A solar refrigerator is a refrigerator that uses solar energy to power its cooling system. Solar refrigerators are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Solar refrigerators use thermal energy from the sun to power a compressor, which cools the air inside the fridge. The Compressor is a key component of any refrigerator, and it is what makes the fridge cold.
The sun’s heat is absorbed by a black metal material, which transfers the heat to a fluid such as Freon. The Freon expands and becomes less dense, which causes it to flow into the refrigerator’s evaporator coils. As the Freon evaporates, it absorbs heat from inside the fridge, cooling the air.
Solar refrigerators are very efficient and can often save people money on their electric bills. In addition, solar refrigerators are good for the environment because they do not produce any emissions. Solar refrigerators are an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint, and they are also very convenient because you do not have to worry about running out of power.
Solar refrigerators are becoming increasingly popular as the cost of solar panels has dropped and the demand for environmentally-friendly appliances has grown. Solar refrigerators can be used in both homes and businesses.
Quick Overview Of Solar Refrigerators
Best Overall: DOMETIC CFX3 Refrigerator And Freezer
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Best Energy Efficient: Whynter FM-45G Portable Refrigerator
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Best For Travel: Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator
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Best Durable: ICECO GO20 Dual Zone Refrigerator
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Best In Value: ACOPOWER LiONCooler Portable Freezer
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Best Large Size: ICECO VL60 Portable Refrigerator
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Best In Innovation: COSTWAY Car Refrigerator
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Best In Small Design: Smad Mini Fridge
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Best In Solar: Dometic 45-Ltr Portable Refrigerator
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Best In Versatility: AstroAI 12 Volt Refrigerator
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Contents
The 10 Best Solar Refrigerators In 2024
Best Overall: DOMETIC CFX3 Refrigerator And Freezer
DOMETIC CFX3 refrigerator and freezer utilize VMSO3 compressor cooling technology to deep freeze down to –7 °F, making it perfect for storing meat, seafood, and other perishables.
It’s made with lightweight ExoFrame construction and includes aluminum-alloy handles for easy carrying. Plus, it has a versatile design that allows you to use it as either a fridge or a freezer.
One of the most innovative features is the built-in 3-stage dynamic battery protection system. This system ensures that your batteries are protected from over-charging, deep discharge, and excessive currents.
In addition to the battery protection system, the CFX3 also features a built-in WiFi connection. This allows you to control the temperature of the fridge from your smartphone or tablet, making it easy to adjust settings and check status updates.
It features two compartments, allowing users to store both food and drinks. The unit is compact and can be easily transported, making it ideal for camping trips or other outdoor activities.
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Best Energy Efficient: Whynter FM-45G Portable Refrigerator
The Whynter FM-45G portable refrigerator has dimensions of 16.5″ D x 23.5″W x 20.5″H, making it large enough to store plenty of food and drinks. Plus, the 45-quart capacity means that you won’t have to worry about running out of space.
It has an adjustable temperature range from 8°F to 50°F, so you can choose the perfect temperature for your needs. The LED temperature display makes it easy to see what the current temperature is, and the “fast freeze” mode ensures that your food stays cold and fresh.
It comes with an 8-foot AC power cord and a 10-foot DC power cord, so you can easily take it with you wherever you go. It also has two removable wire baskets, so you can keep your food and drinks organized. And if you need to keep things cold for a long time, the insulated lid and wall will help to keep the heat out.
This fridge features stainless steel side handles for easy transport, and it’s ETL approved for safety and quality.
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Best For Travel: Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator
The Alpicool C15 portable refrigerator has a 10.2″D x 12.6″W x 22.4″H dimension and gives -4°F cooling, so you can trust that your food will stay fresh for hours.
Additionally, this fridge has a compact design so it won’t take up too much space in your car, and it also comes with a convenient carrying handle for easy transport.
With a 16-quart capacity, it is large enough to store a variety of different items. Additionally, the three different levels of battery protection ensure that your belongings will stay cool even in the event of a power outage.
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Best Durable: ICECO GO20 Dual Zone Refrigerator
The ICECO GO20 refrigerator has a 21 quarts capacity. It has two cooling zones, so you can keep your perishable items in one area and your frozen items in another. The dimensions of this fridge are 12.6″D x 22.4″W x 12.4″H.
