If you are looking for best solar refrigerator, look no further! We’ve got what you need.
There are several hundred models of refrigerators, and you may have to go through each of them to figure out which one is right for you. Over the years, there are more and more options of these fridges coming out daily but do they live up to the standard?
And during that hunt, there are several factors to consider when picking out these fridges, ranging from lifestyle to what you will be using it for. Whether it’s a weekend on a beach or a trip to the cabin. We have put down an extensive list of the best solar fridge, and we hope this guides you to the right fridge.
Best Solar Refrigerator and Freezers List
What is a Solar Refrigerator?
A solar refrigerator (or solar fridge) is a cooling appliance that uses an external source of heat, such as the sun, to provide the energy needed to lower its internal temperature. Solar refrigerators are mainly designed for situations where electricity is not available or during power failures in areas with unreliable electricity supply.
Solar refrigerators use rechargeable batteries and DC motors which ensure noiseless operation over long periods of time. They consist of three basic parts: compressor compartment with condenser, battery compartment and ice compartment.
The thermal insulation material ensures low operating sound levels ranging from 60-65 db. Some models may include independent freezer compartments at the bottom having enough capacity to keep vegetables fresh for up to 96 depending on local conditions. Separate battery compartment can reduce battery replacement.
How Do Solar Refrigerators Work?
A solar refrigerator is nearly identical to a conventional refrigerator. Every type has a compressor that circulates a refrigerant throughout the system. This compressor applies pressure to the gaseous refrigerant, heats it up, and forces it through the condenser coils. This condenser is positioned at the bottom of the fridge, on the exterior.
Once inside the condenser, which is much colder, the refrigerant becomes a liquid. The pressurized refrigerant, now a liquid, passes through a valve and into the refrigerator’s evaporator coils. During this evaporation, the refrigerant reverts to a gas and absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, a process known as evaporative cooling. This is what causes the refrigerator’s temperature to drop.
When all of this is completed, the gas is returned to the compressor, where the process is repeated. The interior temperature of the fridge is controlled by the thermostat within the fridge, which raises or lowers the temperature by turning on and off the compressor.
Because they need less energy to maintain a low temperature, solar refrigerators are more energy efficient than typical kitchen equipment. The insulation in solar refrigerators also tends to be thicker than in standard appliances, making them more energy efficient.
Reviews of the Best Solar Refrigerator To Buy in 2023
Here are top rated Solar Refrigerator for sale
#1. LiONCooler X40A Solar Fridge Freezer
The LiONCooler X40A is a solar refrigerator that is incredibly portable. It’s small enough to carry at 38.7 pounds, and its 25inch x 15.9 inch x 20-inch size means it’ll fit in the trunk of so many other automobiles. With extra-large 6-inch wheels and a telescoping handle, you can draw it after you like a luggage.
If mobility is a priority for you, then this is the model for you. It isn’t the tiniest refrigerator on the list, but it is built for portability. It’s a fantastic pick for picnics, family gatherings, or usage in an RV because of the sturdy wheels, telescoping handle, ten – hour battery capacity, and decent 1.4 cubic feet of capacity.
If you want to buy the best solar fridge, you can consider this solar fridge as your final choice.
Pros
- Perfect for trips
- Versatile – can be used as either a fridge or freezer
- Supports AC and DC charging
- Telescopic handle for easy movement
Cons
- Freezer mode consumes a lot of power.
#2. Sundazer Solar Powered Refrigerator
The Sundazer is the ideal solar-powered refrigerator since it is dependable and ready to deliver when needed. It also has a lot of storage space, around 1.8 cubic feet or 50 liters. It boasts a galvanized steel body that has been specifically designed to be scratch-resistant, and a high-grade lightweight aluminum inside. To connect to a solar array, this best solar powered cooler uses a 12/24 volt DC connection.
