Best Solar Gate Opener In 2024

Looking for the best solar gate opener for your property?

Solar gate openers allow you unrestricted access to your home, regardless of the power grid condition or proximity to an AC connection. This characteristic gives them a leg up on non-solar models, given that 71 percent of homeowners consider their gate to be their home’s front door. (1) Let’s take a look at the top models.

Solar Powered Gate Opener Reviews

Now that you’ve seen our top 13 favorite solar gate opener models of the year at a glance, let’s dig a little deeper, shall we? Check out our comprehensive solar powered gate opener reviews, to further aid your search in finding the perfect model for you. Starting with our #1 pick of the year, the Ghost Controls TDS2XP, our top overall choice, let’s get right into it.

The Ghost Controls TDS2XP is a favorite in the solar gate opener world. The device is suitable for use with dual gates that are up to twenty feet long and 900 pounds, and every kit includes a 10-watt premium mono-crystalline solar panel. Whether you use it on agricultural or tubular style gates, it delivers impressive performance. Why? Because it can handle pretty much anything.

Its superior strength is thanks to the fact that it has two operator arms, and the automatic gate opener itself is capable of converting the right amount of power to keep your gate in continuous operation. It can handle heavier loads, more intense usage, and inclement weather quietly and noiselessly, which we love. It also includes a lifetime extended warranty for added peace of mind.

We gave the Homeland Hardware Dual Swing Gate the prize for best budget pick, and there’s plenty to feel good about if you choose this model. This large, powerful device can close gates that are up to sixteen feet long or 600 pounds per leaf. It’s made from high-quality materials that deliver a smooth, relatively noiseless operation, and users highlight that it is easy to install.

Despite being our budget pick, you won’t have to sacrifice on bonuses that will make your life simpler. It features the Eagle Diamond Board for easy control, which also makes it well-suited to commercial applications. It has a manual foot pedal operation feature, allowing you to stop the gate if needed physically, plus an emergency release key.

Another area where Homeland Hardware stood out was customer service, with many customers highlighting the excellent help they received. Additionally, the unit comes with a five-year limited warranty, one of the best on this list.

Our third top choice comes from ECO-WORTHY, a leader in renewable energy products. You can purchase ECO-WORTHY kits for all gate types, including single, folding, and swinging, making it quite versatile.

The ECO-WORTHY Dual Solar Kit comes with all the items you need, including a 20-watt solar panel, two 7Ah batteries, a smart control box, and an infrared beam sensor. It also includes two remotes and keypad access so that you can access your property in various ways.

If you’re feeling hesitant about installing your solar gate opener, the TOPENS DK1000S might be right for you. Thanks to its clear instructions and tutorial, it received our easy installation prize.

Aside from having it up and running quickly, the DK1000S delivers efficient performance without consuming a ton of power. It’s capable of moving gates up to 1600 pounds or forty inches long with quiet operation, and it’s suitable for residential and commercial applications.

The Mighty Mule MM571W rounds out our top five, and it’s no wonder this ubiquitous name in the gate opener world took a prize. You can use it with single swing gates up to eighteen feet long or 850 pounds, and it’s compatible with all kinds of fence types, such as ornamental, chain link, vinyl, and wood. It also has detailed instructions that will help you set up the device quickly.

We gave it our choice for the best smart gate opener, as the Mighty Mule was the first to debut smart gate openers—and they deliver excellent smart products. Instead of using a remote, you can control your gate using your smartphone for added convenience. The Mighty Mule also comes with an eighteen-month limited warranty.

The Mighty Mule MM-LPS13 is a favorite for commercial use, though it is at home pretty much anywhere you have a single slide gate. It works with gates up to 650 pounds and twenty-four feet in length, and it’s available in a ten- and twenty-watt solar panel option. All the required mounting hardware comes in the box, and you can use it on any fence.

This device also includes a security feature we like, which is an internal friction brake lock that keeps the gate locked when closed. Mighty Mule also includes an 18-month warranty.

The Chamberlain Liftmaster is a highly dependable model that works with gates up to sixteen feet long or 550 pounds. Its clear instructions make installation straightforward, and we like the EverCharge Power Management System it features. The system delivers power when you need it most and manages consumption at other times to optimize solar performance.

It’s smartphone capable, has a DC motor for soft start/soft stop operation, and senses obstructions for added safety. The Chamberlain model also comes with a two-year warranty.

