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Without a doubt, modern technology has drastically changed the way we go about our daily lives, and one such example is a solar gate opener.
These products work like conventional gate openers, but they use solar power to operate instead of electricity. So, if you want to close and open your gates effortlessly without relying on electricity, then a solar gate opener is a must-have.
However, selecting a quality solar panel is easier said than done since there are many options and factors to consider. That’s why we’ve tried to make the hunt easier for you by compiling a list of the 10 best solar automatic gate openers on the market.
Furthermore, we’ve included a buyer’s guide towards the end of the article to help you make an informed decision. Now, without further ado, let’s get straight to the good stuff.
Best Solar Gate Openers
1. GHOST CONTROLS TDS2XP
Ghost Controls is one of the leading manufacturers and designers of technologically-advanced and innovative solutions for the game automation market in the US. And naturally, the TDS2XP model of solar gate opener from the brand is no exception. Let’s move on to the next few sections to know about the product in detail.
Ghost Controls Heavy-Duty Solar Automatic Gate Opener Kit...
- DIY Solar Gate Opener: Designed for dual swing gates up to...
- Kit Includes: Two (2) gate opener arms, 10 watt...
Why Did We Like It?
The tube gate brackets of this solar gate opener are what caught our attention right from the start as they ensure a simple and fast installation. Rest assured, whether you are a professional electrician or an occasional DIYer; you can set it up in no time. Since it works on solar energy, you don’t have to worry about a hike in your utility bills.
Security is a major concern for all automatic solar gate openers as they are susceptible to getting hacked. But not this model; it is equipped with the innovative GhostCode, which only allows authorized remote transmitters, wireless keypads, and vehicle sensors to activate your gate system. This feature gives you much-needed peace of mind.
Lastly, it is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, which means you don’t have to worry about defects and replacement as the brand has you covered.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We were quite disappointed to find out that it doesn’t come with a battery box, you will have to purchase it separately from the market. So, be prepared to make some additional expenses. Other than that, it works perfectly well.
Pros
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Secure from hackers
- Easy to install
- Remote transmitter has a long-range
Cons
- Doesn’t come with the battery box
2. GHOST CONTROLS TSS1XP
Our next pick is yet another quality product from Ghost Controls, which is as good as the previous one mentioned on this list. With durable tube gate brackets, it offers an easy installation that anyone can do regardless of their prior DIY experience. Keep reading to know more.
Ghost Controls Heavy-Duty Solar Automatic Gate Opener Kit...
- DIY Solar Gate Opener: Designed for a single swing driveway...
- Kit Includes: Gate opener arm, control box with control...
Why Did We Like It?
The best part about this automatic solar gate opener is that it comes with SafeForce technology. This feature automatically restricts the amount of force the system will exert on the edge of the moving gate, thereby ensuring safety.
Beyond that, it features the GhostCode technology that allows the activation of your gate system only through authorized keypads, remote transmitters, and vehicle sensors. So, you no longer need to worry about your system getting hacked.
We also loved the 3-button remote controller that provides a range of 1,000 feet, so even if you are far from the system, you can still access it effortlessly. Additionally, users can rely on it for years to come, owing to its durable build. Plus, the motor and gear assembly is backed by a lifetime assurance from the brand, which is a bonus.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The only thing we felt that could have been better was the price, which is quite high. Therefore, it may be beyond the buying capacity of most middle-class homeowners. Apart from that, we couldn’t find any major issues with this product. So, we’d recommend it nonetheless.
Pros
- Sports a durable construction
- Ensures safety
- Backed by a lifetime assurance
- Remote transmitter offers a decent coverage
Cons
- Sports an expensive price tag
3. Mighty Mule MM371W
While talking about solar gate openers, it’s difficult to keep Mighty Mule out of the conversation due to its utility-based features and goodwill. On that note, let us introduce you to the MM371W Automatic Gate Opener from the brand that provides 40% faster gate opening and closing speeds than its competitors.
Sale
Mighty Mule MM371W Automatic Gate Opener (SMART), Single,...
- Designed for medium duty single swing gates up to a maximum...
- Smart capable: With the addition of the Mighty Mule Wireless...
Why Did We Like It?
