When figuring out which solar-powered or off-the-grid refrigerator best suits your needs, you must consider what type of use you intend the fridge for.
Types of Solar Refrigerators
Different types of solar refrigerators are available if you’re looking for a refrigerator to power your home.
Type A – Panel Powered Solar Refrigerator
Panel-powered solar fridges use photovoltaic panels or thermal collectors at the back of the fridge, which converts sunlight into electricity to run fans inside that keep things cool. These devices require no installation but can be more costly than other models because they need direct light exposure to working well. The upside is that these systems don’t raise electric bills since they’re self-generating!
Type B – Battery Charged Solar Refrigerator
Battery-charged refrigerators use a solar system to charge a battery. The power from the battery is used to run an electric motor inside that cools things down and operates the fridge’s other functions like light, lock, or ice maker on demand.
Type C – Hybrid Solar Refrigerator
Hybrid solar refrigerators combine solar panel-powered fridges with a secondary option of using electricity when light exposure has been low for a while. These devices are a great choice because they have fewer downsides than each type: there’s no need for direct sunlight, but if it does go out, these systems can still function up until 12 hours later. They also don’t require installation, so you’ll save money in this department!
Capacity
The smallest one in our top 10 best solar refrigerators list is compact and holds only 4 quarts. Solar fridges of a higher capacity, such as the 85-quart fridge, are much tougher to transport (and can significantly change your style of travel), so it’s simply about what you need.
Temperature Range
Home refrigerators typically keep food cool between 35 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, but some have the ability to freeze food as well.
Features
Solar refrigerators can be exciting, but manufacturers often include additional features to make them more versatile. Check out some of these features based on your necessity:
Built-in power inverter:
These appliances can run a household electric appliance without an external converter. This makes the process more efficient and easier to manage when powering your electronics.
A lockable door:
You’ll need this if you’re storing anything of particular value inside! It’s easy enough for someone with access to break into these fridges, but providing one will make life much safer for those involved.
Ice maker on demand:
If you want ice, you don’t have to wait long thanks to this feature which means there is no waiting period before refrigeration can happen again too!
Removable Shelves:
The size of a fridge can be an issue when looking for food storage, but removable baskets or shelves are often helpful in organizing large items and making the clean-up process a little easier.
USB Charging Port:
When you’re away from the electricity grid, solar refrigerators with a USB charging port can keep cold food and drinks on hand as well as power your laptop.
LED lighting:
All the top-rated solar refrigerators and off-grid refrigerators we reviewed come with LED lights, but it’s worth checking to ensure. If your fridge is not equipped for LED lighting, you should consider adding sun-powered dusk to dawn light to illuminate it without needing AC power.
Warranty
One-year limited warranties are common when purchasing a solar refrigerator, but you should read the fine print before purchasing.
Costs
When buying a solar refrigerator, it pays to think about more than just the base price. Factor in how much you will need to pay for shipping, taxes, extended protection plans, and any accessories you might need separately, such as power cords or extra solar panels. Then match it with your budget.
Ease of Use
Same with most solar refrigerators on the market, they are straightforward. All you need to do is set them up and chill your food using these cool devices. We searched for models that offered step-by-step installation instructions, though this was not a must when it came to function.
Safety
While solar refrigerators may not have the same perks that gas refrigerators do, they are safe and worry-free because they run on low voltages.
Charging Time
A solar-powered refrigerator is powered by solar panels, which rely on good sunlight to power the unit. Before purchasing one, check how long it takes to charge the solar panels and how long it can last on one charge. You should look for a model that doesn’t need hours of direct sunlight to generate enough energy for use. Many models of solar refrigerators feature a battery system that provides a continuous power supply in an emergency.