Here is all you need: 5-15watt solar panel from Harbor Freight or whomever you like, under $50. 1.5 watt will work in the summer but not enough sun in the darkest days of winter. Your favorite 12V charger, after using all the high dollar name brand garbage (Gallagher) we have found Koehn's white lightning low impedance chargers are the best and you won't have to take a loan out to buy one. Less than $200 Take one of the 12V batteries that was getting weak in a tractor or truck that you replaced and use it. Free Buy a Rubber made 20-30 gallon storage bin with locking handles, I think they call them roughnecks, to put the battery and charger in and use two bungie cords to strap the solar panel to the lid. $20-$30
Use some extra Romex you have laying around for the wire leads to the fence. The rubbermade bins have some slots by the handles to run the wires through.
All that for under $300 We used to make wood boxes but found it is easier just to buy a plastic bin, lot lighter, easier to carry and they hold up better. |