COOP Auto Door Solar Kit Review: only the best for your dog

An automatic coop door system is definitively a good idea, right? You don’t have to worry to go to the yard every morning and afternoon over and over again. It’s the best on those rainy days, no doubt about it. But automatic systems come with some concerns, including the power source.

If you have to make a conventional installation it will causeevenmore work. On the other hand, if you decide to go for a battery powered one you can spend a fortune buying replacements.

COOP Auto Door Solar Kit could be the solution for this issue. Let’s see how this gadget can put your henhousefunctioning, and chicken’s safety tothe next level.

Features

The highlight of this product is that it takes advantage of the solar energy to work. This is a winner feature by itself. Mostly your chicken yard is in a distant place. To make an electrical installation andgive energy to the automatic door would require a lot of time and money.

With this system you ensure that the door will open and close without problems, as scheduled. In addition, there will be no additional charges for electricity consumption at all.

The battery allows you to have electricity either day or night. It also guarantees a perfect performance when there’s little sun.

You may already have a remote system, but it depends on conventional batteries. Each time you replace them there is an additional expense.

A system that receives energy from the sun and is rechargeable is a one-time payment solution. Let’s see some other features:

13in x 10in x 3/4in solar panel
72 blocks squared solar cells array
Aluminum frame, for maximum duration
Panel volts output 18 to 22
Power output for solar panel of 10W
12 volts SLA rechargeable battery
Rate of output voltage for battery of 7.4v
LED Indicator for battery status (charging, charged, discharged, replace)
Coop Tender technology for best battery performance
Blocking diode included to avoid battery discharges overnight
Wall installation self-contained set
Ground installation attachment
16 ft. panel to battery mounting cable
3 ft. battery to door cable
Plug and play capability with all Coop Auto Door products
Allows the sunrise/sunset feature of brand products

Pros

Easy to install: you only need to select the best place where sun reaches the panel. Regardless whether this location is on theground oron thewall, the equipment suits
An excellent reach: system length is up to 19 feet, so you can decide the perfect location for each element
Resistant to weather: the resistant metal of frame is stainless and can be perfectly placed outdoors without worrying about weather conditions
Very compatible: you can use the COOP Auto Door Solar Kit in all brand models. If yours have the sunrise/sunset function, you’ll never have to adjust the system. It will allow chickens to go out and back as nature dictates
Battery protection: the tender technology avoids battery overcharge. The blocking diode inside the solar panel won’t permit that panel discharges the battery overnight, preventing malfunctions due to the lack of energy
Is rechargeable: you’ll spend once and no more. The panel provides enough energy to keep the battery at best performance

Cons

Mounting hardware not included: you can install it onthe wall or ground, but if you need something else you will have to buy an additional installation set
Not compatible with other brand equipment: it can only be used with the Coop Auto Door systems. If you have an automatic door from a different brand, it will not work
User’s guide not included: itis very simple equipment, but is still a solar panel. It would be useful that owner understands the basics about handling and maintaining this sort of technology

Summary

Overall, it is a great choice as you won’t have to worry about additional energy spending. The solar panel is made of durable material, and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Aluminum helps make the equipment light and does not rust. In addition, it has a good energy storage system.

The technology inside protects the battery from overcharging or from losing power at night. And no matter which model of automatic door you have installed, this combines with anyone (of the same brand, of course).

Another thing that stands out is that the owner decides where each component goes. The battery can be placed away from the solar panel.

The panel must be exposed to the sun to work, but we know that exposing a battery pack to extreme temperatures lowers performance, and shortens its life.

Comparison

There are really few options like this to select. However, there is another fairly similar system to see, the Solar Internet Enabled Programmable Automatic Chicken Coop Door.

This integrated system comes with a similar solar panel powering a battery, delivering a 5-volt output. You can program it via the Internet –according to the manufacturer. Its winter function is also remarkable and it keeps the door closed on very cold days.

However, there are some cons with this system as well. First, it’s an all-in-one model. All equipment must be purchased (door, battery and panel) and this will significantly increase costs.

Another basic problem of integrated systems is that if a component fails, then everything fails. Finally, is Internet programming really necessary? It is too much for a chicken door.It seems more like a strategy to increase the final price.

The Verdict

Compelling to buy everything at once prevents the owner to decide how much he’ll spend on his project. You’ll always want improvements for your chicken coop, but it is fair to allow you to decide how and when.

The COOP Auto Door Solar Kit allows you to achieve great advances, such as avoiding future energy costs and is therefore the technology that protects the investment.

It allows a simple solution to the energy problem through well-designed equipment, easy to install and with a technology that protects the battery, to ensure a peak performance.