People living off the grid often look for an off-grid refrigerator that does not depend on the utility grid to work. You definitely don't want a fridge full of food to go bad because it couldn't be powered for days or weeks. One of the best ways to keep the off-grid refrigerator charged is by using a solar-powered generator.
Jackery Solar Generators are reliable battery backups that can charge up to 99% of appliances, including refrigerators. They feature foldable handles and highly efficient batteries that can supply uninterrupted power to electrical appliances. You can even move the generator outdoors to ensure you have power wherever you go.
Key Takeaways
- An off-grid refrigerator is one that is not powered by gas or electricity supplied by the utility company.
- An average refrigerator might consume nearly 400-600W of electricity per hour, though the exact power consumption will depend on its size and capacity.
- A solar generator is one of the best ways to run refrigerators and appliances off the grid.
- Some off-grid refrigerator options include solar, thermoelectric, propane, ice box, chest cooler, AC chest freezer, and solar-powered DC refrigerator.
What Is an Off Grid Refrigerator
An off-grid refrigerator is designed to run without the need for electrical power or gas supplied by the utility grid. The refrigerators use different features to reduce the total energy use, such as working on alternate power sources like solar generators, having thick insulation, or using highly efficient cooling methods. The primary goal of an off-grid refrigerator is to reduce the high electricity bills and switch to clean, green energy when living off the grid.
If you're planning to choose the best off-the-grid refrigerators for your needs, here are a few things you need to keep in mind:
Available Power
The first thing you need to do is understand the power requirement of the off-grid refrigerator. If you have a solar generator to charge off-grid appliances, you can consider investing in a regular off-grid refrigerator. However, if you don't have access to electricity, it may be worth investing in iceboxes, coolers, or propane refrigerators.
Size
The space in your home and the amount of food you want to store will directly impact the size of the off-grid refrigerator. Such refrigerators are available in different sizes, ranging from compact dorm-style fridges to large chest fridges and freezers. If you have limited space, a compact dorm-style fridge would work. On the other hand, a large chest fridge would work for a large family.
Durability & Maintenance
The choice of an off-grid fridge should be based on its durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance. Always choose a refrigerator that can work all day without any issues. In addition, it should be easy to maintain and repair, so you don't have to wait for weeks for a specialist to fix the fridge for minor issues.
Price
Lastly, you would need to look for an off-grid refrigerator that fits your budget. Generally, a good off-grid refrigerator may cost anywhere from $50 to $2000, depending on its quality, features, and durability.
Off-Grid Refrigerator Options
When it comes to choosing the right off-grid refrigerator for your needs, you'll need to look for the type of current it runs on alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). While AC fridges are more suitable for standard electricity systems, DC fridges are energy-efficient and ideal for off-grid living.
Solar Refrigerator
Solar refrigerators are the latest off-the-grid refrigerators that have become a viable option after solar power systems have skyrocketed. They combine greater insulation and feature a more efficient compressor system to offer higher efficiency rates.
Both DC and AC-powered refrigerators are available. Your choice will depend on the type of solar system and inverter you have. When plugged into a solar power system, the AC off-grid fridges run off the DC power generated by the solar panels.
Pros
- Wide range of refrigerator sizes available
- Not expensive in the long run
- Offers fridges and refrigerators with high-efficiency
Cons
- High upfront costs
- Repairs are complicated and expensive
- Weather-dependent
Thermoelectric Refrigerator
Thermoelectric refrigerators are compressor-less refrigerators that use little power and rely on the Peltier effect to function. Modern thermoelectric off-grid refrigerators use a pair of plates linked by a large number of connectors.
They typically have low cost, are durable, and operate efficiently on a very small scale. Since it does not have any moving parts, they are easier to maintain. However, one downside of such refrigerators is that they lose efficiency as they get larger.
Pros
- Energy efficiency at small scale
- Budget-friendly
- No moving parts that increase longevity and durability
Cons
- Rapid loss of efficiency as the size increases
- Require constant power supply
Propane Refrigerator
Propane refrigerators are another reliable solution for those living off the grid or in an RV. They typically rely on a sealed tube filled with water, hydrogen, and ammonia solution. It works when the propane flame causes the solution to boil and capture gas formed at the top of the tube system. It creates a pressure change that pulls heat from the inside of the propane refrigerator. They are easier to operate and maintain because they do not have any compressors or circulating fans.
Pros
- Runs only on propane and without any power
- Nearly silent working
- Relatively inexpensive to operate
Cons
- Requires propane storage
- Expensive upfront cost
Ice Box
Ice boxes are one of the oldest ways to keep food chilled. They maintain safe temperatures for days to weeks with a single pack full of ice blocks. If you live in a colder region and can easily compress your own ice blocks using snow, you may consider using ice boxes. They do not require any propane or power, making them more affordable compared to other options.