This is an excellent alternative for anybody seeking for a nice off-grid/travel refrigerator for cabins or RVs.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Thick insultation translate to increased energy efficiency
- Low Cost of maintenance
- Saves space due to its sizes and also doubles as chopping board.
Cons
- Not very portable. Very large and heavy.
- Uses only DC power unlike its counterparts.
#3. Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator
The Alpicool C15 can be considered as the best mini fridge for solar power that you may want to add to your final decision.
If you’re looking for the best solar cooler that can also be used as an open-cast freezer, the Alpicool C15 is a great choice. With dimensions of 23,54 x 12,6 x 10,24 inches and a weight of little under Nineteen pounds, the C15 has incredible storage capacity of 0.5 cubic feet. A 12V/24V DC input provides electricity, making it simple to connect to a solar array. The C15’s three-stage battery protection feature controls how much energy is extracted at any one time when the car battery is needed.
If you want a solar refrigerator with mobility, the C15 is a great option. It’s compact, lightweight, and may be used as a refrigerator or freezer in a truck, car, RV, or boat.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Versatile
- Perfect for the outdoors and rough terrain
- Offers battery saving mode
Cons
- Unclear instructions
#4. Portable Refrigerator/Freezer, Ansten Mini Fridge
The is a portable freezer paid with a fridge small enough to fit into the back of your car or truck. This best rv fridge for solar power is a 0.6 cu. Ft beast, and though it will not store crazy amounts of food due to its size, it can still get the job done. Its dimensions measure about 22.4 x 12.6 x 11.2 inches, this is perfect for the back of a car or the trunk.
It measures approximately the same size as your normal sat nav and may reach as low as -4°F. Power for solar panel mounting can be supplied via an AC adapter or 12V DC adapter.
The Ansten is a compact and lightweight alternative for cookouts, boats, camping, fishing and highway excursions. Don’t expect it to carry food that lasts for more than one day.
Pros
- Perfect for traveling
- Doubles as fridge or freezer
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Not really big
#5. Whynter FM-45G 45 Quart Portable Refrigerator
The Whynter FM-45G refrigerator/freezer is a tough and cheap option. With its “Fast Freeze” option, the Whynter temps may fall as low as -6°F, with a size of 1.5 cubic feet or 65 cans of beer. With dimensions of 23.5 x 16.5 x 20.5 ” and a weight of 45 lbs, this has a comparatively small footprint.
The best off grid refrigerator is an off-grid fridge with a “Fast Freeze” mode, making it a freezer as well. It may be hooked to either a solar array or a vehicle battery, or either. If plugged to both AC and DC, it will rather utilize AC before making the switch to DC if the former fails.
The Whynter FM-45G is a great choice for an off-grid vehicle, RV, and house usage, particularly if you want to be able to freeze your food. The FM-45 G’s smaller size and reduced weight allows it to be a more portable choice than other alternatives on our list without sacrificing storage space.
Pros
- Capable of using and DC
- Fast freeze mode turns it to a freezer at the push of a button
- Portable
- Eco-power-mode for maximum energy efficiency
Cons
- Fast freeze mode consumes battery quicker
#6. ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator
The ICECO VL60 is a durable, large storage machine with a two-zone design. It could contain enough food for two individuals or a week’s supply of meals for one. During the winter, the refrigerator’s heating may be used to cook hot food. It also works effectively as a backup freezer in areas with intermittent power connections.
The VL60 is extremely durable, thanks to its strong end caps, stainless steel locks, and spring-loaded side handles. It contains anti-tilt features, which allow it to work at a 40-degree angle. It can operate on both alternating current and direct current for further versatility. Using the two-zone design, you may use one chamber as a freezer and the other as a refrigerator.
The VL60’s massive storage capacity makes it perfect for being off-grid for a day or more, assuming you take it with you.
