Solar powered chicken coop door
Solar Power and Chicken Coop Doors – what you need to know ☀️
Solar chicken coop door
As domestic chicken keeping becomes increasingly popular, so too does the desire in making daily care routines more efficient, eco-friendly and secure. One tool that ticks all three boxes and has become a staple in modern coops is the automatic chicken coop door opener. For many chicken guardians, solar power feels the natural way to go – why not utilise the (free) sunshine right outside the coop?
But is a solar-powered chicken coop the right choice for you? In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of using solar power for an automatic coop door, how it compares to alternative power options, and what to look out for when choosing the best system for your flock. Strap in – we’re about to go solar…
The appeal of solar-powered coop doors 🐔
Solar energy is a popular solution for small, off-grid power needs and an automatic coop door is the perfect candidate. Here’s why…
1. Off-grid convenience
It’s wonderful to have a large garden or rolling fields, however these rarely come with easy access to mains electricity points! The magic of solar power allows you to run your coop door opener without needing extension cords or DC hookups, making setup a doddle.
2. Eco-friendly and cost-effective
Using the sun to power your coop door means zero ongoing electricity costs (hurrah!) and a reduced carbon footprint. For green-minded chicken keepers, solar is an easy win that supports your sustainability goals.
3. Low maintenance
With no moving parts and minimal upkeep, solar systems are generally reliable and low-maintenance, especially when used to power small devices like a coop door motor.
Sounds great! But is solar always reliable?
As attractive as solar power is, it’s not without its limitations, especially when used as the sole power source for essential tasks such as opening and closing your chicken coop.
1. Weather dependency
If you live in a state with long winters, overcast days or your chicken coop is under heavy tree cover, your solar panel might not gather enough energy to power your door consistently. Inconsistent charging can lead to battery drain, especially during shorter days when reliability is essential.
2. Panel positioning matters!
It might sound simple but it’s crucial that your solar panels are correctly positioned – ideally south-facing with plenty of direct sunlight. If your coop sits in the shade (commonly done so your girls don’t get too hot and bothered!) or if the panel isn’t mounted at the right angle it might underperform.
3. Extra gear needed
Some solar-powered systems require you to purchase separate panels or adapters. This means more parts to install, costs to consider and more complexity if things go wrong. Our Chicken Guard solar panels do not require any extra components so you can rest easy as long as they are correctly positioned.
The ideal setup for your coop? A flexible power system
Because of solar’s limitations, many chicken keepers find that relying on solar panels only can be a risky, especially if you’re away from home or depending on it for flock security. That’s why systems with dual or better yet, triple power options are a great solution.
A hybrid system allows you to enjoy the benefits of solar energy when it’s available, whilst seamlessly switching to batteries or DC power as a backup. Giving you peace of mind- whatever the weather has in store.
ChickenGuard’s triple power system
At ChickenGuard, we believe in making life easier and more enjoyable for chicken owners. That’s why every one of our automatic chicken coop door openers now comes with triple power capability as standard.
Solar Power
eco-friendly and easy to set up
Battery Power
a reliable fallback for cloudy days
DC Power
connect to the mains or a 12V system if needed
Whether you choose to purchase and use a solar panel or not, your ChickenGuard unit is ready to work with all three power sources, giving you control and reliability. It’s a simple and smart way to protect your flock within real-life conditions. Plus, our coop door openers are built in the UK, trusted by thousands of chicken keepers, and come with super-smart features like light sensors, timers, and predator-proof locking mechanisms.
