Refrigerators were once one of the most challenging appliances to run entirely on solar power due to their high electrical use, but that is no longer the case. These days there is a solar fridge for everyone, whether you want a tiny refrigerator to take camping or want to go entirely off the grid. So, what are the top solar refrigerators available today?
Alpicool C20 portable solar refrigerator is our top pick. This solar refrigerator has built-in battery protection, so you don’t have to worry about it draining your car battery. Other best available solar refrigerators are Whynter FM045G portable solar fridge and freezer, BODEGA 12 Volt Solar refrigerator, Dometic CFX3 solar refrigerator, ICECO VL60 Solar Refrigerator, and ACOPOWER Portable Solar Fridge.
With the best solar refrigerator, camping with your family or living in a mobile van may be more enjoyable. Solar fridges are often compact and small, allowing them to fit into tight corners and places, making them ideal for off-grid living and cabins. That said, what makes our list of 6 solar refrigerators the best?
6 Of The Best Solar Refrigerators
Camping is an excellent opportunity to get out into nature with your friends or family. Even in the warmth and safety of your campground, you may feel close to nature and on the edge of society.
But what if you need to keep your products cold and need a location to store them? Coolers with ice packs will work great, but they will only last so long and won’t become cold enough for your needs.
You won’t have to worry about where you’ll keep your food on a camping trip if you have one of the best solar-powered freezers. Some excellent solar fridge and freezer combo make camping a breeze, all while utilizing the sun’s or your car’s electricity.
These solar refrigerators can come in handy whether you’re out camping with friends or in the event of a power outage. So, starting with the trustworthy Alpicool, here is what value they bring to your off-grid experience.
1. Alpicool C20 Portable Solar Refrigerator
A reputable company, Alpicool, is first on the list of the best solar refrigerators. Think about Alpicool’s tiny portable model if you don’t want to commit to a full-sized solar refrigerator.
The Alpicool Portable Refrigerator has a capacity of 21 quarts, making it ideal for camping or picnics. It is also an excellent option for your garage or workshop.
Are you going on a road trip with your solar fridge? No issue, it can be powered by a solar power station or individual solar panels. You may even use the cigarette lighter in your car to power it on overcast or wet days.
It has built-in battery protection, so you don’t have to worry about it draining your car battery. In addition, this cooler is made of heavy-duty materials and dense insulating foam to keep your food and beverages cold.
You can lower the temperature to as low as -4°F, allowing you to utilize this compact refrigerator as a freezer and allowing you to add ice cream to your camping must-have list.
2. Whynter FM045G Portable Solar Fridge And Freezer
If you’re searching for a dependable and efficient cooler for your picnics and camping trips, don’t miss this Whynter 45-Quart refrigerator and freezer. For starters, Whynter is a well-known brand of solar-powered refrigerator-freezers that is noted for its tiny footprint, stylish appearance, and sturdy construction.
It is also committed to quality and durability, making it an excellent choice to think about while looking for a perfect solar fridge. Among this brand’s great options is the top-rated freezer, a favorite among clients looking for a sturdy fridge and freezer for their RV.
The refrigerator is an excellent choice because it is less expensive than other refrigerators in the same category. Nonetheless, the manufacturer has ensured that it is a high-quality item. In addition, many people who use it are into off-grid life and RV camping; thus, it has heavy-duty components.
This model’s shape and color appealed to me as well. The platinum hue is elegant and complements any décor well. There’s no need to worry about the fridge not complementing your decor. When it comes to interiors, it’s also appropriate for usage in the bedroom or kitchen.
I would refer this to anyone renting a cabin or a holiday property. This refrigerator is suitable for houses that are only used rarely. Furthermore, it is simpler to move than larger models because it is smaller.
It has a 45-quart capacity suitable for camping food and drinks. In addition, it can hold up to 60 cans of beverages for parties and picnics.
It also features a dual function, allowing you to use it as a refrigerator or a freezer without difficulty. This type also comes with two wire baskets, which add to the refrigerator’s utility and organization, and it includes a 5-foot DC power wire and an 8-foot AC power cord.
3. BODEGA 12 Volt Solar Refrigerator And Freezer
This choice from Bodega is next on our list of the best solar-powered small fridges. BODEGA 12 Volt Solar Refrigerator And Freezer is a dual-zone fridge/freezer, with the left zone holding 30 quarts and the right area containing 23 quarts, for a total storage capacity of 53 quarts.
You may control each zone’s temperature individually. Both manual and smartphone control are available on this solar-powered refrigerator. Install the Bodega app on your Android or iOS device, plug in the cable, switch on the appliance, and follow the straightforward instructions to use the app control.
A battery protection system with three degrees of protection (high, medium, and low) allows you to match varied starter and shutdown voltages correctly. Thanks to the strong compressor, the interior can be refrigerated to 32 degrees Fahrenheit in as little as 15 minutes!
4. Dometic CFX3 Solar Refrigerator And Freezer
Currently, Dometic offers an excellent solar-powered portable refrigerator. It’ll be perfect for your next fishing or camping excursion.