The number 8 pick on our list is the second of several options from TOPENS. The AD8S is a heavy-duty solar gate opener compatible with dual swing type gates up to eighteen feet in length or 850 pounds. It features two 24V DC motors to help keep your gate powered at all times, as well as an aluminum swing arm that provides the muscle needed to move heavy fences.

The AD8S comes with a 20-watt solar panel, security smart technology, and adjustable auto-close time. It includes a yearlong warranty.

Next up is another option from TOPENS. The A5S can be used on single door gates of all kinds, such as wood, metal, etc., and it’s suitable for use at home, on the farm, or for business applications. Users note that it’s easy to set it up yourself, and you can install it either push-to-open or pull-to-open—in other words, the gate can swing out toward the street or to your house.

The A5S includes soft start and stop, auto-close time, and adjustable stall force. And the 20-watt solar panel delivers plenty of power alongside a 24V DC motor. The addition of the 24V DC motor helps keep your gate running efficiently without consuming a ton of power unnecessarily.

The TOPENS AD5S made our list for several reasons, one of those being that it provides an affordable option for all types of dual swing gates. Whether you’ve got a chain, tube, vinyl, steel, or another type of fence, the AD5S will perform as you need it. It works on medium swing gates up to sixteen feet long or up to 550 pounds.

What makes this gate opener stand out, in our opinion, is that you can set it to open either towards the street or towards your house. It features auto-close functions ranging from 0 to 100 seconds and includes two 24V DC motors. Users can also control the gate using a remote control or wireless keypad, and the gate has an electric lock for added security.

It requires very little maintenance, though installation can be a bit tricky if you’re a novice.

Rounding out our group of TOPENS solar gate openers, we have the A3S model. We give the A3S our nod for being an excellent option for residential use—specifically for anyone with a medium-sized gate that doesn’t weigh a lot.

This solar gate opener is compatible with gates up to sixteen feet long, and it can handle a combined weight of 550 pounds between the two leaves. You can also use it on a single door swing gate, where it works with a max gate length of twelve feet, or up to 300 pounds.

The TOPENS A3S includes a 24V DC motor for some extra oomph, and the aluminum swing arm is both extendable and long lasting. Its design helps deliver superior performance for lighter gates, and if it detects an obstacle, the gate stops moving. The device comes with a remote, and installation is relatively straightforward.

Gate openers are probably not the first things that come to mind when you think of Italian brand Ducati, but maybe they should be. The Ducati HC812-400 is designed for use with double swing gates that are up to twelve feet long or 300 pounds per leaf, and it works with practically any gate type, so it’s quite versatile.

The kit includes a 10-watt solar panel and battery that delivers reliable performance in all conditions. We’d recommend it for anyone with pets or children thanks to its amperometric obstacle detection system, which detects obstacles and keeps your loved ones safe.

It is worth noting that the speed of the gate could be improved. Some customers also said that getting in touch with customer service from the US could be challenging, but aside from these small things, Ducati impressed us with this model.

The final solar gate opener that topped our list was the CO-Z Sliding Gate Opener. For any property owners with heavy gates, this could be an ideal option for you.

The first thing we like is that the design is robust, and the aluminum base is made to last. We also like that the gate has plenty of power for smooth operation. It can reach speeds of up to 43 feet per minute, but it doesn’t sacrifice speed for sound. It produces less than 60dB, or the sound of a normal conversation. (2)

You can use a timer to open the gate, and you can change the length of time the gate remains open. When it comes to the range of the remote control, users get an impressive 100 feet of range. You operate the remote using one of the four buttons, and the whole system is protected by RF hopping technology ( to prevent anyone from remotely accessing your gate code.

Buyers’ Guide (Top 3 Tips – How to Buy the Best Solar Powered Gate Opener for You)

Because purchasing a solar gate opener is a hefty investment, we recommend doing plenty of research beforehand. Aside from pouring through product reviews, you should be well informed about what to look for. If you want to make the right purchase, be sure to follow our top three tips for buying the best solar powered gate opener for you.

1. Make Sure You Buy the Right Type of Solar Gate Opener

All solar gate openers have the same purpose; they allow you to open gates from afar. But although they all do the same thing, you must ensure that you purchase the right type for your home or business. The kind of gate you have will be the basis for your search. Let’s talk about the three most common types of solar gate openers with this idea in mind.