Pros
- Can be easily used with ice blocks for refrigerated goods and dry ice for frozen goods
- Uses no power or propane
- Available in either traditional ice box or modern highly insulated cooler
Cons
- Requires regular purchase of ice, which is inconvenient
- Need deep cleaning and sanitation to prevent bacteria growth
- Can become waterlogged if not properly sealed
Solar-powered DC Refrigerator
Solar-powered DC refrigerators can easily be hooked up to a solar system and run off DC power. You can plug these refrigerators into the solar battery bank and keep the food items cool. Some solar-powered DC refrigerator models include a solar panel plugged directly into the fridge to power the battery inside the refrigerator, which further powers the compressor.
Pros
- Reduces reliance on fossil fuels
- Provide a high standard of temperature control
Cons
- Need sunlight to work
- High upfront cost
Chest Cooler
A chest cooler is capable of maintaining freezing temperatures for an extended period of time. It is an insulated and portable container that works with cold sources like ice and insulation. The walls and lid of the chest cooler are insulated with foam to minimize heat transfer.
Pros
- Come in various sizes to meet diverse needs
- Easy to transport
- Inexpensive to operate
Cons
- Maintaining a consistent temperature is hard
- Melting ice can make the food soggy
12V Refrigerator
Because of their portability and functionality, 12V refrigerators are used mainly by RV and camping communities. They keep food and drinks cool. These refrigerators are typically powered by the vehicle's battery or a solar system installed in the car.
Pros
- Ideal for constant traveling
- Maintain cool temperature in hot environments
- Can easily be charged with a small battery
Cons
- Can quickly drain a vehicle's battery
- More expensive than regular appliances
AC Chest Freezer
Similar to the AC refrigerator, an AC chest freezer is designed to run on 120V grid power. You can even plug it into the solar system with an inverter or a solar system with an inverter. Since these freezers have lift-top doors and extra-thick insulation, they are more energy-efficient than front-opening fridges.
Pros
- More energy-efficient
- Highly affordable compared to other freezers
- Large storage capacity
Cons
- Less convenient than standing fridges
- May take up more floor space
Off-Grid Refrigerator Power Consumption
On average, a domestic refrigerator draws 400 - 600W of electricity per hour. However, the exact power consumption of the off-grid refrigerator will depend on the appliance's size, capacity, and age. One important thing to note is that a refrigerator does not work for 24 hours. The refrigerator's compressor only cycles when the temperature goes beyond a defined point.
Ideally, a refrigerator runs 35% of the time or 8 hours in a full 24 period. If the average off-grid refrigerator draws around 500W of electricity per hour and runs for 8 hours, it will consume a total of 4kWh per day or 120kWh per month. Here's a table where we will reveal the average power consumption of different sizes of refrigerators:
|
Off Grid Refrigerator |
Size |
Power Consumption |
|
Mini Refrigerator |
4.5 Cubic Feet |
100-200W |
|
Middle Refrigerator |
12 Cubic Feet |
300-500W |
|
Large Refrigerator |
27 Cubic Feet |
600-800W |
The specific amps and volts of the refrigerator are on the appliance itself. The wattage or electricity consumption of the off-grid refrigerator can be calculated by multiplying volts and amps. For example, if the volts are 120V and the amps are 3A, the total electricity consumption will be 360W per hour. When operated for 8 hours, it will need 2880Wh of electricity per day.
One of the best ways to charge the refrigerator without drawing electricity from the power grid is by using solar-powered generators. Jackery Solar Generators are available in different sizes and can charge most off-grid appliances, including refrigerators. They are portable and feature foldable handles to move them from one place to another whenever needed.
How Do You Power an Off-Grid Refrigerator
Solar generators are eco-friendly solutions that can charge refrigerators of different sizes for hours without being dependent on the grid. Jackery is a reputable solar brand manufacturer that offers high-quality solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. The Jackery Solar Generators feature highly efficient batteries that can charge up to 99% of off-grid appliances.
Jackery can power refrigerators and freezers of different sizes. You can place the solar panels under direct sunlight to convert the sun's rays into electricity and supply the DC to a portable power station. The pure sine wave inverter then converts the DC to AC electricity to charge appliances, such as refrigerators. They have a foldable handle and ergonomic design to move the generator anywhere you would like.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
If you want to charge small or midsize refrigerators in your off-grid home, you may consider investing in the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus. It has an ergonomic design and foldable handle to move the generator and charge appliances on the go. It's also an ideal solution for those planning to live in an RV and charge up to 99% of RV appliances. The upgradeability feature ensures the battery can be expanded from 1.2kWh to 5kWh with the additional Jackery Battery Pack 1000 Plus.
