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Having an automatic gate protecting your driveway is convenient and helps keep unwanted people out of your property. The choice to have it powered by mains, or by solar energy, is the biggest decision to make when installing your automatic gate. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, but which one actually holds up over time?
Reliability is the key, no matter if your gate is protecting a suburban home or a commercial site. Melbourne’s unpredictable weather can quickly become a hassle more than a convenience. Or, if a big storm rolls through and cuts power, what do you do?
In this guide, we’ll compare solar electric and mains electric powered gates and discuss the factors which matter most- from power source to weather/climate and maintenance. Hopefully this will help you decide which is the best option.
A solar automatic gate uses the energy from the sun, via photovoltaic cells, to open and close the gate upon request. The panels convert solar energy into electricity and store it in batteries so the gate can be operated during night hours. Solar technology these days does not rely on brilliant, sunny days. Power can still be generated on overcast days, which Melbourne is famous for.
Solar automatic gates in Melbourne are cost effective as they are basically self-sufficient. Once installed you’re not paying for mains power to operate them. Wiring costs are minimal, which is great if you have a large rural property and the gate is a long way from the house.
As they rely only on the sun’s power to work, solar automatic gates are extremely environmentally friendly. If there is ever a power outage, your gate will still operate fine.
Be aware of the placement of the solar collection panel. It needs to be free of any overhanging branches, and generally be northerly facing, as that is the direction the sun is in the sky in Melbourne.
Typically solar-powered automatic gates are found in rural settings and farm locations. Large properties and distances mean wiring up to the mains is impractical. Similarly, many residential homeowners don’t want to dig up their land to install the wiring to connect to the grid, so are opting for solar options as well.
Anyone who is living off-grid will also have a solar-powered automatic gate. Remote locations as well, such as remote monitoring stations or storage sites, tend to have solar-powered gates.
An electric gate that uses a motorised system, connected to your property’s mains power, to open and close upon request, usually triggered by a remote. It is convenient and reliable, allowing you entry or exit without leaving your vehicle.
Some of these gates have a sensor system, an infrared beam that can detect if there is an obstacle, or someone is in the way of opening. This can prevent accidents and injuries.
Thanks to mains power you don’t have to worry about batteries draining or shade stopping the gate from using solar energy. With the access to more power thanks to the grid, bigger gates can be installed and powered this way.
You will need to run conduits from the mains to the gate. If it is a distance, the costs could be higher than normal. Also, without a battery backup, if the power goes out, your gate won’t operate.
Here is an easy look-up table comparing some key differences in reliability between solar-powered automatic gates and electric automatic gates.
| Key Performance Indicator | Mains Electric Gates | Solar-Powered Gates |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source & Outages | Highly reliable under optimal conditions. Would need a backup system if there is a grid blackout. | Independent of the grid. With enough charge, the battery can run 24/7, and be replenished during the daylight hours. |
| Weather and Climate Performance | Not impacted by overcast days nor night time. Provides continuous power no matter the conditions. | Requires a minimum amount of direct sunlight per day for optimal charging conditions. Prolonged overcast or rainy days can impact on reliability. |
| Maintenance Requirements | Lower maintenance required as there are no external pieces of equipment generating power. A general service is all that is needed. | Slightly higher maintenance needed to check on solar cells and battery condition. Potential to clear overhanging branches as well. Solar technician needed rather than a general electrician. |
| Installation Flexibility | Needs access to 240V mains power. Costly ground excavation to dig trenches for power cables, with follow up concrete pouring. Work needs to be done by a licensed electrician. | Gate Opening Systems has access to low-labour DIY installation kits. No need to dig trenches or pour concrete. Many panels come with long cables so you can install the solar panel in a clear space away from the gate if required. |
In the second half of 2025, the take up of solar panels and solar power for homes has risen by a significant amount. Over 180, 000 solar systems were sold Australia wide in the six months to January 2026. This shows, in Melbourne as well, that the understanding of solar power and its benefits, plus the savings made to electricity bills, is pushing sales. This increase in solar sales implies that having a solar-powered automatic gate is the best for homeowners across Victoria.
However, Melbourne’s electrical grid is quite stable and reliable. That means that homeowners can confidently have a mains electrical gate without too much concern for cloudy days and long winter nights.
This choice comes down to your property, your budget and the balance of convenience versus upfront cost. If you’re in a rural setting with a long driveway, or you’re living off grid, then a solar-powered automatic gate is the wise choice. They are self-sufficient, environmentally friendly and reliable during power outages.
If your property has easy access to mains power and you require constant performance no matter the weather or season, then a mains powered electrical gate would be a good choice.
Whichever option suits your property, reliability comes down to correct installation and quality components. Gate Opening Systems manufactures, supplies, and installs both solar and electric automatic gates across Melbourne, backed by our team’s experience getting the setup right the first time. Get in touch to discuss which option is the better fit for your driveway.
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