This gate opener is specially designed for single swing gates that are as long as 16 feet, so it’s safe to say that it is compatible with most swing gates in America. Plus, it comes with the necessary installation hardware, various online how-to videos, an installation DVD, a detailed installation manual, and access to 24-hour tech support, which makes the installation easy.
Furthermore, it offers 40% faster operation than most other solar automatic gate openers on the market, which we truly appreciate about this product. In terms of connectivity, it does a decent job; you can control the gates from half a mile away.
Thanks to the 10-watt solar panel, you don’t have to use electricity to charge its batteries; hence you can save quite an amount on electricity bills. Finally, it is backed by a 1-year of warranty, which means the manufacturers have faith in the performance and durability of their product.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a battery, which is a bummer because no one wants to make additional purchases for the basic functionality of a product. But once you purchase the battery and get this product to work, it doesn’t disappoint.
Pros
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
- Works faster
- Can be controlled from half a mile away
- Easy to install
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a battery out of the box
4. Mighty Mule MM562
Since Mighty Mule delivers great automatic solar gate openers, it only made sense to add yet another exceptional unit from the brand to our list. Meet the Mighty Mule MM562 Automatic Gate Opener that features state-of-the-art dual sense technology for added protection and safety.
Mighty Mule MM562 Automatic Gate Opener for Heavy Duty Dual...
- The new MM562 features Mighty Mule's exclusive Dual Sense...
- Designed for heavy duty dual swing gates up to a maximum of...
Why Did We Like It?
For starters, it was a major relief to find out that it came with a 12-volt battery out of the box, which was missing in the other Mighty Mule model. This means you don’t need to spend money on purchasing a battery separately to get this product to work.
Apart from that, it works perfectly on almost all types of dual swing gates, including wood, vinyl, panel, tube, you name it. Plus, this heavy-duty gate opener can withstand a max weight of 850 pounds per gate leaf, which is a lot. So, no matter what your swing gates are made of, they’ll handle them just fine.
Additional features include the 5-watt solar panel, enabling the product to work on solar energy, which is an added advantage if you ask us. And last but not least, it is backed by an 18-month warranty, so repair and replacement should be the least of your concerns.
What Could’ve Been Better?
During our period of usage, we found out that the control box of this product was not waterproof. When it rained, water got inside the box and dripped into the control panel, so we had to dry it out and reset it for it to work again.
Pros
- Backed by an 18-month warranty
- Compatible with all types of dual swing gates
- Easy to install
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not waterproof
5. TOPENS A3S
Topens is best known for delivering high-quality, reliable, and safe automatic gate openers to its customers. And the A3S model is an ideal example of what this brand can bring to the table. It sports a robust 24V motor and is an ideal choice for light-duty single-swing gates.
Sale
TOPENS A3S Automatic Gate Opener for Light Duty Single Swing...
- TOPENS Gate Opener - With 25 years of specialized experience...
- Wide Usage, Easy Installation - A3S is compatible with...
Why Did We Like It?
One of the most important features of this product is its 24-volt motor, which makes it a perfect choice for light-duty single swing gates up to 12 feet long. Plus, the durable and extendable aluminum arm deserves mention, as it further enhances the performance of the product for lightweight gates.
Beyond that, it offers a long operating life with little to no maintenance, saving you from the hassle of checking on your gate opener regularly. It is suitable for all types of single swing gates, including those made of a tube, vinyl, wood, and steel. Hence, you can use it for your ranch, pasture, courtyard, and home.
On top of that, it offers two installation styles: push-to-open and pull-to-open, enabling you to open the gate outwards or inwards as per your requirements. Lastly, it comes equipped with a 20-watt monocrystalline panel, allowing the system to operate without electricity.
What Could’ve Been Better?
This product doesn’t come with the two 12-volt batteries, so you’ll have to purchase them separately from the market. Other than that, the literature provided for the installation of this automatic gate opener was poorly written with minimal details, which made it a bit hard to follow.
Pros
- Offers two installation styles
- Suitable for all types of gates
- Requires no maintenance
- Ideal for light-duty gates
Cons
- The installation manual was hard to follow
6. Vevor Sliding Gate Opener with Remote Controls
We are halfway through this list, and now it’s time to talk about this excellent gate opener from Vevor. It is equipped with a dust-proof and waterproof shell and therefore can withstand the various elements of weather without breaking a sweat. Obviously, there is more to it, so kindly keep reading.
