I completed the install of my opener/solar panel yesterday and so far it's working great. It took some time to adjust the open/close stops but working great so far. I must say not having to get out of the car to get through the gate is pretty darn nice. wife can't believe it took 2 years to do it.
I finished up the install last night and it was pouring rain so this morning I did some power tests and here are the result:
Voltage reading at the controller box coming from Solar Panel: 21V (panel is wired to 50' of 16G LVW)
Voltage reading at battery leads inside control box: 13.9V (this is after voltage regulator)
Voltage reading at batter (disconnected from control box): 12.6V
So in all it seems the system is doing it's job. I am impressed with the output of the solar panel as today is typical PNW overcast.
Since the gate opener was given to me at no charge from my neighbor here is what I have into this project:
12v battery - $22
Solar Panel - $45
LVW 50' - $14
Keychain Openers (3) - $54