It's no secret that solar is here to stay! It's becoming increasingly popular every year thanks to lowering solar panel prices, making them a more affordable option. Also, energy sectors and governments worldwide advocate for using renewable energy and less reliance on fossil fuels. Solar or photovoltaic power draws power from the sun, which is freely and naturally available. 

It has become a more sustainable and affordable option for homeowners and businesses. But did you know you can use solar energy to power your fridge or mini fridge? Solar powered refrigerators have numerous advantages over their traditional counterparts. Some key benefits are that they're more energy-efficient, have increased safety, free operation, are cost-effective and quieter, and reduce your carbon footprint. 

In this guide, we'll go over everything you need to know about solar refrigerators and how to select the best solar-powered refrigerator for your next trip. Read on!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solar Powered Refrigerator

 

Size and Weight

When choosing a solar fridge, the fridge you select must be big enough to meet your energy needs. For example, if you have a large household or family, it's wise to go for one large enough to accommodate all the food you’ll need. Besides, you must ensure the solar fridge fits in your available space. Fortunately, solar-powered refrigerators come in various sizes and weights, so you'll rest assured you'll find one perfect for your RV or home. 

The Type of Fridge

The next step is to ensure your selected fridge is designed for your needs. Solar-powered refrigerators are available for outdoor and indoor use, but for the sake of this article – we’re sticking to portable ones that you can take with you on your next trip. 

These types of solar powered refridgerators can be used in RVs or campers, remote homes, boats, cabins, camping, and tailgate parties! If you’re looking for a more permanent options for use in homes, medical clinics, and farms, you’ll want to invest in larger indoor solar fridges.

Pick the Right Features

Another factor is to ensure that you select a solar fridge with your required features. For example, if you're looking for an energy-efficient solar-powered fridge, select one designed to be as efficient as possible. Some types also have special features such as automatic defrosting and LED lights. You must also go for one with a warranty in case anything goes wrong with the fridge; you'll be covered. 

Popular Models of Solar Powered Refrigerators

Bougerv CR55 59 Quarts Portable Solar Fridge Freezer

If you plan to have a BBQ feast with friends and family while camping, the Bougerv CR55 59 Quarts Portable Solar Fridge Freezer is your best bet! This 12v portable solar-powered refrigerator has a large capacity and more experience holding more food and beverage simultaneously. 

It comes with two compartments in which you can control the temperature independently, and it can be used as a freezer and a refrigerator. You can also use it as a fridge/freezer, fridge/fridge, or freezer/freezer, meaning you can chill meat and cool drinks simultaneously. Besides, it has an app control that allows you to easily and accurately control the temperature by turning on or off the solar fridge or setting the mode from your mobile device. 

Also, you can check the status and temperature of your device at any time, and you can control either compartment separately according to the varying needs. Both compartments have a temperature range of between -4 to 68 degrees F. The Bougerv CR55 59 Quarts Portable Solar Fridge Freezer also has a digital panel that you can lock to avoid accidental touches. 

Pros

• Fast cooling via the compressor refrigeration technology
• Warranty and service of 2 years
• Two cooling modes; ECO mode ad MAX mode
• 3-level battery protection; automatic voltage detection, low voltage automatic power off, and ensure safe travel
• A detachable door
• Includes a package consisting of a chopping board, user manual, removable baskets, 110-240V DC power cord, 12/24V AC power cord, and a 59Qt freezer

Applicable Scenarios

• Beach party
• Home life
• Outdoor camping
• RV
• Road trip 
• Fishing
• Boating
• Off-road

Acopower Lion Cooler X50A 52 Quarts + 2X 173WH Extra Battery Portable Solar Fridge Freezer

The Acopower Lion Cooler is another powerful portable solar-powered refrigerator to consider for your next trip. It can take the temperature to zero degrees in twenty minutes via the max mode. It's also energy-saving, meaning you can use it continuously for ten hours at zero degrees. It has a detachable lithium battery that you can charge via a 12v/24V DC, 120v AC adapter, or the common 12V solar panel. You can also buy extra batteries to keep your items cool even when the weather isn't good.

The Acopower Lion Cooler also has a large capacity of 50 Liters allowing campers, truck/RV drivers, boat owners, and other users to store snacks, beverages, meat, or seafood. It has an app control that you can manage using a free Bluetooth app since it has a digital smart control panel with electronic temperature control. Besides, it has a portable design with a warranty and support of 1 year. 

Pros and Features

• Fast charge- 4 to 6 hours to charge fully
• Stays fully charged and chilling when connected to a power source
• Three ways to charge
• Every battery has a 10-hour life at -4 degrees F
• 173Wh Rechargeable battery
• Has a high-performance compressor
• No ice required
• Smart technology with an app control

Package List

• User manual
• Solare charger cable
• DC power cord
• 173Wh backup batteriesLiONCooler x50A solar fridge freezer
• AC adaptor

Tips for Maximizing Efficiency with a Solar Powered Refrigerator

Your solar-powered refrigerator is one of the hardest working appliances in your home. As a result, it'll benefit the environment and your wallet if you keep it at maximum efficiency. Below are the main tips for maximizing efficiency with a solar-powered refrigerator. 

Invest in Quality Solar Panels

This is one of the best ways to ensure your refrigerator uses quality solar panels. This is in terms of the type and energy efficiency. Some of the best quality solar panels include the Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel (pictured below) and the Ecoflow 400W Portable Solar Panels. With these, you're sure your solar-powered refrigerator will operate at maximum efficiency. 

Ensure Proper Insulation

Ensure the refrigerator doors are always airtight. However, be keen on this as the door ages where you can make adjustments to maintain energy efficiency. You can check the door's seal and close the door on a dollar bill so that one is in and the other half out of the refrigerator. 

Monitor the Temperature Settings

To help maximize your energy savings, ensure proper insulation and avoid keeping it too cold. To ensure the freezer and refrigerator don't waste energy, set the temperature in the refrigerator to between 37-40 degrees and your freezer to five degrees. You can use an appliance thermometer in a water glass in the compartments to measure the temperature.

Closing Thoughts 

A solar powered refrigerator is an ideal option compared to simple coolers with ice. They stay cooler for much longer, they're energy-efficient, cost-effective, and portable. 

To switch to solar-powered refrigerators for your next camping trip, browse Solar Paradise's large collection of solar power refrigerators  of all capacities and sizes. You can choose from large 50+ quart-sized to small 30-quartz-sized ones for your next trip. If you have any questions, you can always contact our support team, and we'll be happy to help.