Powering Your Gate: AC vs Solar — Which Is Right for You?
⚡ AC Power: Consistent and Strong
AC-powered gate operators connect directly to your home’s electrical system, giving you steady and reliable power.
Pros:
Handles heavy gates and frequent cycles with ease
Works consistently in all weather conditions
No need to worry about cloudy days or battery storage
Best for:
Homes with easy access to power near the gate and high daily use, such as driveways with multiple cars or frequent visitors.
Things to consider:
AC-powered systems need underground wiring, a dedicated circuit, and sometimes trenching, which can add to installation cost — but offers unmatched reliability.
☀️ Solar Power: Sustainable and Smart
Solar-powered gates use energy from the sun stored in a battery backup system, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective over time.
Pros:
No electric bill impact — uses free solar energy
Keeps working during power outages
Easier setup for remote properties where AC power isn’t nearby
Best for:
Gates used fewer than 10–15 times a day, or rural/equine properties where running electrical lines is expensive or difficult.
Things to consider:
Cloudy days and heavy gate use can drain the battery
Panels should be angled correctly and kept clean for best performance
May need battery replacement every few years
🔋 Solar Panel Size: Why We Recommend 30 W
Not all solar panels are created equal — and the size of your panel directly affects how reliably your gate runs.
Many gate kits include a 10-watt panel, which can power a gate lightly used just a few times a day. But here in Palm Beach County’s heat and humidity, real-world factors like cloud cover, dust, and battery loss can quickly drain that small panel’s capacity.
At Busanti Gate Company, we install and recommend 30-watt solar panels for most systems.
Here’s why:
✅ Faster charging — keeps batteries topped off even after several openings per day
✅ More reserve power — prevents sluggish performance or mid-cycle stalls
✅ Longer battery life — less strain on your backup system
✅ Handles accessories — motion sensors, keypads, or Wi-Fi controllers draw extra power
While 10-watt systems might work in perfect sunlight, 30-watt panels provide the reliability homeowners expect — especially when paired with a deep-cycle battery and quality controller. It’s a small upgrade that pays for itself in peace of mind.
⚙️ Busanti Gate Company’s Recommendation
In Palm Beach County’s sunny climate, both options work beautifully.
We often recommend solar systems for remote areas — clean energy and reliability in one.
For high-traffic entrances, AC power with a battery backup ensures your gate runs no matter what.
🛠️ Let’s Build the Right Solution for You
At Busanti Gate Company, we design and build gate systems that fit your property, your lifestyle, and your power setup — whether it’s AC, solar, or hybrid.
📞 561-444-8473
📧 helllo@busantigatecompany.com
🌐 busantigatecompany.com
📅 Schedule your consultation today: Book Now
