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Parmak Solar Pak 12 (Model MAG-12-SP), Low Impedance Electric Fence Charger, UL Listed, 0.5 Joules
Capable of powering electric fences that enclose large pastures for horses and other livestock, this electric fence charger can power 30 miles of an "ideal" fence consisting of a single 12.5 gauge steel wire. The Solar Pak 12 comes with a large state-of-the-art solar panel with superior charging power and can operate for 21 days in total darkness. Its intermediate power source is a 12-volt rechargeable battery (item 01-32) placed inside the case that is able to operate in sub-freezing temperatures. Separate replacements for the battery (item 01-17) and solar panel (item 01-16) are available (see table below). Voltage and joule data: Parmak reports that the Solar Pak 12 will maintain 9600 volts across an open circuit. It will also deal with a minor (500 ohm) weed burden and still keep 6100 volts on the line, enough to shock virtually any animal. More important, it can confront a major (100 ohm) weed burden and still maintain a line voltage (3100 volts) substantially exceeding the 2000 volts needed to reliably shock horses. The Solar Pak 12 is rated by us at approximately 0.5 joules. Other animals: Besides working well with horses, the solar Pak 12 is good at containing a wide range of livestock including sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle. It is also a reasonable solar-powered choice for keeping out large animals, everything from javelinas and feral pigs to coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, bears, and bison. General data: The Solar Pak 12 comes with instructions and a two-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects and lightning damage. Comparable to the battery-powered Magnum 12 U.O., it is fully weatherproof, portable, and comes in a case bearing a lifetime manufacturer’s guarantee against rust. A performance meter on the charger’s face indicates whether the charger and fence are operating properly. Solar panel and 12-volt AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery included. Estimated battery life is 3 to 5 years so long as the electric fence charger is operated continuously (inactive storage will cause the battery to discharge and will reduce its life). The battery should not be allowed to freeze, but so long as the battery is fully charged it can resist freezing temperatures as low as minus 70ºF (a fully discharged battery can freeze at 15ºF).