Solar Solutions
Zack Eichenberger, Systems Specialist

Solar charged gate operators have been in the industry for many years, and when designed correctly, they can be an excellent alternative to AC powered systems. The first thing to consider when using solar powered gate operators is the "solar array". The "solar array" consists of direction (North, South, East, and West) and the degree of tilt of the panel. Both are crucial to utilizing the maximum amount of light particles of each day. Solar operators use panels to collect light particles called photons. When these photons pass through the layers of semiconductive material in the panel, they give up their energy as current which in turn, charge the battery. A panel installed in North America should be positioned facing the south to southwest direction to maximize energy potential. The solar array also provides the degree of tilt your solar panel should be adjusted. A good method for determining the degree of tilt necessary is by using the latitude of the site location. For instance, the San Francisco Bay Area is seated between the 37th and 38th parallel. Therefore, your panel should be tilted 37 to 38 degrees. The site latitude is the most accurate estimate of "year round" exposure, but that measurement can be biased plus or minus 15 degrees. Biasing the array latitude plus 15 degrees will provide slightly more exposure during the winter months, and biasing the latitude minus 15 degrees will provide slightly more exposure during the summer months.

The optimum time to gather solar energy is between the hours of 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m. If your site doesn't permit direct exposure due to trees, walls, etc., you may have to move the panel or increase the wattage available by adding panels. Remember, even a branch slightly shading a panel can decrease the solar absorption dramatically. If you must move the panel away from the gate operator, you must match the wire size to the wire run. It is wise to adopt a "better safe than sorry" philosophy when it comes to wire size. At 100 feet, a 14-gauge wire is the minimum recommendation. For distances over 100 feet consult Encon or the manufacturer.

Designing the electrical portion of a solar system is as elementary as Energy in - Energy out. The energy in (energy stored) must be greater than the energy out (current draw). An integral portion of this equation is the battery. Solar panels merely trickle charge the battery. The battery stores the energy until the system needs it. When choosing a battery, pick one with a high amp per/hr rating. This is a ratio of how many amps the battery will produce per unit of time. In other words, if you have a 60 amp/hour battery, that battery will provide 60 amps for 1 hour, 1 amp for 60 hours, or any ratio in between. If the manufacturer doesn't provide a battery, choose one that will meet the needs of your storage capacity. Deep cycle marine batteries are recommended for these applications. Energy out, or current draw, consists of all electrical devices drawing off the system. This includes loop detectors, receivers, timers, keypads, and of course the operator itself. To mathematically lie out your battery charging needs, use the appropriate Watts of Solar equation based on the figures that the manufacturer provides. Remember, a regulator should be added to any system with over 20 watts of solar panel to protect the battery and panels.

We hope this information will help you design your next solar application. Please call Encon Electronics with any further questions @ 1-800-782-5598.