Hardwired vs. Solar Gate Openers: What’s Best for Your Driveway Gate?

When it comes to upgrading your property with a driveway gate, most homeowners start with the obvious: style, materials, and curb appeal. And while those details absolutely matter, there’s one piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked — the automation system that powers your gate every single day.

Why Gate Automation Should Be a Priority

Whether you're coming home late at night or heading out in a rush, you want a gate that opens effortlessly and reliably. That’s where the choice between a solar and a hardwired gate opener comes into play. Both options can work great — but the right choice depends on your home, your habits, and your expectations.

Solar Gate Openers: When They Make Sense

Solar-powered openers have come a long way in recent years. They're environmentally friendly, easy to install in areas without existing electrical infrastructure, and ideal for low-use gates. If you’re only opening your gate around 10 times per day and you get strong, consistent sunlight, a solar system might work well for you.

However, solar systems can struggle during cloudy weather, short winter days, or when powering heavier gates. Battery backups help, but they may not offer the kind of reliability most homeowners want day in and day out.

Why We Recommend Hardwired Gate Automation

At Texas Select Fencing, we almost always recommend a hardwired gate opener — and here’s why: it’s simply the most dependable option. You don’t have to worry about weather conditions, battery charge levels, or inconsistent performance. It just works.

We install LiftMaster gate operators on every driveway gate we build, pairing them with myQ smart technology, which allows you to open, close, and monitor your gate from your phone. Whether you’re out of town or just parked in the garage, having that kind of control and peace of mind makes a huge difference.

Don’t Forget the Design

Of course, automation is just one part of the equation. The look and feel of your gate still matters — a lot. Choose between a swing gate or a slide gate, based on the layout of your driveway and how much room you have.

Then think about how the gate blends into the rest of your property. Stone columns, accent lighting, and landscaping around the entry can elevate your gate from functional to truly impressive.

If you’re still gathering inspiration, check out this great article from Redfin featuring Several Driveway Gate Ideas — it’s full of design tips and visual examples to help you refine your vision.

At Texas Select Fencing, every driveway gate is built from powder-coated steel for maximum durability and finished with premium hardware to ensure long-term performance.

Final Thoughts

A beautiful gate makes a strong first impression. But a reliable, automated gate makes daily life easier. Whether you go solar or hardwired, make the choice that fits your lifestyle and long-term needs.

Need help deciding? Contact the team at Texas Select Fencing — we’ll walk you through the options and design a custom solution built to last.