The coolest part about this fridge is that it has a SECOP compressor, which means it’s very energy efficient and will save you money on your electricity bill.
It is ETL approved and backed up by 5 Years warranty on the compressor and 1 Year warranty on accessories. The fridge has two compartments, each with its own temperature control.
In addition, the fridge comes with a wide range of features, such as a built-in ice maker, LED lighting, and a self-closing door.
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Best In Value: ACOPOWER LiONCooler Portable Freezer
The ACOPOWER LiONCooler portable freezer has a strong compressor that can make the temperature inside the unit drop to 32℉, making it ideal for storing perishables. The unit also has a generous capacity, measuring 16.1 x 24.72 x 22.95 inches.
This cooler has a 52-quart capacity. The digital smart control panel with electronic temperature control allows you to easily adjust the temperature of the cooler to ensure that your food and drinks stay at the desired temperature.
Additionally, it can be controlled by an app, making it even easier to keep track of the temperature of your food and drinks.
The stretchable handles and 6 off-road wheels make it easy to move the freezer from one location to another, and the built-in handle makes it easy to carry.
Pros
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Best Large Size: ICECO VL60 Portable Refrigerator
The ICECO VL60 refrigerator has dimensions are 19.4″D x 31.2″W x 18.8″H and it has a 63.4-quart capacity, making it perfect for large families or groups who need a lot of space.
Additionally, the fridge comes with two separate compartments so you can easily organize your food and drinks. It also has an LED display so you can easily see what temperature each compartment is set at.
It provides a reliable source of cooling, with a temperature range of 0°F to 50°F. It is also, backed up by 5 Years warranty on the compressor and 1 Year warranty on accessories.
In addition, the ECO mode helps conserve energy, making it an ideal choice for those looking for an eco-friendly option.
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Best In Innovation: COSTWAY Car Refrigerator
The COSTWAY car refrigerator has 16″ D x 25″W x 21″H dimension and 53 quarts capacity making it fit perfectly in the backseat or trunk of your car, freeing up valuable space.
The fridge comes with an easy-to-use control panel that lets you choose between 4 different temperature settings, making it easy to find the perfect setting for your food and drinks.
It is equipped with a high-quality compressor, it can cool from -4°F to 50°F. Additionally, the fridge comes with an easy-to-use control panel which makes it simple to adjust the temperature and ensure that your food stays at the perfect temperature.
The fridge features two large wheels and a pull-up handle, making it easy to transport. It comes with a 3-level battery protection system to ensure your food stays cool even when your car isn’t running.
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Best In Small Design: Smad Mini Fridge
The Smad Mini Fridge is perfect for a small office or bedroom. Its compact design takes up minimal space and can be easily stored under a desk or in a closet.
The fridge has a temperature range of 3~12 ℃. It has a 15.75″D x 17.32″W x 19.69″H dimension. It is equipped with an adjustable shelf, a door handle, and an LED light.
It has a reversible door that can be installed to open left or right, making it easy to use in any space. In addition, the fridge has an adjustable thermostat, so you can easily control the temperature inside.
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Best In Solar: Dometic 45-Ltr Portable Refrigerator
The Dometic CFX3 refrigerator is a great option for those who are looking for a reliable and durable fridge. It has a 45-liter capacity, making it perfect for storing food and drinks for a family or group of friends.
The dimensions of the fridge are 22.16″D x 30.86″W x 19.24″H, making it a great size for most spaces.
With durable ExoFrame construction, this fridge is built to withstand the rigors of the road. The aluminum alloy handles make it easy to carry, even when fully loaded.
And thanks to the advanced cooling technology, the CFX3 can keep your food and drinks cold for up to 10 days.
Pros
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Best In Versatility: AstroAI 12 Volt Refrigerator
The AstroAI 12-volt refrigerator comes with a capacity of 55 liters, it can easily accommodate larger items. The dimensions of the fridge are 13.58″D x 27.28″W x 21.46″H, making it compact enough to fit in most cars and trucks.
This fridge can cool down to 95°F in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for keeping your food and drinks cold during long road trips.