Single Gate

As you may have guessed from the name, a single gate opener is a device that opens just one gate toward the street. This is the easiest DIY driveway gate to install. A single gate system will often have sensors that detect when a car is approaching, then the gate opens accordingly. Once the vehicle is no longer in range, the gate shuts automatically.

Aside from the sensors, single gate openers typically include another way to control them, either via a remote or a keypad. They work with gates weighing between 300 to 900 pounds, and they generally allow you to open the gate from around 20 feet away.

Dual Gate

On the other hand, a dual gate opener is a device that allows two swinging gates to open toward the street. Like the single gate opener, it generally includes sensors that detect when a vehicle is approaching, and most allow you to adjust the gate’s opening and closing intervals. An emergency release is a vital feature on dual gates so that you can open the gate even in the event of a power loss.

Sliding Gate

Home or business owners with a sliding gate will require a sliding gate opener, which is installed parallel to the fence wall and allows the gate to slide in and out. Since this type of opener takes up very little space and only requires one gate, they are highly popular even though they don’t always have always come with auto detecting sensors.

Additionally, they can handle massive gates of up to about 1400 pounds and usually have a 120V motor, which delivers excellent torque and continuous operation, regardless of the weather. (3) Most include a start/stop function, and they’re built with safety in mind. This added safety is critical for anyone with children or pets.

2. Look for Bonus Features that Excite You

Once you know what kind of solar gate opener you need (for a single, dual, or sliding gate), you can consider its features. Here is what we recommend paying attention to as you decide on a model.

Easy Installation (Tube Brackets)

If this is your first experience purchasing a gate opener or solar panel, it’s important to note that these devices have a reputation for being tricky to install, in some cases. Someone with limited DIY experience installing these may have difficulty with this project.

To solve this issue, some brands try to make their gate openers as beginner-friendly as possible and market them as such. If you have experience with this kind of installation, choosing an easy-install model will be less of a priority. But if you don’t, stick to the ones that are higher on our list, and your chances of success drastically go up.

One specific thing to keep an eye out for is whether the unit comes with tube brackets. Tube brackets are a Ghost Controls favorite, for example, and beginners like them because they make attaching the opener to your gate a much simpler task. If you want to spec out the installation process beforehand, check out our easy guide here.

Excellent Range

The range of the remote control, if the gate opener comes with one (it should), is another critical aspect to consider. In general, the more range you can get from the remote control, the better—especially if your property includes long driveways. More extended range equals more convenience, as you can open the gate from inside your house or if you’re down the block and want to get inside quickly.

So how much should you look for? Well, we would consider anything around 100 feet excellent range, though you can find devices that reach up to a whopping 500 feet. Remember, even if this feature doesn’t seem super important, you’ll find that a higher range is advantageous when you’re in a hurry. Trust us—you’ll thank us later.

Smart Compatible

More and more people are turning to smart home equipment like our top solar refrigerator that can be controlled by a mobile app, to make their life easier in today’s age. (4) If you love using platforms like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, you may want to consider a solar gate opener that is smart compatible. They may cost a bit more, but the added cost is worth the extra convenience these devices offer them for most people.

Hacker-Proof

With electronic devices, gate opener security is always a concern. Unfortunately, it’s relatively easy for hackers to access code information. For this reason, it may be a good idea to look for a hacker-proof product—especially if you are concerned about security, such as if you plan to use the gate opener for commercial applications.

Our best advice to protect yourself against hackers is to purchase a solar gate opener that uses RF hopping technology (5), which prevents invaders from gaining access to your code.

Extra Wattage

As much as we’d all love for every day to be filled with sun, the reality is that the winter months can be pretty dreary. While most solar gate openers work well even on cloudy days, it’s worth having some wattage for an extra boost. Not all solar gate openers have this feature.

We recommend prioritizing a product that does have an additional power source to ensure that your gate works properly at all times. The best ones include a lithium-ion battery for their solar panel or panels, an excellent option for these devices because of how long-lasting they are. But you can go with AGM, RV, or Marine batteries, too.

Touchpad/Keypad Access

As we mentioned above, many solar gate openers include sensors that detect when a car is near and opens automatically. However, this feature does not provide much security, as the gate opens for any vehicle. Ideally, your device should also come with a keypad that allows you to open the gate using a three- to six-digit code.

