Norfolk farmer and regular Farmers Weekly contributor Rob McGregor is now selling the solar-powered fencing station he originally devised for his pig unit.

The maintenance-free Stock-Aid Solar Fence Station is designed to energise long lengths of wire in remote areas devoid of a mains power supply.

See also: Tips to get the perfect solar-powered electric fence setup

Most of the gubbins is hidden in a plastic, weatherproof tub, which is ballasted to a total weight of 55kg and comes with pallet fork sleeves in its base.

A 100Ah, 12V AGM leisure-type battery – well-suited to repeated slow discharging and fast recharging cycles – sits in the bottom and, on top, there’s a pitch-adjustable 160W A+ Mono array.

Between the two is a 10-amp solar controller to regulate the incoming voltage and prevent overcharging.

The panel should last more than 20 years, reckons Rob. And, as well as providing energy assistance during long, sunny days, his trials have shown it to operate efficiently enough to maintain power through gloomy winters.

This should put an end to the monotonous task of transporting and charging electric fence power packs.

Downstream of the battery is Rappa’s Defender 50 energiser with 5J capacity and a three-position rocker switch offering low and high outputs.

Rob recommends hardwiring the fence to live and earth terminals on the outside of the tub, rather than using crocodile clips, to avoid the risks of short-circuiting and carbonisation.

App-based control

The final piece of the puzzle is a Bluetooth controller that allows users to monitor and alter performance via a smartphone app.

As well as showing the battery charge and panel current, it includes settable minimum and maximum voltages, beyond which it will shut off to protect the cells from damage.

The setup can also be used to power additional electric equipment, including LED lights, portable artificial insemination equipment and vaccine stores.

Ely-based Contended Products has priced the Stock-Aid Solar Fence Station at £995 and plans to exhibit it at the Pig & Poultry Fair in May and Cereals in June.