Dometic CFX3 solar refrigerator and freezer contain a vast capacity to keep all of your food and beverages cool and safe. It also comes with a detachable wire divider to assist you in figuring out what fits.
It’s built using a heavy-duty ExoFrame, yet it’s still light, coming in at only 69.9 pounds. The edges of the frame are very adequately protected. It also includes aluminum-alloy wheels, making it easy to transfer to your lodge or picnic location.
It includes a 3-stage dynamic battery protection mechanism and may be powered by AC or solar. Therefore, you won’t be able to drain your car battery while driving in this manner.
Its strong compressor can cool and freeze the contents to -7 degrees Fahrenheit. This configuration is enough for storing all of your food and drink for a long journey.
There’s also a temperature control app that lets you regulate the temperature from your phone, which adds a convenient touch to the overall product. Thanks to the high-resolution color display, you can read it even at night.
5. ICECO VL60 Solar Refrigerator And Freezer
The ICECO VL60 portable refrigerator is next on the list. Although it has a built-in DC adaptor, the compressor electronics work with AC and DC power. Furthermore, it comes with two power cords, one for 12/24VDC and another for 110V to 240V AC power.
This solar refrigerator has solar panels as well as a power source. In addition, the compressor features an excellent safety feature. When linked to a car, it will automatically turn off so that the vehicle’s starting battery is not damaged.
It’s also small enough to pack in the trunk of a car for long camping excursions. However, it still boasts a massive 60L capacity to hold all of your food and beverages. Furthermore, two heavy-duty metal handles on the side allow it to be lifted into and out of the trunk by two persons.
It also incorporates a variable-control quick cooling compressor. In addition, you can adjust the temperature you need with dual cooling zones, which allow you to choose between a freezer and a refrigerator.
A fantastic LED display is also included. Even in high light, its display is clearly visible, and during the day, you may modify the temperature and mode. Finally, it also comes with a five-year compressor guarantee and a one-year warranty on everything else. As a result, ICECO has you covered.
6. ACOPOWER Portable Solar Fridge And Freezer
Longer camping excursions need more food and more storage space, and this is where ACOPOWER’s solar fridge comes in. This solar-powered fridge has a 42-quart capacity and may be used as both a refrigerator and a freezer.
The temperature may be adjusted by degrees on the easy-to-read LCD thermostat, ensuring that the food stays at the precise temperature you like. Although this model may be used at home or in the workplace, it is particularly well suited to travel.
It includes heavy-duty wheels and a trolly handle, making it easy to transfer your meals. Rechargeable batteries will last up to 15 hours on a single charge, making travel even more accessible. Additionally, this device has several charging methods, allowing you to charge it wherever you are.
You may charge it using a conventional AC outlet at home, a cigarette lighter in your car, a solar power station, or a portable solar panel designed exclusively for this refrigerator. With all of these options, you will never run out of electricity.
The Best Solar Refrigerators: What To Consider
It’s not difficult to get the best solar refrigerator for you. The first stage is to figure out what style you want, after which you can go on to the power requirements. Here are some things to think about.
The Style Of The Best Solar Refrigerator
Choosing a style is very simple, but you should know a few things about each type to aid your decision.
You have a few alternatives for stationary models, just as you would with a standard fridge. Is it necessary to have a freezer or only a refrigerator? Are you looking for a model that is upright or chest-style?
If you want a model with a freezer, look for one that has a freezer on top. Cold air will float down as heat increases. It will be cooler inside the refrigerator when the cold air from the freezer settles, so you won’t need to use an additional fan.
The Power Of The Best Solar Refrigerator
Once you’ve decided on a style, it’s time to revisit the topic of power. By getting this far, you already know how vital it is to seek an energy-efficient model, but here’s a simple piece of advice to get you started. Look for the EnergyGuide badge if you’re shopping for a fixed solar refrigerator.
It should display how many kWh the unit consumes for a year. Even with greater ambient temperatures, you should be able to operate your refrigerator with about 1000 watts of solar modules as long as that amount is under 365 kWh.
Because most portable devices are 12/24v and simple to plug into your solar power station, they are considerably easier to power. However, remember that they don’t come with a power supply, so plan and ensure you have one on hand.
Portable solar refrigerators are similar to coolers, except they don’t require ice. They’re small and typically easy to transport. This is another instance where you may choose the optimal model based on your preferences.
If you plan to transport your solar fridge from one location to another, choose a model with wheels and a solid handle. A heavier-duty model is recommended if you’re traveling in an RV or merely want to utilize your solar fridge at home. These usually have a higher capacity, but they are heavier and less portable.
If you already have a solar system and want to install a permanent solar refrigerator, pick a simple model that uses less than 365 kWh per year. If you want a portable device, just remember to carry your solar power station when you’re packing your camping supplies.
Conclusion
Solar energy is not only the better option for your wallet, but it is also better for the environment, which means that every time you use it, you are benefiting everyone.
Solar power may not be the first thing that springs to mind regarding refrigeration, but companies like Whytner and Alpicool are now a viable alternative. Choosing the best solar refrigerator for you is as easy as picking a style and ensuring you have enough electricity to keep it running.