Solar power has become increasingly popular and accessible over the years. Some households rely on solar energy for all of their electricity needs, while others use it mainly for one or two systems in their homes. For example, there are plenty of options for solar-powered gates for your driveway. As with just about any addition to your property, there are pros and cons to weigh if you’re considering installing a solar-powered gate in your home. We at Absolute Services can give you a thorough rundown of the gate systems that we have to offer, but let’s go over some of the advantages and disadvantages of solar-powered gate openers.
Pros of Solar-Powered Gate Systems
Perhaps the biggest advantage of having a solar-powered gate system for your home is the fact that it is solar-powered. Solar energy is better for the environment overall, and relying on it for your home will help reduce carbon emissions and lower your household’s carbon footprint. It can also help save you money on electricity. When you use solar energy for your home, you won’t have to rely as much on your city’s power grid, which will lower your electricity bills significantly. The government also provides tax credits to homes with solar energy, so you might be able to save money that way too.
As for advantages that have to do specifically with your gate system, those are worth considering as well. For starters, you won’t have to worry about your gate being stuck open or closed during a power outage. That is a common issue with powered gate openers. If you lose power, there is no way to open or close your gate. You could end up being locked in or out of your driveway, or your gate could be stuck open and allow anyone to walk through. With a solar-powered gate opener, you won’t have to worry about that. As long as your gate’s power source gets enough sun, you’ll be able to open and close your gate whenever you need to.
You’ll also be happy to hear that your choice of accessories for your gate won’t be limited if you opt for solar power. You can still install a keypad, eyebeam, cameras, lights, or anything else you might want or need for your gate. Your solar energy system should provide enough power for all of that.
Cons of Solar-Powered Gate Systems
As great as solar-powered gate openers can be, they do have some drawbacks. First of all, they do rely on the sun for power. While that’s more of a blessing most of the time, it can be a problem if your home doesn’t get enough direct sunlight. In fact, a solar-powered gate system might not even be compatible with your home if this is the case. The weather can also affect the system. Solar energy systems store electricity that it generates from the sun, so it should work even if it doesn’t get that much sunlight. And yet, these systems do have their limits. If you end up with several cloudy days in a row, you might end up using more power than the system can generate and find yourself unable to open or close your gate. This can be especially troublesome if you come and go at night when there is no sunlight at all. This is a minor problem that most modern solar energy systems can mitigate, but it’s still something to consider.
Another thing to consider with solar-powered gate systems is the installation cost. While a no-frills gate system won’t cost much more than a system powered by a battery and electricity, a more elaborate system can get expensive. You’ll likely save money on your electricity bills if your system is installed correctly, but you might want to think twice if you’re a little short on cash for a new gate. The good news here is that installation costs will likely lower as solar-powered gate openers become more popular and accessible, but a new gate may not fit into your budget until then.
Solar-powered gate systems also require a bit more maintenance than other gate openers. Simply put, the solar panels that absorb the sunlight need to be kept clean and in good shape. They should be wiped down at least a few times a year, and you’ll need to trim back trees and shrubbery that could block sunlight from reaching the panels. This is on top of the other maintenance that your gate might need. If you’re not willing to wipe down your solar panels and trim your trees on top of keeping your gate oiled and your keypad in working condition, you might want to consider other options.
Deciding if a Solar-Powered Gate Opener Is Right for You
As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to solar-powered gate systems. While they can save you energy by not relying on electricity, poor weather and the placement of your property could limit their effectiveness. You also need to consider the slightly higher installation costs and the maintenance that they require.
You also need to consider how often you’ll be using your gate opener. If you have several vehicles coming and going throughout the day, the energy from a solar-powered system might not be enough for you. Most solar-powered gate systems can store enough power to open most gates between eight and 10 times a day. Most people won’t need to use their gate openers more than two or three times daily, so solar power should be enough. Then again, every household is different. We at Absolute Services can help you decide if a solar-powered gate opener is right for you and install a gate system at a reasonable price.
Contact Absolute Services for More Information
Whether you decide to install a solar-powered gate opener or a more conventional system, Absolute Services will be able to assist you. That’s not all that we have to offer, however. Absolute Services has served homeowners in Elizabethtown, Louisville, Lexington, and the surrounding areas in Central Kentucky since 2008. Not only can we install gate systems, but we also offer heating and cooling services, plumbing services, and garage door installation and repair. As a family-owned business, we know how important it is to keep your home safe and comfortable no matter what, and we will go the extra mile to make sure that all of our customers are satisfied with our services. We also offer financing, maintenance agreements, and warranties to make sure that our services are affordable and accessible to whoever may need them.
To learn more about the many services that we have to offer in Louisville, KY and the surrounding areas or to see if a solar-powered gate system is right for your home, contact Absolute Services today. We’ll be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
