
However, each barrier needs to be charged, and not all chargers are suitable for all purposes.
That is why we have put together a list of the 7 best electric fence chargers as well as some pointers for which is best at what. Then we provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can find the electric fence charger that is right for you.
Table of Contents
1. Parmak Magnum Solar-Pak 12 – Best Solar Fence Charger

While Zareba may belong to a larger corporation that includes numerous brands and makes up a much larger segment of the market, Parmak continues to innovate and manufacture some of the best electric fence supplies and equipment available. In fact, Parmak is responsible for the first solid-state electric fence charger as well as the first solar electric fence charger. As such, it should come as little surprise that the Parmak Magnum Solar-Pak 12 comes in as the best solar electric fence charger on our list.
However, the Magnum Solar-Pak 12 does not come without its faults and inconveniences. For one, this is by and far the largest electric fence charger on our list – regardless the type or arrangement. Moreover, the solar panels are not integrated into the control box and instead sit on top of it. While this provides more surface area to absorb sunlight, it also makes positioning, installing, and caring for the Magnum Solar-Pak 12 more difficult – especially since the “waterproof” case does not handle the subtler condensation well at all.
- 3.1 joules of energy is decent
- 30 miles of coverage is pretty good
- Does not require an extra battery or outlet
- A fairly expensive fence charger on our list
- A fairly large unit with robust installation
- Does not handle water or condensation well
2. Zareba EAC200M-Z – Best Electric Fence Charger for Cattle

In fact, the Zareba provides the second most joule power output on our list. At 15 joules, this charger can put even bulls and stallions on the ground. Moreover, it is exceedingly unlikely that a bear or boar will try to mess with the fence twice – even in the boar is enraged or the bear just woke up from hibernation.
However, the best coverage and second most powerful jolt do not come cheaply. This is actually the second most expensive charger on our list, though it is still less than half as expensive as the most expensive. Another consideration is the installation of the EAC200M-Z. For one, this is the largest and heaviest charger on our list, but it is also not waterproof. This means you will have to build an enclosure for it separately.
How to Install an AC Fence Charger
- 200 miles of coverage is easily the best
- Fuseless design makes for easier maintenance
- 15 joules is the second most on our list
- A fairly expensive electric fence charger
- One of the noisier chargers on the list
- Is not the easiest to install
3. Gallagher M300 – Best Electric Fence Charger for Horses, Goats and Deers

That is why it should come as little surprise that the M300 is one of the best all-around products on our list. First, it delivers a solid 3 joules of output energy. This output puts right in line with the lower Parmak and provides a solid jolt for most larger domestic animals. However, the more aggressive herd animals, like bulls and stallion, may not respect the charge quite so much. Moreover, large predators and boars are less likely to be deterred if they are truly determined.
Unfortunately, the M300 has more issues with water and condensation than the Parmak. Whereas the latter suffers from mostly condensation, the M300 features a plastic case that must be protected from the rain. If the case is not placed in a small covered area, the internal circuitry is known to short out. While this may lead to the electric fence charger not working at all, it thankfully will not create a situation where the joules delivered exceed a safe level.
- 3 joules of energy is pretty good
- 50 miles of coverage is the second most on our list
- .75 second pulses help prevent feedback
- A fairly expensive electric fence charger
- Plastic case is not waterproof
- Will have internal shorts and wire insulation issues
4. Zareba ESP10M-Z – Best Solar Fence Charger for Goats

If you simply need an electric fence charger for goats, pets, or other small domestic animals, you generally do not need that kind of power. Moreover, many of the smaller domestic animals also do not require the same breadth of ranging, consuming far less grasses than larger beasts of burden. As such, Zareba’s specialty takes a potential flaw and instead strikes to the heart of a specific niche in the electric fence market. Moreover, it is able to so at a much lower price than many of the other products on our list – and much lower than any other self-contained solar powered electric fence charger, further reducing the total cost.
Another limitation of the ESP10M-Z is its total coverage. At ten miles total, the ESP10M-Z provides the least amount of coverage on our list. Were this charger suitable for larger animals, that may not be such a big deal. However, because the power level is so much less than even the next lowest competitor, you will almost certainly need to use two or three hot wires. This is because to keep smaller animals within the fenceline, you will need to run a hotwire high and low, or else the animal will be able to avoid a single hotwire altogether.
How to Install a Solar Fence Charger
- Is a reasonably priced fence charger
- Solar power is cheap and easy
- One of the easiest mounting installations
- Puts out the fewest joules on our list
- Only includes a 6 volt battery
- 10 miles of coverage is the lowest on our list
5. Parmak Super Energizer 5 – Best Electric Fence Charger for Bears

However, the Super Energizer 5 is not merely content with providing one of the most powerful shocks on our list as it includes even more maximum coverage than the other Parmak. With 50 miles of single hotwire coverage to work with, you can protect a wide acreage from predators and pests or a somewhat smaller acreage from herd dispersion. Either way, you are dealing with the second widest coverage on our list.
Finally, the Super Energizer 5 also happens to be one of the least expensive electric fence chargers we reviewed. This means that the widest coverage and the second largest joule output are both still reasonably priced compared to their competitors. The only real downside comes from its AC power supply combined with not being truly GFCI compliant. Basically, if hooked up to a GFCI outlet, the Super Energizer 5 will short the circuit.
- One of the less expensive products we reviewed
- 6.3 joules of energy is fairly strong
- 50 miles of coverage is the second best on our list
- Case is not waterproof
- Power cord is shorter than preferred
- Does not run on a GFCI circuit
6. Taylor Fence Cyclops – Best Most Powerful AC Fence Charger: Up to 32 Joules!