Having a keypad offers a higher security level, especially since you can change the code from time to time. Some people prefer remotes to keypads, but the latter may be better for someone who doesn’t want to carry an extra key fob around, or for someone who tends to lose things.

Ultimately, deciding between a keypad and a remote control depends on you and your lifestyle.

3. Find the Top Deal for You

Our final tip is about finding the top deal for you. Here are four things to keep in mind to ensure that you receive a fair price.

Warranty

By now, you’ve seen that solar gate openers constitute a significant investment, even if you plan to purchase a more budget-friendly option. Because of this investment, you want to select something that will last a very long time. Combing through customer reviews should give you an idea of how reliable the product is, but sometimes things happen—which is why we recommend picking a model with a warranty.

Though warranties are by no means a make-or-break feature, an excellent warranty (like you’ll find with our top solar dusk to dawn light of the year) gives you extra protection and more peace of mind. You can rest assured that it’s easy to replace product parts and components should something go wrong.

Shipping

When ordering online, purchasing directly through the retailer may come with higher shipping costs. With that mind, reading through helpful resources online like our solar electric fence charger reviews and the reviews on this page help you avoid sour deals by rounding up the lowest shipping costs you’ll likely find all-in-one place.

Limited Time Offers/Deals

When you’re shopping for the top solar powered gate opener for you, its always important to cross-compare models and see if they’re offering limited time offers/deals. If the item is low on stock, offering a time-sensitive deal, and fits all your requirements, it may be the time to pull the trigger.

Alternatively, you can bookmark Energy Center of the World to stay up-to-date with all the latest and greatest deals on solar equipment. From deals on the top solar powered gate openers to the best outdoor solar post lights, we got you covered.

Final Price

Budget is a vital consideration when purchasing a solar gate opener, as your budget will ultimately dictate what product you can buy.

We recommend setting a realistic budget before beginning your search, while keeping in mind that you get what you pay for. You want your solar gate opener to work flawlessly for a long time, so in most cases, it’s worth it to spend a bit more to get a product that will last for years. After all, the security of your home or business is at stake, which is critical to keep in mind.

FAQs

• Do Solar Gate Openers Work?

  Despite the many environmental benefits of solar power, you may be hesitant to purchase a solar gate opener due to fears about how well they work. We’ve got good news for you—solar gate opens work just about as well as their non-solar counterparts. And because they often include extra wattage, you can be rest assured that they will function as they should throughout the year. (6)

  The only exception would be living in an area that has excessively long, dark winters. In this case, the solar gate opener’s performance could be affected, but for most people, they will work just fine.

• How do Solar Gate Openers Work?

  Just like standard gate openers, solar gate openers open and close any gate. But where they differ is that the latter runs on solar power and not electricity—and solar gate openers include four essential components that make them work.

  The first is the control box, which we could call the gate opener’s brain, that you have to install on the gate. It contains everything the device needs to function correctly, such as the power pack, battery, receiver, and motherboard. (7) The control box is responsible for sending and receiving signals from the remote control, sensor device, or keyboard.

  Next, the solar gate opener needs an actuator ram, which keeps the gate in place and is designed to be weather resistant.

  The third component is the solar panels responsible for converting solar energy into the electricity the gate needs to operate. The solar panels are connected to the control box. Lastly, solar batteries store excess electricity. Many models include a standard DC battery as well, which help provide some extra power on cloudy days or in the winter.

• What Is the Best Solar Powered Gate Opener?

  The best solar powered gate opener according to our research and testing goes to the Ghost Controls TDS2XP. With its combination of easy installation, reliability, and overall performance it’s tough to beat. Plus, when you compare automatic driveway gate costs across the board, the Ghost Controls TDS2XP usually wins out.

The Bottom Line: Should You Buy the Best Solar Gate Opener of the Year?

Ok, so now you’ve read all about the top-rated solar gate openers available, all that’s left is to choose the right one for you. If you’re on the fence, we’d like to again recommend our number-one rated choice, the Ghost Controls TDS2XP. With glowing reviews, an abundance of power regardless of weather conditions, and a lifetime extended warranty, this model simply doesn’t disappoint.

For more highly-reviewed solar gear for your home like the Ghost Controls TDS2XP, check out our best pool solar heater, best solar powered attic fan, and top-rated pure sine wave inverter of the year. Or, go to our homepage to find out all the latest and greatest regarding the solar energy industry.