Solar Fence Chargers

[Sugar Mountain]

Wondering how others have fared with solar fence chargers. I'm looking into getting one this year for a new goat pasture, to run a single line along the top of woven wire. Any tips?

[LBradley]

You should give Wellscroft Fence Systems a call. 603-827-3464 or
www.wellscroft.com

If you get Farming, The Journal of Northeast Agriculture they have ads in every issue, if you don't subscribe to it go to www.farmingmagazine.com and get your free subscription. You can also view the January 2009 issue there as well. Their ad is on page 65.

Lisa Bradley
Account Manager
Farming, The Journal of Northeast Agriculture
Moose River Media
374 Emerson Falls Road P.O. Box 449
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
814-467-5290 Direct Line
www.MooseRiverMedia.com

www.farmingmagazine.com

[Sugar Mountain]

Hi Lisa, thanks for the tip. I have seen the ads for solar fence chargers, but I'm looking for feedback from those who actually use them. I have heard there are good ones and bad ones, and I'm interested in what folks have to say about their personal experience(s) with them in the field, particularly with goats.

[Gallus]

I second the recommendation for Wellscroft. They often run a fencing clinic in the spring that is a great intro to the proper installation of all types of fencing. They usually have a booth at the NH Farm and Forest Expo, coming in early February. I also recommend Premier fence supplies. Their catalog is a wealth of information, and their service has been fantastic for me. I've found their products to be much better quality over all than I can get at the local farm stores.

I forget the brand of solar charger which I have, I'll check when I go out to the barn today. Mine is a run of the mill, farm supply store brand, which I've since learned is generally frowned upon by most serious fencing professionals, yet it's done well for me with few problems, going on 7 years. All of the rest of my components have been from Premier. I find that I do get about 1.5 years out of a battery before it needs to be replaced. From past experience, it usually goes during the coldest weather, when it's no fun being out there with bare hands needed to open the unit and work with the connections, so I've found that replacing the battery every Fall is better insurance for me, and saves being without power for days or more while I have one shipped or find one at my local farm stores.

Proper placement and number of ground rods they say is a big consideration in being successful with electric fencing. From my experience with goats, you'd be better off spending the time and money to install woven wire properly, and at the right hight, rather than relying on an electric strand. Use it for predator control if you must, but you won't be sorry if you build the fence right the first time.

[Mike Donovan]

just bumping this back up to see if you ever checked into Wellscroft and how it may have worked out for you