Pros
- Two-zone design
- Serves as both fridge and freezer simultaneously
- Offers multiple charging options
Cons
- Not portable
#7. SMETA Propane Refrigerator with Freezer
The SMETA Propane Refrigerator for Dorm features a storage area of 3 cubic feet and a freezer area of 0.4 cubic feet. You don’t need to be worried about the bad weather or an unsafe grid connection because AC, DC or propane can function. You can also utilize a battery for the vehicle, a power grid, a panel system or a propane tank to power it.
Some people reported that the SMETA is the best solar refrigerator.
The design is similar of typical kitchen equipment with a front-opening door and racks. SMETA Propane is sufficiently small enough to be portable and yet have a storage capacity of 20.6 x 23.2 x 32.2 inches, and weigh 76 pounds.
If you’re concerned about becoming too dependent on a single power source, such as a grid connection or solar panels, the SMETA Propane’s fuel flexibility can help.
Pros
- Offers three sources of power.
- Has a permanent freezer mode
- Small and compact
Cons
- Needs extra venting when using propane bottle
Related: What are The Best Wine And Beverage Refrigerator in 2022?
Buying Guide The Best Solar Refrigerator
When choosing the best solar refrigerator, there are several options to consider, we have put down below.
1.) Temperature Range:
Consumer Reports’ tests found some models may only work in temperatures as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit or 45 degrees Celsius, which “isn’t enough for most parts of the world where electricity, and therefore refrigeration, is often unavailable.” They recommend looking for a unit with a temperature range of at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 20 degrees Celsius (4 degrees Celsius and -7 degrees Celsius).
2.) Solar Panels:
The size of the solar panels will determine how long it takes to run out of energy. Make sure to look at the product’s specifications to choose one that has large enough panels to last throughout the day without needing additional charging at an electrical outlet. If you don’t want excess heat to affect the temperature inside, opt for a model that has less surface area in the solar panels.
3.) Portability:
When looking into portability, find out which unit can be easily installed and disassembled without tools to make moving it easier. Also consider how heavy the unit is when fully loaded to prevent back pain from carrying it over long periods of time. Make sure wheels are equipped or built-in handles for ease in transporting around the house if necessary to move it out of direct sunlight during charging hours. Consumer Reports recommends “compare weights and dimensions carefully.”
4.) LED Lighting:
Unexpected power losses due to a low battery may occur at night or early morning while you’re still sleeping, so LED lighting allows you to see what’s going on inside without having to open the unit. In addition, it can help lower your electric bill by consuming less energy compared to a traditional refrigerator light bulb.
5.) Energy Efficiency:
In high temperatures, these appliances can be energy efficient as they do not use electricity from an electrical outlet and only have to rely on the sun’s rays throughout the day or night. However, if you live in a colder climate with shorter days of sunlight exposure all year round, Consumer Reports recommends looking for one with a low power consumption so “it can stay powered up for longer.” Overall, look for a model that has the least amount of energy loss at any part of the day.
6.) Proper Insulation:
Make sure to choose a unit that has proper insulation to preserve the fridge/freezer temperatures even during hot summer days. One with two layers of insulation may be more effective than one without any, but Consumer Reports claims “you’ll rarely find units with only one layer of insulation.”
7.) Drain Plug:
If your freezer becomes too full or contains unfrozen food items you want to keep longer, having an available drain plug for defrosting will keep it running at optimal performance. The best models have removable plugs so they can easily be cleaned thoroughly if water spills onto the interior flooring.
8.) USB Port:
With this feature, you won’t need to worry about draining the batteries since all you need is to plug in your device into the USB port for immediate power. However, Consumer Reports points out that “it’s hard to tell how much power [the USB port] will provide” and recommends using it only in emergencies since it may take longer to charge your device compared to charging with an outlet.
9.) Size
When choosing the best solar refrigerator, the size is the most important factor to consider. If you only need something to sit next you when fishing on your boat, then you don’t need anything too large. However, if you’re going camping or hunting, the size of the items you’ll be bringing matters. When the time comes to buy one, make sure you measure it and discover its dimensions before you buy it.