OrangeA Sliding Gate Opener AC600 1400Lbs with 2 Remote...
- Powerful Pure Copper Motor: The sliding gate opener has a...
- Remote Control: Our electric gate opener comes with two...
Why Did We Like It?
We were quite impressed by what this gate opener had to offer. Firstly, it can be easily installed with no welding or electrician required, and the kit includes everything that you need to know to set it up in a jiffy.
Additionally, it is sturdy; in fact, it can operate gates that are as heavy as 1,400 pounds. Coupled with its strong form factor is a robust copper motor and a steady base, which ensures that it opens the gate smoothly at 43 feet/minute, which is great.
On top of that, it operates quietly by producing less than 56 decibels of noise, which is lower than the sound made during face-to-face conversation. So, with this product, you don’t get that annoying rusty gate-opening noise.
Lastly, users worried about rain and corrosion will love its dust-proof and waterproof shell, which will protect the product from various weather elements all year round.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Even though it does a good job, for the most part, it has a few flaws. For instance, it is compatible with solar panels, but it doesn’t come with one. You’ll have to purchase it separately, so be prepared to shell out a few extra doughs if you decide to go with this model.
Pros
- Water and dust-proof
- Operates quietly
- Can withstand the weight of heavy gates
- Easy to install
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a solar panel
7. USAutomatic
Next up, we have a product, which is highly durable and known for its application in commercial purposes. The USAutomatic 020320 Gate opener sports an energy-efficient design that can provide weeks of operation without sun.
USAutomatic 020320 Sentry 300 Commercial Grade Automatic...
- Qualifies for 30% tax credit if solar charged
- Operates gates up to 20 feet in length
Why Did We Like It?
This product can be a great choice for those looking for a gate opener for commercial purposes. This is because it is made from sturdy and durable materials that can stand the test of time with ease.
Not only that, but it also features an exceptional energy-efficient design, which makes it one of the best solar gate openers that can deliver weeks of operation without the sun.
Apart from this, the Plug-N-Go wiring harness deserves mention, as it eliminates the need for wiring, thereby making installation super easy. So, even if you are a first-timer, you’ll be able to install it in less than an hour.
Now, as far as the opening and closing time is concerned, it is usually within 16 seconds regardless of the weight of the gate, which is truly remarkable. Finally, it is backed by a 3-year warranty. In case you face any issue within the first 3 years of its purchase, you can contact the brand and get the product repaired or replaced without any additional cost.
What Could’ve Been Better?
While testing this product for this review-based guide, we noticed that there was a little bit of swinging at the end points, which may end up wearing out the fasteners. Other than that, we found this gate opener on the noisier side, which is a bit frustrating, to be honest.
Pros
- Backed by a 3-year warranty
- Sports an energy-efficient design
- Installation is easy
- Remarkable open and close time
Cons
- A bit on the noisier side
8. TOPENS DK1000S
We won’t be wasting any space and time by introducing you to Topens, as we’ve already included a great product from the same brand previously. However, the DK1000S Gate Opener from the brand is quite unlike anything you’ve seen so far. Be it energy efficiency or durability; this product is bound to surprise you with its performance.
TOPENS DK1000S Solar Sliding Gate Opener Rack Drive...
- 【CHOOSE TOPENS】 25 years’ experience specialized in...
- 【SOLAR POWER SUPPORTED】 Flexible power modes are for...
Why Did We Like It?
Straight off the bat, the gate opener comes with a robust 30W monocrystalline solar panel, making it efficient enough to operate for a long time without electricity. So, even if there is a power failure, it’ll still work without any issues.
Beyond that, it is heavy-duty and can easily handle sliding gates that are up to 1,800 pounds in weight and 40 feet in length. This makes the product suitable for a wide variety of applications such as courtyard, commercial, residential, etc. Besides, installation is easy and doesn’t require extra welding. Not to mention, it comes with the necessary hardware and instructions.
Apart from that, the product is safe to use; it comes with state-of-the-art security technology that ensures safety and multiple protection. Overall, it is one of the most sought-after solar gate openers on the market.
What Could’ve Been Better?
This solar gate opener sports an expensive price tag, which is why it might not be suitable for those on a modest budget. However, given the performance and range of features on offer, we would certainly recommend going for it.
