Electric gate opener vs. security camera: running cost
A security camera is cheaper to run: about $8 a year versus $9 for an electric gate opener at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $1 difference.
| Electric gate opener | Security camera | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 250 W | 5 W |
| Watt range | 100–600 W | 2–15 W |
| Typical use | 3 minutes a day | 24 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 48 kWh | 44 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 4.5¢ | 0.09¢ |
| Cost per day | 2.4¢ | 2.2¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.72 | $0.66 |
| Cost per year | $9 | $8 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $21 | $19 |
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What drives the difference
- Electric gate opener: Residential gate openers draw 100-500 W for about 15-20 seconds per cycle; standby electronics and battery charging (3-10 W) dominate annual use.
- Security camera: Wired cameras draw about 3-7 W each, around the clock; infrared night vision adds 1-3 W. An NVR recorder adds 10-25 W.
Ways to cut either cost
Solar-powered security camera
Runs on its own panel and battery, with no grid electricity cost.
See options on Amazon Solar gate opener kit
Runs off a small panel, no utility power needed.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, an electric gate opener or a security camera?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an electric gate opener costs about $9 a year versus $8 for a security camera. That's $1 more.
How many watts do electric gate opener and security camera use?
An electric gate opener typically draws 250 W (range 100–600 W). A security camera draws 5 W (range 2–15 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.