We recently tried out a new solar energizer from Gallagher to use with our portable / off-grid fencing setup with our goats and sheep. I’ll share more about the S80 energizer and my thoughts on it in this blog post.
First, I want to point out that Gallagher gifted us this energizer in exchange for sharing our experiences. I’ve been using Gallagher fencing produces long before I started working with their Homesteader program. I only share products that we actually use on our farm.
Table of contents
How we use energizers on our farm
On our fam Cylon Rolling Acres in Western Wisconsin, we use electric fence with our goats and sheep as a tool to practice managed grazing. We use a larger energizer to power one line of high tensile that runs at the top of our woven wire fence in our permanent pastures. These pastures are then subdivided into smaller paddocks (or sections), using portable fencing, such as polywire and step in posts and SmartFence.
Outside of our permanent pastures we graze our goats and sheep in our woods, hayfields and other brushy areas around our farm. In these areas we use solar energizers or energizers powered with a deep cycle battery to electrify our portable fencing, which is a mix of net fences and SmartFence. This is the type of setting where I’d try out/use this new energizer.
The appeal of the S80
The S80 Lithium Solar Energizer was appealing for several reasons. The energizer is
- An all-in-one set up. No need to take out batteries to charge or have to carry and set up multiple pieces of equipment (energizer, solar panel, battery) especially in an off-grid setting.
- 300% more longer lasting and faster charging due to it’s new lithium battery technology. It has higher energy density with less internal voltage resistance than lead-acid batteries. This means it has a longer lifespan. And, it will maintain fence power even on cloudy days.
- Adaptive and intelligent energy control, which means the energizer is constantly monitoring the performance of the fence and adjusting the voltage based on the current conditions.
- Super lightweight and small, just under 5 lbs. and about 8x8x11 inches in size.
I admit, I was a little bit concerned how it would handle net fences, as we as if it would have enough output of power for goats and sheep (I like a range of 5-7 kV). I’ll share more in a bit on my final observations of the solar energizer and it’s performance.
Setting up the solar energizer
While the energizer comes partially charged, Gallagher recommends charging the energizer before using it for at least one day. To fully recharge the energizer, the manual does indicate to let it charge for three full days.
To charge the energizer, put it in area with full sun exposure throughout the day. Turn it on. You should see the light flashing on the back of the charger. Do not connect it to the fence at this point in time.
Equipment needed
To set up the energizer, you’ll need the following equipment:
- The S80 solar energizer with fence and grounding leads (included with energizer)
- Metal t-post
- Fence post pounder for the t-post
- Grounding rod(s) – general rule of thumb is 3 feet of grounding rod per joule rating. I prefer the t-top style grounding rods because they are easier to take out in a portable set up. In this case, only one is likely enough, but two may be appropriate depending on the depth they will be set. Use galvanized wire to connect multiple rods.
- Mallet to pound in the grounding rod(s)
- Optional: wood post/ground rod mount if mounting to a permanent wood post or directly on a grounding rod
- Your portable electric fence. I usually use net fence or SmartFence
- Fence checker to make sure the fence is properly energized
Set-up process
After the charging time as passed, then it’s time to set up the energizer. This is a pretty easy set up. Turn off the energizer if it’s been charging while you set up.
- Fully charge the energizer (as noted earlier).
- Put in the metal t-post where you’d like to use your energizer
- Place the energizer on the post, facing the south for the best sun exposure
- Pound in the grounding rod(s). If more than one rod is being use, connect them with galvanized wire.
- Connect the red and green wires with clips (the fence/grounding leads) to the energizer. Red to red and green to green.
- Then connect the green clip to the grounding rod. If necessary, you may need to adjust the height of the t-post, which the energizer is mounted on, to be able to connect to the the grounding rod.
- Then connect the red to the fence.
- Turn on the energizer and your fence should be hot (energized)
- Check your fence with a fence checker to make sure it is properly energized.
My thoughts on the solar energizer
I used the S80 on a paddock in our woods with our bucks/rams and some market stock. It powered three electric net-style fences (Turbo Electric Sheep Netting, also from Gallagher), which was about 500 feet of fence.
My main priority for an energizer is will it produce enough electricity needed for maintaining goats and sheep? I’m ideally looking for 5-7 kv of output measured from a fence checker.
So how did it do? It did quite well. Once I set it it up, I tested it and it showed 4.5 kv of output of electricity. After I had it running for a while it was at 5-5.5 kv. Even with it producing around 4 kv, I’m pretty happy with that given my goats and sheep are well trained to respect electric fence (see my fence training guide here). The tech sheet indicates the energizer has a max output of voltage of 9.4 kv.
Secondary, I’m interested in easy of use in setting it up and using it around our farm, especially in areas away from our main farm energizer. In this case, I really liked it’s size and ease for simple set up with just putting in a t-post and the grounding rod(s). My other portable systems are much larger or have multiple pieces of equipment I need to move and set up.
This is a great solar energizer option for smaller paddocks and/or an intensive grazing system, where fewer fences are needed. Additionally it’s great for an off-grid set up due to it’s lithium battery technology which allows it to last longer and recharge faster, which means it keeps working even on cloudy days. It’s also adaptive and adjusts it’s energy output based on the current fence load and paddock conditions.
At some point, this energizer will have limitations. For example it may not be the best choice for a full-farm set up with extensive permanent pastures or, for use with large temporary paddocks with lots of net fence.
The fence ratings for this solar energizer are 30 miles or 100 acres of clean fence, which isn’t really helpful for a true “on-farm” application. But, but most energizers will give this type of rating. The nice thing is Gallagher gives a “typical fence” rating as well on it’s packages, which account for multiple hot wires and taller forage, which can reduce the actual performance of an energizer. With this particular energizer, it can cover 7 miles or up to 55 acres of fence.
Personally, for sheep and goat fence, which typically includes more hot wire that’s often touching the grass, I’m using these measurements from manufactures conservatively, knowing that the actual performance of the energizer may not be close to what is stated on the box. This isn’t a knock on the manufactures since every farm is different, including type of livestock, but it’s more of being an educated buyer. I appreciate Gallagher’s transparency in giving the “typical fence” use estimates.
Overall, it’s a solid solar energizer.
Quick Summary of Solar Energizer Specs
- Model: S80 Li
- Stored Joules: 0.8
- Output Joules: 0.55
- Max output voltage: 9.3 kv
- Weight: 4.9 lbs.
- Grounding rods needed: 1, possibly 2
- “Clean fence” rating: 30 miles, 100 acres
- “Typical fence” rating: 7 miles, 55 acres
Saving on Gallagher products
If you’re interested in trying out this energizer or other Gallagher products, use my code CYLON for 10% off your entire order (US/CAN). I am an affiliate, which means I do get a small commission from your purchase at no extra cost to you.
Video: Solar energizer set up and thoughts
Here’s a video overview of the setup and my thoughts on the solar energizer:
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