A solar or battery electric fence energiser works without a power socket, so also in a field far from the house or stable. This group contains the ZoneGuard Solar-Fence Energizer Pro in 6 and 20 km and the 10 km ZoneGuard Battery Energizer Pro.
Solar or battery: the difference in practice
With a solar energiser, a solar panel keeps recharging the battery. So you do not have to swap it every few weeks, but you depend on light: a panel in the shade of a row of trees or a run of grey winter days produces less. A battery energiser runs on a separate battery that you replace when it is empty. That is simple and inexpensive to buy, and handy for a seasonal field or temporary grazing.
How to choose
- Whole season in one place, sunny site: a solar energiser saves you walking.
- Changing plots or short periods: a battery energiser is lighter to move.
- Long fence or netting: choose the 20 km version, because netting and several lines need reserve.
- Batteries: the accessories section has 9V batteries from ZoneGuard and Gobel (Durobat) with different capacities. The more Ah, the longer one battery lasts. Always check the manual for which battery suits your energiser.
Honest about range and maintenance
The kilometres on the pack are an indication under favourable conditions. In a wet field with grass against the wire, you get less. So mow under the bottom line and measure regularly. If you want to fence a long stretch, also see the heavy energisers for large fields; for a compact pony paddock, the energisers up to 20 km are grouped together. All models together are in electric fence energisers.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a battery last?
That depends on the battery capacity, the energiser setting and the state of your fence. A larger capacity in Ah lasts longer; leakage through vegetation shortens the running time.
Does a solar energiser work at night?
Yes, the energiser runs on the battery, which the panel recharges during the day.
Do I need an earth rod even without a socket?
Yes. A solar or battery energiser also needs good earthing; without earthing, an animal barely feels a shock.