10.) Energy consumption
The amount of power your refrigerator requires is proportional to its size. A single mobile solar panel can usually power smaller portable solar freezers. Larger ones, on the other hand, will need a more complicated system. If you want to use a larger solar fridge, the first thing you need do is look for a solar insulation map and figure out how many hours of daylight you get on a daily basis throughout the year.
11.) Use
One’s lifestyle will determine the type of solar refrigerator you require. You’ll need to have something compact and light to carry if you want to travel frequently. If you’re placing a fridge in a Motorhome or a cottage, some of the smaller models could be too tiny.
What are Benefits of Solar Refrigerator?
Here are three benefits of the best solar refrigerator below
- Adaptability
We’ve all become accustomed to refrigerating our foods and drinks constantly, taking chilled drinks and keeping food fresh. The one thing that you must take into consideration is a source of power to carry out this refrigeration.
Several commercial refrigerators, on the other hand, are not meant to be movable or energy flexible. A solar fridge is the ideal method to carry the finer things in life with you if you’re going someplace where there are no power outlets, such as out on the lake, in the woods nearby, or anywhere where the grid does not really reach.
- Compactness
Several of the Solar refrigerators on this list have been designed to be as compact as possible. They are built with lightweight materials and have several features to aid movement, such as straps or wheels. For those who are ready to go on a fishing trip, holiday or a campout, then a solar refrigerator is the perfect appliance you need.
- Energy efficiency
Most solar fridges are energy efficient due to their lower capacity and strong insulation. They are frequently outfitted with high-efficiency compressor systems. As a result, they have a low energy consumption, making them a good choice for use with smaller, mobile solar systems.
Although the precise amount of electricity required varies based on the size of the refrigerator and the intended interior temperature, a 12/24V DC system may often be powered by a single 135 Watt Solar cells panel.
What are the Difference Between Solar Refrigerators vs. Propane?
The two types of off-grid refrigerators differ mostly in terms of dependability and adaptability. Solar electricity is now considerably more dependable than it was previously. However, even the greatest solar setup can only generate when the sun is shining. Cloud cover does not prevent a solar panel from functioning, but it does reduce its output.
Propane, on the other hand, only works as long as there is gas in the tank. It outperforms solar energy in terms of dependability. Solar energy has an advantage in terms of flexibility. Propane tanks are bulky and quickly depleted. Solar panels are small and portable, and if the sun goes down, we’ll all have bigger issues than warm beverages.
FAQ’s Solar Refrigerator
1). Is solar fridge a good option?
With increased safety in mind, solar energy has become one of the most widely-used forms for generating electricity. Solar fridges operate on 12V or 24 volts instead of higher voltages which can present dangers if they are not handled correctly and improperly maintained by consumers.
2). What size solar system do I need to run a fridge?
In order to run an average refrigerator, you’ll need three or four typical solar panels that are rated for different power output capacities. The capacity of your domestic system will depend on the size and type(s) of fridge involved in its installation- so be sure check with whoever installed them first!
3). Are solar fridges worth it?
The short answer is yes, solar fridges are worth it! Not only will they save you money on your energy bills each month, but they’re also great for the environment. Solar fridges work by using the power of the sun to generate energy, which means they don’t produce any harmful emissions.
4). How much does a solar fridge cost?
A solar fridge typically costs between $500 and $1,000. The exact price will depend on the size and features of the fridge. Solar fridges are a great investment for anyone who wants to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
Conclusion
There are several things to consider when buying the best solar refrigerator, one of them being compactness. This is the main reason you get a solar fridge; how portable it is. It can used anywhere and anytime.
In our review above, we have listed several solar fridges above that we’d personally recommend. Solar refrigerators are great for camping, and off-grid vacations, and if you’re interested in getting a Solar Fridge, we say go for it!
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