Pros
- Backed by a 12-month warranty
- Suitable for a variety of applications
- Safe to use
- Easy to install
Cons
- Comes at a steep price
9. Fister Automatic Solar Gate Openers
Now that we are nearing the end of our list, here’s a solar gate opener from Fister that you should consider. This product is an ideal solution for those looking for a reliable gate opener but doesn’t have an electric power supply at the gate site.
Sale
Automatic Solar Gate Openers with Complete Kit Heavy Duty...
- 【AC/DC Power Mode】It's the perfect solution for people...
- 【Convenient lifestyle】Stay inside the warm and dry car...
Why Did We Like It?
It comes with a remote controller that has a range of about 50m. Hence, with this product, you don’t need to step out of our car to open the gates manually. Also, it features 2 solar panels; therefore, it is a great solution for those that don’t have access to high-voltage electricity at the site of their driveway gates.
Talking about the build quality, the product is made of stainless steel and is IP55 waterproof, so rest assured it can deliver top-notch performance in harsh weather. Besides, it is backed by a 12-month warranty; you don’t have to incur expenses if the device fails within the first year of its purchase; the brand has you covered.
Lastly, it features 2 installation styles: push-to-open and pull-to-open, which allows the gate to open outward or inward as per requirements.
What Could’ve Been Better?
When it came to us, the system controller box of the gate opener was missing. Therefore, we would strongly recommend you check the package carefully to ensure all the parts are there. Plus, we didn’t find the customer support to be much responsive.
Pros
- Backed by a 12-month warranty
- Features 2 installation styles
- Resistant to water and weather elements
- Highly functional
Cons
- Missing parts
10. DC HOUSE Solar Automatic Gate Opener
If you are searching for a suitable product for any kind of dual swing gate, you cannot ignore this gate opener kit from the DC House. Sporting durable steel swing arms, it can open solid panel gates without a hassle. So, let’s dig a little deeper.
DC HOUSE Solar Automatic Gate Opener Kit Heavy Duty Dual...
- ENJOY YOUR CONVENIENT LIFE!--Stay warm and dry in your...
- MULTIPLE OUTDOOR APPLICATIONS--Suitable for any dual...
Why Did We Like It?
First of all, it features a built-in limit switch, which automatically stops the gates and makes them return if there’s some sort of obstruction. This makes the product super safe to use. Plus, it comes with a custom rolling code, which makes the system secure. Hence, you don’t need to worry about thefts anymore.
This gate opener is suitable for all dual swing gates that are used in commercial, farm, and residential applications, which is great. Also, it is built with sturdy stainless steel for longer life, so you don’t have to worry about harsh weather conditions ruining your gate opener either.
Last but not least, it sports a secure rubber stopper, which works like a buffer during the closing to protect both the door and the motor and extend their lives.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The only issue that we found with this product is the range of the remote, which is no more than 20 feet. This was a tad disappointing because the product description says that it should be at least 50 feet, if not more.
Pros
- Backed by a 24-month warranty
- Suitable for multiple applications
- Safe to use
- Sports a durable build quality
Cons
- Poor remote range
Solar Gate Openers Buying Guide
In order to purchase the best solar gate opener, there are a few important factors that you need to keep in mind. Keep reading this buyer’s guide section to know all about these factors.
1. Warranty
The warranty period offered by solar gate openers varies widely from brand to brand. While some brands offer a limited lifetime warranty, others offer a 12-month or 24 month-warranty. The longer the warranty period, the better.
2. Installation
The installation process of most solar gate openers is fairly simple, which you can do yourself. However, a few models need to be installed by professionals.
3. Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a solar gate opener kit is the amount of weight it can handle. It’s best to go with one that has a higher weight capacity. You can check the specification section or the packaging to know about the weight capacity of the solar gate opener.
Verdict
Before you go ahead and get yourself a solar gate opener, we strongly recommend going through our favorite picks.
The GHOST CONTROLS TDS2XP is the best overall, in our opinion, as it is backed by a lifetime warranty and is easy to install. Additionally, the GHOST CONTROLS TSS1XP is a great choice if you are looking for a durable product that offers good remote area coverage.
And if you are in search of a solar gate opener that works faster, then you should go with the Mighty Mule MM371W.
On that note, we have come to the end of the article. Until next time, take care!
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