5 Best Solar Powered Electric Fence Charger


Are you trying to keep your animals/pets in and keep the other ones out? No matter what, critters always seem to find a route into your yard, pasture, or property where they should not be.

An electric fence is one way to keep them out. It gives an unpleasant, tiny zap when it is touched by a human or animal. They do not harm the being, but they do deter the creature from going into the area where they don’t belong.

The best solar-powered electric fence charger will provide enough zap throughout the entire fence, will be easy to maintain, weather-resistant, and will produce for years to come. The one that rose to the top is the Parmak Fence Charger.

The problem is that we have to keep these things charged up. What sounds better: paying to do this and running the risk of the power failure or getting it for FREE and it working 100% of the time?

We think you choose the latter. It’s easy to achieve this- just pick yourself up one of these great solar-powered electric fence chargers.

Why Solar Power Is Better?

You could very easily put in an electric fence that is powered by AC, but why do that when you can use free solar power? Besides, electricity runs the risk of experiencing an outage, costs a bundle, and is not sustainable in the long run.

These solar-powered electric fence chargers utilize tiny solar panels that charge an inside battery that then delivers power to your fence. They are easy to install, and they don’t cost anything to run.

There are lots of companies out there that make these chargers, and you can get them right on Amazon for your shopping convenience. I rounded up a list of five great choices you can check out and install fast.

What to Look for In A Solar Fence Charger?

The best solar powered electric fence chargers will cover the acreage and provide plenty of joules.

There are three major things to consider as you shop. Let’s talk about that now:

Fence Length

Fence Length– To choose the best charger, you have to find out the range rating of your fence. It’s a formula that says: Range rating = the number of wires x fence length x 2. Why do you need to figure this out? Well, it is because every solar fence charger is made to power fence wires up to a certain length.

So, as you shop, look for a charger that can handle the length of the wire of your fence. If you choose one that has a lower range rating than your fence requires, the performance of that fence won’t be as good.

Type of Animals

Animals You Are Controlling– The second thing to keep in mind is who you’re trying to keep out of the fenced-in area. Are you trying to keep out small creatures such as rabbits and squirrels? A smaller fence charger will suffice.

If this will be used to keep livestock in, choose a bigger charger that has more “oomph.” Most of these chargers come with guides that inform you about what animals they can keep out, so choosing one won’t be too hard.

Amount of Current Needed

Current (Power)-In conjunction with the type of animal you will be keeping in or out, you need to choose power accordingly. Big animals like moose, deer, or coyotes may require around 4,000 to 5000 volts which generates enough shock to keep them out of your way.

Horses and cattle need about 2,000 to 3,000 volts to keep them where they need to be. Smaller critters like rabbits and squirrels need about 1,000 to 2000 volts, while pets required 700 to 1000 volts.

Below is a list of solar-powered electric fence chargers that have a ton of reviews that are at least 4 stars or more.

Best Solar Powered Electric Fence Charger

The top five picks start here.

Parmak Fence Charger (Editor’s Choice)

1) Parmak- DF-SP-LI Solar Pak – 6 Volt Low Impedance 25 Mile Range Electric Fence Charger

Features and Benefits of Parmak

This is a top-quality electric fence charger that features low impedance and includes a performance meter that is easy to keep an eye on. It will even work when wet brush and weeds grow around the charger. It can easily control small to medium size pens and pastures. It’s all made in the USA and comes in at a very competitive price, too.

Users noted how well it worked as evidenced by the great reviews. I couldn’t help but notice that a customer asked if it would be enough to keep out a bear, and the answer was, “Yes, I needed it to keep a 600lb bear out of my vineyards/fruit orchards!” The energy discharged during the shock reaches between 0.75 and 1.6 joules and the voltage of the fence at 500 ohms goes up to 9,000 volts. Plenty of power to keep animals in or out.

This Parmak solar fence charger is capable of controlling 25 miles of fence.

Zareba Solar Fence Charger

2) Zareba ESP5M -Z – 5 Mile Solar Low Impedance Fence Charger. Use this electric fence energizer on remote areas of your property to power your fence lines.

Features and Benefits of Zareba

Zareba is a trusted name when it comes to solar fence chargers. This device is no exception. It offers you five miles of electric fence charging capability. You can operate this for up to 14 days with no sunlight. Plus, it comes with mounting brackets for Y-Posts, T-Posts, and round wooden posts. You can rotate this 360 degrees on a T post so it can face the sun.

This unit is made in the United States and after manufacturing is complete, it is tested for load capacity. It also comes with a 1-year warranty. You can use this with aluminum wire, poly rope, steel wire, or poly tape.

