Goats are escape artists—they jump, climb, squeeze through gaps, and push against weak fencing. If you have off-grid pastures, rotational grazing setups, or areas without reliable power, a solar electric fence charger is the perfect solution to keep your herd contained and predators out.
But which solar-powered electric fence charger is best for goats? In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ The best solar electric fence chargers for goats
✔ How much power (volts & joules) you need
✔ How to set up a solar electric fence for maximum efficiency
Why Use a Solar Electric Fence for Goats?
✔ No electricity required – Perfect for remote pastures.
✔ Keeps goats contained – Delivers a consistent shock to prevent escapes.
✔ Deters predators – Stops coyotes, foxes, and stray dogs.
✔ Works for rotational grazing – Portable and easy to move.
✔ Eco-friendly & cost-effective – Uses the sun for free power instead of electricity.
A solar-powered fence is an excellent investment for homesteaders, goat farmers, and ranchers.
Best Solar Electric Fence Chargers for Goats (Top Picks)
1. Gallagher S400 Solar Fence Charger – Best Overall
✔ Power: Solar with built-in battery
✔ Coverage: Up to 60 acres or 30 miles of fencing
✔ Voltage: 8,000 volts
✔ Joule Rating: 4.0 joules
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Strong enough for stubborn goats & predator control.
- Weatherproof solar panel for year-round performance.
- Battery backup allows operation at night and on cloudy days.
🔹 Best For: Large pastures, off-grid farms, and rotational grazing.
2. Parmak Magnum 12 Solar-Powered Charger – Best for Medium-Sized Farms
✔ Power: Solar with 12V battery backup
✔ Coverage: Up to 30 miles
✔ Voltage: 6,000 volts
✔ Joule Rating: 3.1 joules
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Reliable in all weather conditions.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Great balance of affordability and power.
🔹 Best For: Medium farms, small homesteads, and goat herds up to 25–50 animals.
3. Zareba ESP10M-Z Solar Fence Charger – Best Budget Option
✔ Power: Solar with internal battery
✔ Coverage: Up to 10 miles
✔ Voltage: 5,000 volts
✔ Joule Rating: 0.15 joules
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Affordable & compact.
- Good for small paddocks and backyard goat enclosures.
- Works well with polywire & electric netting.
🔹 Best For: Small farms and hobby goat owners on a budget.
4. Patriot PS5 Solar Fence Energizer – Best for Small Paddocks
✔ Power: Solar with rechargeable battery
✔ Coverage: Up to 5 miles
✔ Voltage: 4,000 volts
✔ Joule Rating: 0.04 joules
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Lightweight and portable.
- Ideal for small goat enclosures.
- Easy to install with step-in posts and polywire.
🔹 Best For: Small pens, temporary fencing, and backyard setups.
How to Choose the Right Solar Electric Fence Charger for Goats
The best solar fence charger depends on:
✔ Fence Size – More acreage requires a higher joule rating.
✔ Goat Behavior – Stubborn goats need at least 5,000–7,000 volts.
✔ Predator Risk – If coyotes or dogs are a concern, get a powerful charger.
✔ Weather Conditions – Ensure the solar panel is weatherproof and has a battery backup for night use.
| Fence Size | Best Fence Charger Type | Recommended Model |
|---|---|---|
| Small Paddocks (Under 5 acres) | Budget solar charger | Patriot PS5 |
| Medium Farms (5–30 acres) | Mid-range solar charger | Parmak Magnum 12 |
| Large Pastures (30+ acres) | High-power solar charger | Gallagher S400 |
| High Predator Areas | Strong output charger | Gallagher S400 or Parmak Magnum 12 |
How to Set Up a Solar Electric Fence for Goats
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Charger – Match voltage & joule rating to your fence size.
✅ Step 2: Install a Proper Grounding System – Use at least 3 grounding rods for full power.
✅ Step 3: Set Up the Fence – Use electric netting or multiple strands of wire.
✅ Step 4: Place the Solar Charger in Direct Sunlight – Angle it toward the south for maximum exposure.
✅ Step 5: Test the Voltage – Use a fence tester to ensure at least 5,000 volts.
✅ Step 6: Train Your Goats – Introduce them to the fence while supervised so they learn to respect it.
🔹 Pro Tip: Keep the solar panel clean and remove debris to maintain efficiency.
Common Solar Fence Problems & How to Fix Them
🚧 Fence Isn’t Delivering a Strong Shock?
✔ Check the grounding system—most issues come from bad grounding rods.
✔ Remove weeds & grass touching the fence, which reduce voltage.
🚧 Goats Keep Escaping?
✔ Increase voltage to 7,000+ volts.
✔ Use closer wire spacing or electric netting.
🚧 Charger Stops Working at Night?
✔ Ensure the battery backup is functioning properly.
✔ Clean the solar panel regularly to maintain power storage.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Solar Electric Fence for Goats
A solar electric fence for goats is the best way to keep your herd contained while allowing for rotational grazing, remote pasture management, and predator protection.
Quick Recap:
✔ Best Overall? Gallagher S400 (most powerful & reliable)
✔ Best for Medium Farms? Parmak Magnum 12
✔ Best Budget Option? Zareba ESP10M-Z
✔ Best for Small Paddocks? Patriot PS5
No matter your needs, choosing the right solar electric fence charger will keep your goats safe, contained, and away from predators.
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