When solar makes sense
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No mains at the entrance
Farm tracks, field entrances, reserve car parks and remote compounds where bringing power in would cost more than the gate.
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Protected or sensitive ground
SSSIs, heritage parkland and nature reserves, where a cable trench needs consent or would disturb the site.
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Temporary or changing sites
Entrances that may move, or sites where you don't want to commit to a permanent supply.
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No running costs
No electricity bill for the gate, and no electrician needed to connect it.
Solar cantilever gate case study
A solar powered cantilever sliding gate fitted in Lincolnshire to control access to a dog walking field. Paying customers get booked access by phone, with no mains power anywhere near the entrance.
| Feature | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Output | 455 Watt | Partial Shading Optimisation |
| Battery Type | 120 AH Deep Cycle | Power Storage |
| Housing | Galvanised and powdercoated steel, with batteries and solar technologies all contained | Weatherproof, durable construction |
| Monitoring | Bluetooth MPPT controller | Remote adjustment and status updates |
| Winter Performance | Engineered for low light | Uninterrupted operation in dull weather |
| Application | Low - voltage gate systems | Tailored to your site's specific requirements |
Solar gate FAQs
Will a solar gate work in winter?
Will a solar gate work in winter?
Yes, if it's sized properly. We size the panel and batteries for the expected number of openings and the site's winter sunlight, so the system keeps working through short, dull days, not just summer.
How many times a day can it open?
How many times a day can it open?
It depends on the gate and the site. Typical farm, estate and reserve entrances are well within what a correctly sized system can handle. Very high-traffic entrances may need a larger system or mains, and we'll tell you if so.
Can it run CCTV or lighting too?
Can it run CCTV or lighting too?
A gate and access control, yes. Continuous CCTV, lighting or heating on the same supply can outstrip what a panel can reliably deliver in winter, so those need separate power planning.
Does the panel need full sun?
Does the panel need full sun?
It needs a reasonable view of the southern sky. Trees and buildings matter most in winter when the sun is low, so we check shading on the site survey.
Can I add phone access control?
Can I add phone access control?
Yes. A PAL GSM controller runs happily from the same PowerBox, so users can open the gate from their phone and you can manage access remotely.