Solid panel gates are commonly used on properties that use their fences to give their spaces more privacy from the outside. While less common, this type of electric driveway gate still provides a number of uses to those who choose to own it, but can be significantly more difficult to automate with the right swing gate operator system.

Ghost Controls® automatic gate openers offers solutions for many solid panel gate entrances, but there are a few factors to consider before choosing to invest in our series of products. Here’s what you need to know about your solid panel gate before you decide if Ghost Controls® gate operating systems are for you.

Wind Concerns for Wide Coverage

The added privacy that comes with owning a solid panel gate does have its disadvantages. Solid panel gates generally have much more surface area than tube gates or decorative gates, and tend to be much heavier than their more common counterparts. The most important thing to know about your gate is the amount of coverage the solid panel occupies on the broad side.

Any gate that has a large enough solid portion is at risk of catching the wind and moving more drastically, which is why you will only be recommended a Ghost Controls® single or dual gate opener system if your gate has a maximum of 30% solid panel coverage.

If your gate has at least 70% of its surface area in a slotted style, such as a typical tube gate or decorative gate, you can be sure that your Ghost Controls® gate opening system will not fail due to harsh wind conditions. Though wind conditions tend to vary by the area of the United States you live in, the weather can be unpredictable, so it is always better to consider the least hazardous option.

The Weight of Your Gate

Another consideration for your solid panel gate is the weight limit that all Ghost Controls® systems operate under. Gates come in all shapes and sizes, and solid panel gates are no exception; due to their build, these gates are often more heavy than any other gate style.

When using a gate that weighs more than 200 pounds on at least one leaf, bearing-type hinges should be used to reduce the wear when opening and closing. Standard type hinges are used reliably with most Ghost Controls® setups, but the added weight from having a particularly large solid panel gate may cause the hinge’s knuckles to rub against each other too forcefully. Ball bearing hinges will prevent this from happening, ensuring safer and longer operation of your solid panel gate.

We're Here To Help

Knowing these two critical elements of automating your solid panel gate will make the process simpler and more efficient before even choosing a system. At Ghost Controls®, we want to provide you with the highest quality service and products for every suitable situation. If you have any further questions about automating your driveway single swing gate, refer to our main support page. Let us help you decide which Ghost Controls® remote gate opener system is best for you by taking our questionnaire and contact form for specialty kits.

Looking to learn more about Ghost Controls® solar gate openers and gate opener accessories? 

Ghost Controls offers a wide array of reliable driveway swing gate openers, including chain link gate openers. For years, customers have asked for an alternative for slow, unreliable, and noisy operators. At Ghost Controls we have worked hard with innovations in Noise Reduction, Speed, and Reliability on our heavy duty electric gate openers. Additionally, we provide all of our customers with the opportunity to share our love of solar powered renewable energy by converting their systems into a solar automatic gate opener. Using a solar operator is a great way to go off the grid and provide your system with endless clean energy for your remote gate opener.

Speed, and Reliability:

• Quiet – motor noise is accurately correlated to quality in the mechanical and electronic design. All our openers have a maintenance free gear box and motor. They were designed for smooth, quiet operation regardless of the age and cycles of the battery powered gate opener.
• Fast – Our mechanical design and new radio frequency offer superior range offering a greater level of convenience for customers.
• Invincible (Limited Life-Time Warranty) – The motor is one of the most critical components to ensure reliability and longevity. We back our proprietary gear motors with a limited lifetime warranty. No other product in the market can make this claim.

GHOST CONTROLS® single and double swing gate openers are designed and manufactured with pride, delivering the highest quality product and customer support in the industry. We believe in our products with our limited lifetime warranty on each solar compatible dual or single gate opener*. Our corporate philosophy is; steadfast commitment to our customers, culture, products, and people.

*Limited lifetime warranty on motor and gear assembly.