Solar Gate Openers Are More Expensive than Electric Openers: 6 Reasons Why

Zumi offers the W1 single swing gate opener and the WS1 solar single swing gate opener. These two models are designed to support swing gates up to 900 lbs, are powered by the same DC motor, and are protected by a 128-bit rolling code. 

The only major difference is that the first is an electric gate opener, and the second is a solar gate opener. Yet, the first costs $420, and the second costs $530.

One of the first things you notice when you enter the market for an automatic gate opener is that solar gate openers always cost more than their electric equivalents. Why is this the case, and is it worth paying extra for a solar opener when you could get a cheaper electric option? Let's explore six reasons solar gate openers command a relatively high price.

1. The Cost of Solar Panels

The main reason why a solar gate opener costs more than an electric gate opener is because it comes with a solar panel. In fact, a solar gate opener kit that does not include a solar panel would cost almost as much as an electric gate opener kit. 

Zumi is arguably the most affordable gate opener brand in the market, but its gate openers' solar panels cost about $120, and these solar panels are some of the most affordable in the market.

It is the cost of the solar panels that drives a wedge between its solar gate openers and electric gate openers. 

Let’s review two main reasons why solar panels are so expensive.

• Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic technology, which can be sophisticated and, therefore, really expensive.
• Since solar panels are meant to be left exposed for a long time, they are made with weather-resistant materials that can last outdoors for years without deteriorating. These materials are more costly than the electrical wiring required to maintain electric gate openers. 

2. The Cost of a Battery Backup System

Another reason solar gate openers are relatively costlier is that, unlike their electric counterparts, they absolutely require a battery backup system. Without a battery backup system, your solar gate opener would power down at night or even on a really cloudy day.

Good solar batteries, however, are expensive. Here’s why:

• They are often made of lithium-ion or lead-acid, which, while being robust and capable of holding enough charge to power the gate, is costly to acquire for manufacturers.
• Also, not just any battery will do for a solar gate opener. It needs to be long-lasting and weather-resistant, and these top-tier batteries cost even more.  

Zumi solar gate openers, single-swing and double-swing, come with 8 Ah lithium-acid batteries capable of holding charge for longer, enabling a continuous （nonstop) use time of over 30 minutes. Since it takes less than 15 seconds to open/close the gate, this solar gate opener could remain operational for days, even without electricity.

3. The Cost of Efficiency and Optimization

Remember that a solar gate opener relies solely on sunlight. As such, it needs to be superior and more efficient at converting energy than an electric gate opener (which has a more reliable power source).

The technologies involved in achieving this efficiency in energy conversion are simply more expensive and they go a long way to increasing prices. 

Manufacturers often have to spend extra costs to acquire advanced energy-saving technology and optimization features to ensure that they can operate with limited power.

An Example of Solar Gate Opener Technologies

One of the additional components included in a solar gate opener kit is a solar panel controller. When the solar battery is unable to generate sufficient electricity to operate the gates, the controller kicks in and sends electricity to the control box so it can power the gate. 

It is technologies like these that make the solar gate opener more expensive.  

4. The Cost of Self-Sufficiency

Unlike electric gate openers, solar gate openers are designed to be self-sufficient, which ultimately makes them costlier. Since they do not rely on an electrical grid, the solar gate opener has to be fully equipped with everything needed to operate independently.

The price difference is evident when you compare the number of components in a solar gate opener kit with the number in an electric gate opener kit. 

A solar gate opener kit includes many more components, such as solar panels, batteries, and smart technology to manage energy flow.

Comparing Kits

Here is a comparison of two identical Zumi solar gate opener kits. On the left is a list of all the components involved in the Zumi W1 Pro Heavy Single Swing Gate Opener (an electric model), and on the right are the components included in the WS1 Pro 1100 lb. Solar Heavy Single Swing Gate Opener. 

• Keeping in mind that both models are powered by the same motor and support gates of the same size, check out the differences in the number of components packaged into the basic kits.
• Also, keep in mind that one of these gate openers costs $470, and the other costs $580. 

• The additional for the solar gate opener accounts for the cost of the solar battery, the batteries and a solar panel controller. 
• Whereas the W1 Electric can only work in areas with a consistent and stable power source, thanks to these extra components, you can install the WS1 Solar in any environment as long as there is sunlight. 

5.  Fewer Maintenance Costs

A less significant but still relevant reason why solar gate openers may be initially priced higher is that they are designed to have lower maintenance and operational costs over time. 

Since your solar gate opener does not require electricity from a grid, it reduces or eliminates the need for ongoing energy costs. Over time the expenditures saved on electricity bills offset the higher initial investment. 

6. Market Demand and Niche Technology

Whereas traditional electric gate openers have been around for a long time, solar gate openers are still relatively niche. As a result, the production scale is smaller, and the costs of manufacturing and distribution are higher.

The technology required for solar gate openers is also more complex and less widely used, meaning manufacturers like Zumi must invest more in research, development, and production. This contributes to the higher cost.

MOST AFFORDABLE SOLAR GATE OPENERS

Though they are more expensive than electric gate openers, the cost doesn't seem that high when you consider the added features. Also, several brands of gate opener providers still provide affordable solar gate openers. One such brand is Zumi.     

Zumi Gate Openers 

Zumi provides a wide range of gate openers for private homes, public institutions, and commercial establishments worldwide. Good quality, variability, and affordable pricing are central to Zumi’s market strategy. From single-swing to dual-swing to solar gate opener models, Zumi’s collection contains reliable, top-quality gate openers with features and characteristics that optimize security. The Zumi Gate opener app can be integrated with the home system, taking security to a new level. 

Here is one of Zumi’s fastest-selling solar gate openers:

Recommended Solar Gate Opener

Zumi WS1 900 lb. Solar Single Swing Gate Opener with Battery is powered by a formidable all-copper 50W DC motor, which powers the gate at 4600 rpm. It can support all gates up to 900lbs and comes with 8Ah lithium batteries for backup power storage. Check out some more features of this opener:

Main Features

• It is protected by a 128-bit rolling code
• It comes with a self-developed app for the gate
• IP55 waterproof rating.
• It has undergone 10,000+testing cycles
• About the Solar panel
• It comes with a solar panel designed to work with the product
• The installation process is easy
• As a swing gate opener, it is ideal for residential and commercial applications.

For a larger model, you can always go for the Zumi WS2 Pro Heavy Dual Swing Gate Opener, which has an even stronger motor and can power gates up to 1100 lbs. 

Zumi provides all this information and some of the highest-quality gate openers available today. Check out Zumi Openers and see which model best fits your gate. Remember to subscribe to Zumi for all relevant information about your gate opener.