Appliances Running Time
- Mini Fridge (100W) = 10.7H
- Freezer (150W) = 7.1H
- Single Door Large Refrigerator (200W) = 5.3H
- Average Refrigerator (500W) = 2.1H
- Double Door Large Refrigerator (600W) = 1.7H
Customer Review
"We've had the unit for a while now and absolutely love how rugged it is. The solar panels work great, and the peace of mind of knowing we have a battery backup for all our devices and some appliances is awesome." — John Brogan.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a large solar-powered generator capable of charging up to 99% of appliances. It can supply power to large refrigerators to keep food items and drinks cool for long hours. Despite the larger capacity, the solar generator is easy to move around because of its double wheels, pull rods, and foldable handle. The battery capacity can be extended up to 24kWh with the additional Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus to meet the power needs of an off-grid home.
Appliances Running Time
- Mini Fridge (100W) = 17.3H
- Freezer (150W) = 11.5H
- Single Door Large Refrigerator (200W) = 8.6H
- Average Refrigerator (500W) = 3.4H
- Double Door Large Refrigerator (600W) = 2.8H
Customer Review
"Amazing, I went off-grid with it, and we love it. We live in a camper and power up everything for at least 2 days without charging but using everything, so I'm very happy that we got it. We have a small Jackery that we relied on, but now we have no problem with power." — Marcin Powichrowski.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro can charge up to 99% of household appliances, including small and large off-grid refrigerators. It also features a foldable handle, double wheels, and a pull rod to easily transport the solar generator and ensure an uninterrupted power supply to the appliances. The Smart App control ensures you can monitor the battery performance and output using your smartphone. In addition, it emits only 30dB (less than that of a whisper) of noise, meaning it won't disturb your sleep at night.
Appliances Running Time
- Mini Fridge (100W) = 25.7H
- Freezer (150W) = 17.1H
- Single Door Large Refrigerator (200W) = 12.8H
- Average Refrigerator (500W) = 5.1H
- Double Door Large Refrigerator (600W) = 4.2H
Customer Review
"We took our Explorer 3000 Pro with us on a dry camping trip, and it was a total success. Instead of having to rely on our generator like we normally do, the Jackery literally carried any load we needed it to, and the solar recharging was awesome! I would recommend this unit for anyone with a travel trailer (or larger camper)." — Andrew Bowman.
Solar Refrigerator Vs. Solar Generator for Refrigerator
One of the best ways to charge off-grid refrigerators is by switching to clean solar energy. You'll typically have options to use solar energy to keep foods and drinks cool, including solar refrigerators or solar generators for refrigerators. Let's explain them briefly:
Solar Refrigerator
Instead of using electricity to work, solar refrigerators run on the energy produced by solar or PV panels. While they function similarly to traditional refrigerators, the only difference is that solar refrigerators use clean energy to work.
Solar Generator for Refrigerator
A solar generator for a refrigerator combines solar panels and a battery storage system. The solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is supplied to the portable power station. With solar generators, you can plug in household appliances such as refrigerators, TVs, water heaters, etc., and charge them for long hours.
|
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Solar Refrigerator |
● Reduce energy dependence on the utility grid ● Highly portable and eco-friendly ● Powered by clean and green energy |
● May be challenging to maintain ● Limited functions and features ● Not ideal for locations with less sunshine ● More expensive |
|
Solar Generator for Refrigerator |
● Battery stores the excess energy to charge appliances on cloudy days or at night ● Operates more quietly than traditional generators and requires less maintenance ● Low operational costs as it runs on solar |
● High upfront investment ● Weather-dependent |
If you are looking for reliable battery backups for refrigerators and freezers, you may consider going ahead with the Jackery Solar Generators. They are compact in size and feature a large capacity to charge up to 99% of off-grid appliances, including refrigerators, ACs, lights, etc.
How to Make An Off-Grid Refrigerator
When it comes to making an off-grid generator for a refrigerator, the first thing you need to do is consider the materials required. Ideally, you'll need to have a DC refrigerator, solar panels, a charge controller, a battery, an inverter, wiring, connectors, and mounting hardware for solar panels. Once you've everything ready, here’s how to make an off-grid refrigerator that works on solar energy:
Step 1: Determine Power Requirements
Start by calculating how many watts a refrigerator uses, which is typically available on the appliance or in the user manual. This will help you understand the size of solar panels and battery storage required to power the refrigerator off the grid.
