Solar Powered Chicken Coop Door | Are they worth the attention?

Mohamed Bellamine
7 Dec, 2023

solar powered chicken coop door

As the trend toward efficient and sustainable agricultural practices continues, solar-powered barn doors become a practical and innovative solution for those looking to enhance their animal farming operations.

Solar-powered chicken coop doors have become increasingly popular recently, and this is not by mere coincidence.

Utilizing solar energy is an environmentally friendly approach in poultry farming, reducing labor, enhancing flock security, and cutting costs.

In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about solar-powered chicken coop doors, shedding light on their benefits and the growing demand for this eco-friendly solution in poultry farming.

How Solar-Powered Chicken Coop Doors Work

Solar-powered chicken coop doors are innovative solutions designed to fully automate the opening and closing of access points to the chicken coop; by combining modern technology in automatic door operation and powering it using solar energy. These doors utilize small solar panels to harness sunlight and convert it into electricity. The generated electricity is stored in a battery to power a motor or actuator for opening and closing the door later on. 

The technology used in these doors may include multiple operating modes: timer mode, light sensor mode, remote control, and manual mode.

Timer Mode:

This is the most commonly used mode where the timer is set for the automatic opening and closing times of the door. In this mode, it is essential to adjust the opening and closing times, especially the closing time, every two or three months to ensure that the chicken coop door doesn't close before sunset while the chickens are still in the outdoor run.

Light Sensor Mode:

Light sensors trigger automatic opening and closing based on the natural light cycle. At dawn, the door opens, allowing chickens access to the free-range area, and at dusk, it closes.

Remote Control:

Remote control allows for convenient remote operation of the chicken coop door using a remote. This is particularly useful if the coop door is in a hard-to-reach location.

The solar-powered automatic chicken coop door allows you to choose the mode that suits your needs, enhancing safety, comfort, and efficiency in poultry farming. The primary goal is to protect chickens from predators during the night and eliminate the need for manual door operation or frequent battery replacement.

Benefits of Solar-Powered Doors for Chicken Coops

Time and Labor Savings

As is known, chickens wake up early and like to go out from the coop to the backyard. The automatic chicken coop doors eliminate the need for manual opening in the early morning, saving time and effort for poultry farmers.

The solar-powered automatic chicken coop doors have a long lifespan, and in the long run, the total cost of batteries that need to be constantly replaced in traditional automatic doors will be higher than the price difference between solar-powered and non-solar-powered automatic doors.

Enhanced Security for Chickens

The automatic chicken coop door with solar power provides an additional layer of security for the chickens by automatically closing at dusk, protecting them from nocturnal predators. As long as there has been sunlight for a few hours or in the previous days, you won't have to worry about the door's battery running out, as is the case with doors that operate on traditional batteries. With traditional battery-operated doors, you always need to monitor the battery's charging status.

Cost-Efficiency and Sustainability

The automatic solar-powered chicken coop doors have a long lifespan. While the initial investment in this modern technology may be higher compared to traditional options that do not run on solar power, you will not have to constantly replace the batteries. So in the long run, the total cost of regularly replacing batteries in traditional doors will be higher than the price difference between solar-powered and non-solar-powered automatic doors.

By using a solar-powered chicken coop door, you not only enhance the safety of your chickens but also contribute to a greener lifestyle in your backyard or farm.

Although the automatic chicken coop door does not consume much energy, considering the environmental aspect will make you feel satisfied by reducing the carbon footprint of this technology.

Choosing the Right Solar-Powered Coop Door

You might wonder if your automatic door is safe for your chickens. If the door is closing and there's a chicken in the way, it should stop until the door's path is clear.

Factors to Consider

Before making a purchase, consider factors such as the size of your coop door, the climate conditions in your area, the safety feature when the door closes, and any specific features you may need.

The recommended product is one made of lightweight, rust-free aluminum specifically designed for outdoor use to withstand varying weather conditions.

Make sure to choose a high-quality chicken coop door, avoid purchasing very cheap products (less than 40 Bucks), as there are many counterfeit products made of thin metal or prone to rust over time and may not withstand well against predators.

Choosing the Right Solar-Powered Coop Door

Installing a solar-powered chicken coop door yourself is a straightforward process when following the manufacturer's guidelines. One crucial stage in the installation process of an automatic chicken coop door mechanism is installing the solar panel. Here is a basic installation guide on how to do it:

solar panel to powered chicken coop door

Select an Ideal Location:

Choose an ideal location for the solar panel where it receives maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day. Install it away from any shadows that nearby trees or obstacles might cast.

Optimal Tilt Angle:

To capture the maximum sunlight, tilt the solar panel at an angle and face it south if you're in the northern hemisphere or north if you're in the southern hemisphere.

Secure Mounting:

Ensure the panel is securely installed on a stable surface, such as the roof of the coop or a pole, capable of withstanding varying weather conditions.

Efficient Testing:

After installing the door, conduct some tests:
  • Ensure the door opens and closes smoothly.
  • Check the efficiency of the solar panels in charging the battery.
  • Monitor the battery charge to ensure it doesn't deplete quickly.
  • Verify that the door doesn't easily open when closing.
Obstacle Sensor Feature:

Confirm that the obstacle sensor feature, designed to prevent the door from closing when a chicken is in the way, is functioning.

Remember, the correct positioning of the solar panel is crucial for maintaining a charged battery. Regularly test and monitor the system to ensure its smooth operation and longevity.

Programming and Customization

Usage Modes:

A solar-powered automatic  chicken coop door may feature 3, or 4 modes of use that we mentioned earlier. Some of them allow you to employ two different modes  in opening and closing.

For example, you can choose the timer mode to open the door in the morning and the light sensor mode to close it in the evening, or vice versa. You can select the mode you want to close or open the coop door according to your actual situation.

Setting Opening and Closing Times:

Before programming and customizing the opening and closing times for the chicken coop door, refer to the user manual provided by the manufacturer.

  • Ensure that the system has the correct current time. This is necessary for accurate scheduling.
  • Adjust the closing schedule based on your observations of your chickens' behavior, not just at sunset. For example, if your chickens enter the coop slowly in the evening, you may need to adjust the closing time.
  • After programming, conduct tests to ensure that your automatic chicken coop door work automatically, opening and closing according to the set schedule. Also, make sure the light sensor is functioning.
  • Consider seasonal adjustments if your location experiences significant changes in daylight hours between seasons.

Seasonal adjustments and Maintenance Tips for longevity 

Consider adjusting the tilt angle of the solar panel seasonally if possible to enhance its exposure to sunlight.

Regularly clean the surface of the solar panel from accumulated dust or debris, as this can impact its efficiency in keeping the battery charged.

On completely cloudy days, check in the evening and morning whether the device is operating.

If the door slides closed horizontally, make sure to keep the entrance of the chicken coop door clean from anything that might prevent the door from closing, such as sand, accumulated dirt, or feathers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of solar-powered chicken coop doors represents a revolutionary step in managing poultry in a responsible and conscious manner. The many benefits associated with these automated systems contribute to achieving comfort, saving time, and protecting chickens from predators in case you forget to close the coop door at night, or if you are outside and unable to return home before sunset to manually close the door.

Regarding the solar-powered feature, it will not only provide long-term cost savings by reducing the need for constant battery replacements but also make the process of safeguarding your chickens sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Mohamed Bellamine

Mohamed Bellamine

I'm the blogger behind Goo SolarPower. As a solar engineer, and a strong supporter of renewable energy. I've always been interested in Solar devices. I loves to write articles, guides, and tutorials about solar PV technology. Through goosolarpower.com I want to help people build and understand how solar power systems work.

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