That is where Taylor Fence’s Cyclops comes into play. With a 32-joule energy output, this is by far the most powerful electric fence charger on our list. In fact, it is almost more than five times as powerful as the next closest competitor. Of course, all of that power comes at a fairly steep price, and the Cyclops is not only the most expensive product we reviewed but the most expensive nearly three times over. Still, a cost to power ratio definitely places it in a value-rich category.
Of course, if you do not require that kind of power, Taylor Fence also offers a number of other joule outputs. In fact, this brand offers the widest range of power outputs out of any on our list – though it should be noted that the least powerful Taylor Fence charger is still 1.5 joules.
While this might not be much of an issue for livestock who often come to respect the boundary of the fenceline whether it is charged or not – after receiving a jolt – predators could be a bit more persistent.
Cyclops Boss vs Potato
- Produces the most joules on our list
- Comes in a range of joule systems
- 30 miles of coverage is pretty good
- Best lightning protection on our list
- The most expensive fence charger on our list
- Does not run on a GFCI circuit
- Fuse system will need to be replaced
7. Patriot P10 – Best Dual Purpose Electric Fence Energizer

Easily the most distinguishing characteristic of this electric fence charger is how it is powered. However, it does not actually have a specific means of powering. Instead, the P10 can be powered in one of three ways. First, it can be powered by a solar array system. However, it can also be powered by a 12V direct current – generally from a battery. Finally, the P10 can also be powered by alternating current. This allows you to power the P10 in the way that best suits your needs.
Unfortunately, while this choice is exceedingly convenient, it also will increase the overall cost of the second least expensive product on our list. That is because the P10 does not come with any of the auxiliary components necessary to power it.
Patriot Energizer Installation
- The second least expensive product on our list
- Can be powered solar and DC current
- 30 miles of coverage is pretty good
- Waterproof case is rare
- Numerous ways to position or install
- 1 joule of energy is fairly low
- Requires an adapter to use AC current
Electric Fence Chargers – Buyer’s Guide

Current
The type of current the charger uses will determine the cost of powering the charger as well as its position. AC current is generally cheaper than DC but requires an outlet. DC current might be easier to position, but you have to buy and change the battery. One solution to DC battery replacement is a solar array, but those are less consistent and rarely deliver the same punch as either AC or DC battery powered units.
Joules
This is often the most important factor for an electric fence charger, however, this is simply not a matter of more being better. Depending on what you intend to use the electric fence for will ultimately heavily impact how powerful your charger should be – and this is not simply a matter of trying to save a few bucks.
1. Cattle and Horses

2. Deers and Pests

3. Predators

4. Boars

5. Bears

Impedance
This is because weeds and other brush that may come into contact with the fence will decrease the energy output if the impedance is too high. Only specific animals, like show horses and perhaps fainting goats, are better served with higher impedance chargers.
How to Choose Right Type of Fence Charger for your Needs
Conclusion
In the end, the best electric fence charger is determined more by your specific needs than any quality of the charger itself. You can spend a great deal of money for the most powerful charger on the market, but if you are only trying to keep in chickens, you are likely spending far more than you need to.
However, in the event that you have a large predator or pest to deal with, the Taylor Fence Cyclops packs the biggest punch on our list with 32 joules of output energy. Of course, if you need something powerful but not quite that powerful, the Parmak Super Energizer 5 gives quite a jolt at a much lower price.
Of course, fenceline away from an AC power source requires either a battery or a solar array. For the latter, the Parmak Solar-Pak 12 manages to offer an excellent joule output while cutting out the need for a battery. However, the Patriot P10 can skip all the fuss by being powered by both AC and DC current as well as a solar array.




Looking for the right solar powered electric fencing. I have 3 acres of pasture with 4 rail fencing but several post are not sturdy. I also will want to cross fence the pasture.
is it possible to have both wire/cord and tape with a unit.
Thinking I would mount cord on the 4 rail fence and the tape for the cross fencing.
Interested in something aesthetically pleasing. for the cross fencing.
Please let me know your ideas and pricing.
Hi Cynthia!
For the safety of your animals and for a long lasting fence, we recommend using one type of metal on the fence line. The type of fence system you need for your area depends on many factors, the most important consideration being the type of animal you are trying to contain or exclude. Please click here for assistance in determining the types of fencing materials that will work best for you.
We would Recommend our S40 Solar Energizer “G345404”. With going from wire to tape you’ll want those extra Joules to power through the tape and the wire. You can connect this with jumper cables “G634004”. As for the gate crossing we do have our 4 Multi-Strand Gate “G71804”.
I need to have a one wire electric fence along the bottom of a backyard chain link fence to keep a dog from digging under the fence. He’s quite the escape artist! I have less than 1000 feet of fence and i need a solar charger. Any suggestions? I have been looking at the parmak solar products. Does anyone know if Parmak has a showroom or retail store?
JohnB
Hi John!
For the fence setup you’re describing, I would recommend a Zareba® 2 Mile Solar Fence Low Impedance Charger (Model ESP2M-Z). It will provide sufficient voltage on the fence line to deter the dog. I recommend that the lowest wire on a fence be no less than 4 inches away from the ground, otherwise the fence may ground itself out.
Also, Gallagher S10 would work for that distance if the fence was clean (no vegetation). If there would be much vegetation touching the electric wire, you would want to step up to a larger energizer.