Step 2: Select and Install Solar Panels
The solar panels you choose should match the wattage requirements of the off-grid refrigerator. If you plan to invest in rooftop solar panels, make sure they are mounted in such a way as to maximize sunlight. You can use the mounting hardware to install the solar panels on the rooftop.
Step 3: Install the Charge Controller
The charge controller in the solar power system regulates the current and voltage coming from the panels and flowing to the battery to prevent overcharging and damage. Carefully install the charge controller to route energy from the panels to the battery.
Step 4: Connect the Battery
LiFePO4 and lithium-ion batteries are highly efficient batteries that can charge off-grid refrigerators. The battery backup stores the excess electricity generated by the solar panels to offer a continuous supply at night or on cloudy days. Before proceeding, make sure the connections are correct and secure.
Step 5: Set Up the Inverter
If the refrigerator needs AC power, you'll need to install an inverter to safely convert the DC to AC power needed to charge the off-grid refrigerator. You can then connect the inverter to the battery and plug the fridge into it.
Note: If your refrigerator is DC, consider skipping this step.
Step 6: Test the Off-Grid Refrigerator
Finally, connect the refrigerator to the battery or inverter, depending on your setup. Then, turn on the fridge and monitor the appliance for some time. Regularly check the battery levels and solar panels for optimum performance.
Alternatives to Help You Survive Without Refrigeration
If you're living off the grid without access to power or want to reduce your reliance on the refrigerator, there are many other ways to preserve food items and survive without refrigeration. For example, a spring house or old well can help you extend the life of the food items without relying on traditional refrigerators.
Spring House
A spring house is a building built over a spring that rises from the ground. The cool water keeps the building materials cold, which leads to natural refrigeration. Spring houses are a great way to keep food and drinks cool without refrigeration.
Old Well
You can easily survive without refrigeration if you have an old well and a few fish baskets. You'll need some Mason jars that can be packed and sealed tightly for this. Next, place these jars in the fish baskets and submerge them in the well to keep them cold.
Underground Fridge
As the name suggests, an underground fridge is a fridge that is buried underground. Such a fridge already has great insulation, which increases when buried in the ground to preserve foods. While you would need to bury the fridge deep in hot places, a 55-gallon drum buried underground will work in colder areas.
Root Cellar
You can dig a hole, fill it with a wall of bricks, and place a wooden top with bricks at the top to build a quick root cellar. If direct sunlight falls on the root cellar, you can consider putting some shade on it. You can even add some solar panels at the top to create usable electricity.
Honey
Honey is a natural preservative, and some types of foods can be preserved with it. For example, you can pour nuts and fruits into a glass jar and then pour honey over them.
Off-Grid Refrigerator FAQs
What size solar generator do I need for off-grid refrigeration?
The size of the solar generator for the refrigerator will depend on the size and capacity of the appliance and for how long you would like to run it. Let's say you want to charge a refrigerator drawing 500W with the help of the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus. The running time can be calculated with the help of the following:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliance = 1264Wh × 0.85 ÷ 500W = 2.1H
Note: Multiplying battery capacity by 0.85 indicates that there will be some power loss while charging the appliances.
Can you have a fridge off-grid?
Yes, you can have an off-grid fridge with the help of solar generators. The Jackery Solar Generators can provide sufficient running and starting wattage for the refrigerator, ensuring you can operate the appliances with solar energy.
How long can a fridge be powered off?
A refrigerator can keep food items safe for up to 4 hours without power. However, you should keep the doors closed and discard refrigerated, perishable food such as fish, eggs, poultry, meat, and leftovers after 4 hours without electricity.
Can I run a fridge off solar panels?
Yes, solar panels combined with a portable power station can help you charge a fridge for hours. If the refrigerator consumes 500W of electricity per hour, you can charge it with the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus for 3.4 hours.
How long will a solar battery run a refrigerator without electricity?
The operating time of the refrigerator will directly depend on the capacity of the solar battery. For example, 10kWh is enough to charge an average refrigerator (500W running watts) for around 16 - 18 hours.
Final Thoughts
An off-grid refrigerator can work with the help of an alternative power source, such as solar, to reduce the reliance on the utility grid and save on electricity bills. One of the best ways to charge an off-grid refrigerator is by using a solar-powered generator such as Jackery Solar Generator. These solar generators are powerful, portable, and reliable charging solutions that can charge up to 99% of household or outdoor appliances.
Do you live off the grid, or are you planning to live without access to the utility grid? How do you charge your appliances without utility power? Let us know in the comments below!
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