When choosing an automatic gate motor in Australia, the right power source depends on the location of your gate and your access to electricity. If you have a 240V power-point available near your gate, a mains-powered gate motor is often the most convenient choice. These motors plug directly into an outlet and offer reliable performance, making them ideal for residential driveways in urban areas.

If your gate is further away from the house but still within 80 metres of a power source, a low-voltage (LV) gate motorcan be installed. This system uses a safe two-core low-voltage cable, which can be run above ground in protective conduit without the need for deep trenching. It’s perfect for homes with longer driveways where mains power isn’t available directly at the gate.

For rural properties or locations without power access, a solar-powered gate motor is the most practical solution. With a 50W monocrystalline solar panel, 12Ah batteries, and PWM solar charge controller, solar kits provide sustainable power all year round, even in off-grid locations.

Yes, solar-powered gate openers are highly reliable in Australia, provided they are installed with quality components. Modern solar gate systems use monocrystalline solar panels that are efficient in both full sunlight and low-light conditions. Paired with deep-cycle batteries and a PWM solar charge controller with 3-Stage charging technology, they can store enough power to operate your gate even after several cloudy days.

Reliability also depends on your gate’s usage frequency. For example, a solar system with dual 12Ah batteries can handle 10–20 gate cycles per day, which is more than enough for most residential or farm applications. For high-traffic commercial properties, mains power may still be more suitable.

Solar systems are especially popular in rural and semi-rural areas where houses are built far from front gates, making trenching expensive and impractical. Beyond cost savings, they also provide an eco-friendly solution that reduces dependency on the grid.

Yes, automatic gates can still operate during a power outage, depending on the system installed. Most 24V DC gate motors include a backup battery that allows the gate to continue functioning for several cycles even when mains power is cut off.

If you have a solar-powered system, the batteries store energy, so your gate remains operational as long as there is charge left. This is a big advantage for rural or storm-prone areas where blackouts are more common.

In the event that batteries are drained, all gates are fitted with a manual release key. This allows you to disengage the motor and operate the gate by hand until power is restored. For commercial or high-security properties, some systems also allow integration with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for extended backup.

Yes, solar-powered automatic gates work at night because they rely on battery storage, not direct sunlight. During the day, solar panels collect energy and store it in deep-cycle batteries. These batteries then power your gate motor when needed, whether that’s at night or on cloudy, rainy days.

A common misconception is that solar gate motors stop working without sun exposure. In reality, most systems are designed with enough storage capacity to operate gates for several days, even in poor weather conditions. For example, if your gate is used 8–10 times per day, a fully charged battery should provide enough backup power for multiple days of cloudy weather.

Of course, regular maintenance is key. Ensuring batteries are in good condition and solar panels are free from dust and debris will keep the system running efficiently.

Yes, many automatic gate systems can be converted from mains to solar. If you already have a mains-powered gate opener installed, it’s often possible to add a solar panel kit that includes panels, a charge controller, and batteries. This upgrade allows your gate to run on stored solar power instead of relying entirely on the electricity grid.

The good news is that most modern gate opener brands—particularly Italian-made systems like SGA, BMT and V2, design their motors with compatibility in mind. This means you don’t necessarily need to replace the motor, just add the solar accessories.

Converting to solar can be particularly useful if your electricity bills are rising, if your gate is far from the house (and trenching cables was expensive), or if you want to make your property more eco-friendly. Many installers can easily retrofit your system to solar, giving you flexibility and long-term savings.

Solar gate opener batteries typically last 3 to 5 years, depending on the type of battery, frequency of use, and maintenance. Most systems use deep-cycle AGM or SLA batteries, which are designed for continuous charge and discharge cycles.

The lifespan also depends on how often the gate is used. A rural property where the gate opens only a few times per day will place less demand on the battery than a busy commercial site with heavy traffic. Weather conditions also play a role—extremely hot or cold climates can shorten battery life if the batteries aren’t housed in a weatherproof enclosure.

To maximise battery lifespan, keep your solar panels clean so they can collect maximum sunlight, ensure the charge controller is functioning properly, and avoid letting the batteries fully discharge too often. Regular servicing and inspections help identify issues early, ensuring your system runs efficiently for years.