battery that wont last

Solar Panel Update

Fred Werring

Well-known Member

Too Far Gone

Member

Bret4207

Well-known Member

Geo-TH,In

Well-known Member

Fred Werring

Well-known Member

Fred Werring

Well-known Member

Too Far Gone

Member

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