Great for keeping horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs inside their pens.

Not only can you install the unit on Y/T and Round posts, but you can also mount it on walls and flat surfaces by using a simple hanging screw. The fence charger is designed with a sturdy case that protects the internal circuitry and also the integrated mount solar panel for extreme weather no matter which season it is.

Pet & Livestock HQ Solar Fence Charger

3) Solar Powered Electric Fence Charger-2 Mile Solar Powered Electric Fence Charger. Unlike traditional constant-voltage electric fences that hurt animals who stay in contact for too long, this solar electric fence charger generates brief pulses that are enough to stop animals from messing with your solar shock fence, safely maximizing your crops and pastures & lowering your feed costs.

Features and Benefits of Pet & Livestock HQ

This offers you two miles of electric fence charging power. You can operate this unit for up to ten days with no sun. It is made in the USA, and after manufacturing is complete, it is load tested to ensure quality. Thanks to the low impedance tech included, you will enjoy lowered battery drain and fewer shortages due to weeds.

Works with poly tape, poly rope, aluminum fence, traditional steel fence, or poly wire. This solar electric fence is perfect for those who do not have an AC outlet close to the fenced area.

Keeps animals IN even during rainy days.

Gallagher Electric Fencer (Runner Up)

4) Gallagher S40 Electric Fence Charger – The S40 Solar Electric Fence Charger is a fully integrated, easy to use Solar Energizer that you can use anywhere on the farm. Powers up to a 25-mile single wire fence or up to 5 miles of multi-wire perimeter and covering approximately 30-80 acres of land.

Features and Benefits of Gallagher

Gallaghers range of Solar Fence Energizers is perfect for powering electric fences in remote areas where there is no or unreliable access to mains power. ​​

Quick and easy to install, all Gallagher Solar Energizers come with built-in solar panels and an internal rechargeable battery. An excellent choice for rotational grazing, controlling livestock, and excluding wildlife.

If you got a rodent problem around your garden, this Gallagher will provide the zap needed to prevent further pests, and hopefully leave a little reminder in the previous rodents.

Silver Streak Solar Fence Charger

5) Silver Streak Solar Fence Charger – This powerful solar electric fence is unique because the battery is not inside the unit. It works with any 12-volt battery, “Battery is not included”. They recommend a deep cycle or AGM battery. Features 2 joules of output power and will fence up to 100 acres of fence. It is great for locations without AC power where a powerful fencer is needed. It is a low impedance, pulsating fencer.

Features and Benefits of Silver Streak Charger

This unit is great for small to medium-sized yards or pastures. The 2 joules of output is sure to deter most large animals or smaller. With lightning protection, this solar electric fence charger is designed to be used with minimal maintenance in remote areas.

How to Use Solar Fence Chargers

If you’ve ever used a normal fence charger you’ll be happy that the difference is minimal. They provide a harmless shock to the animal (or whoever touches it) to deter them from going past a certain point. To install the charger follow the steps below.

  1. Depending on the device, you’ll need to get the unit fully charged. To do this you need to set it in the sun where it won’t get shaded or obstructed for about 3 days. This will provide a full charge and get the unit running at full capacity. Unless the unit says it can receive a full charge in less time, 3 days of full sun is optimal.
  2. Next, mount the charger close to the fence. Most solar-powered electric fence chargers come with mounting brackets. If not, brackets will be recommended. Be sure to install the unit where it will get plenty of sun. Any shade, debris falling on it, or obstruction could result in less power.
  3. Next, connect the ground wire to the ground terminal hook of the fence charger. Then, connect this wire to a ground rod system using insulated cords and ground rod clamps. After, you need to connect the fence wire to the fence terminal of the energizer so the current can flow through.
  4. Turn on the energizer. Each unit may have a different way of indicating the unit is working and the current is flowing. It’s recommended to use a voltage tester throughout the fence, to ensure current is flowing throughout.
  5. After the unit is up and running, minimal upkeep included keeping the solar panels free of debris and blockage.

Wrapping up Best Solar-Powered Fence Charger

When it comes to solar-powered electric fence chargers, you have many options to choose from, including AC and DC powered models, as well as several battery-powered options. DC chargers are the easiest as they can be stand-alone and don’t need an AC outlet.

Solar-powered fence chargers are great because after the initial investment the savings just keep coming. They’re great for your bottom line, eco-friendly, and are hassle-free. Whether you have a small garden and wish to keep pets away, or a series of fields containing livestock, there’s a suitable solar charger available. When possible, use high tinsel wire for optimal performance.

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