How to Make a Solar Electric Fence
Electric fences can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional fencing, and can actually be safer for animals than wire fencing. If there is no alternating current nearby, it's not a problem. Follow the steps outlined below to install a solar powered electric fence to contain animals on your property. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Solar fence charging unit
- Shovel
- Posts
- Wire or mesh
- Insulators
- Tensioners
- Ground rods and wire
- Electric fence tester
Instructions
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Choose a fence system that suits your application. Think about what animals you are trying to control and if the fence will be temporary or permanent. Refer to Red Snappers website in the resources section below for fence planning basics.
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2
Purchase a solar fence charger and accessories. Do an Internet search for solar electric fence or visit local farm and hardware stores to compare systems.
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Build your fence starting with end and corner posts and stretching a string between them to mark where to place your line posts. Set line posts and stretch the wire or mesh you selected around the perimeter. Attach with insulators and tensioners.
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Locate the solar electric fence charger at one end of the fence on a sturdy mounting surface, such as a building or wooden post in direct sunlight facing south. Make a ground bed near the fence charger by digging a shallow trench and driving in the number of ground rods recommended for your installation. Attach the ground (negative) lead to the grounding rods and the positive lead to the fence.
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Let the charger charge in direct sunlight for at least 24 hours before energizing the fence. Check the voltage on the fence regularly following energizing the fence. Use an electric fence tester for safety.
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Tips & Warnings
Dry soil is a poor conductor of electricity. In arid regions for longer fences, you may have to add extra ground rods spaced equally along the fence.
Weeds must be controlled near the fence because electricity can jump off the fence and go to ground through them, making your fence ineffective. Mow weeds or apply an herbicide under the fence.
Stay watchful when animals are first introduced to a solar electric fence. Although it produces a very mild shock, it can startle them and cause them to bolt through the fence instead of away from it.
Wear rubber-soled shoes and rubberized gloves when working near an energized electric fence to lessen your chance of being shocked.