It has an ECO mode that helps to conserve power and save you money. It includes three levels of battery protection to help prevent your food.
The fridge also features a built-in LED light for ease of use in low-light conditions.
Pros
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What to Consider in a Solar Refrigerator?
There are a few things that you must know before buying a solar refrigerator. These things/ factors will help you select the best solar refrigerator out there:
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Eco-Friendly
This is the first and most important feature to consider in a solar refrigerator. The refrigerators that work use solar panels tend to conserve more energy and also help in the reduction of overall output. If you’re buying a solar refrigerator, see to it that it is convenient and eco-friendly so that it saves energy.
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Portability
Portability is one of the important features to look for in any appliance. You won’t always keep the solar refrigerator in one place, eventually, you will need to shift it or move it for some purpose. If the solar refrigerator is not portable, it will be difficult for you to carry it to any other places and that may cause problems. Suppose, you’re going outside for some time and you need to bring the solar refrigerator with you on your trip to reduce the inconvenience, the portability will be of use to you at such times. So, always check the refrigerator for portability.
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Remote Access
People who live in remote areas where the resources are less and electricity is not available face many problems. The solar refrigerator doesn’t require any electricity to work, instead, it takes the energy from the sun, and in such remote places, it can be utilized fully and efficiently. So, if you reside in a remote place or are camping in such areas, the solar refrigerator will be of great use to you. It keeps the food items fresh and safe when there is no power connection or electricity. So, you must look for this feature in the solar refrigerator before buying.
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Size
The size of the solar refrigerator is yet another factor to consider while looking for one. If you store food in large quantities, you’ll probably need a large-sized refrigerator whereas if you’re not that much of a food lover, a small-sized refrigerator will do. It depends on your consumption and requirements, the type of refrigerator you’ll buy.
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Price
The price of a solar refrigerator is the next important factor that helps in determining your buying decision. There are various types and sizes of solar refrigerators available all over the web and they all differ in price. You can get an adequate solar refrigerator anywhere in between $150-$500. Solar refrigerators apart from being sustainable, are also cost-effective. You can get a good quality solar refrigerator at a reasonable price so there is no need to worry about the cost. These are not expensive and are also quite advanced than a normal refrigerator.
How Does a Solar Refrigerator Work?
The solar refrigerator is like any regular refrigerator, it consists of a condenser, compressor, evaporator, and extension tap. All these parts have different functions and work by taking in the thermal energy.
Solar refrigerators require a solar panel to work, the energy absorbed by solar panels facilitates the functioning of the refrigerator. Solar energy is changed by the photovoltaic cells into electricity. Hence, enabling the refrigerator to perform all tasks with utmost efficiency.
Not only that, the battery saves the generated electricity for times such as at night when there is no power source or when there is a power cut or unsuitable weather conditions.
All refrigerators don’t have a battery, but which do, make full use of it. A solar refrigerator with a battery is a good option.
Solar refrigerators without a battery are equipped with PV panels, thermal storage, electronic controls, and a vapor compressor. The PV panels are used to convert the absorbed energy into DC power. This DC power is for the circulation of refrigerant in the vapor compressor. This enables the cooling/ freezing function in the refrigerator by forming an ice pack from the extracted heat by the insulator. The ice pack ensures the regulation of the cold temperature inside the refrigerator when there is no source for the generation of electricity or during the nighttime. This process keeps the refrigerator cold for the whole year.
What Are The Different Types Of Solar Refrigerators?
Various types of solar refrigerators available on the web are as follows
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Solar Mechanical refrigerator
These types of refrigerators have a Rankine system. So, when the solar panels absorb the energy, it is used for heating the solution. The compressor is continuously working in these refrigerators to maintain the cooling. These refrigerators require high temperatures for the engine to function properly, also one of the reasons why it is not as effective.
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Solar absorption refrigerator
The solar absorption refrigerators include components such as a pump, generator, and absorber (for compressing the refrigerant vapor). These refrigerators have an absorption cycle that creates a cooling effect inside the refrigerator. It uses solar power to heat the generator and then the refrigerant turns to liquid in the condenser. If you have a solar refrigerator and wants to run it using solar panel then you can check how many solar panels you need.
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Solar photovoltaic refrigerator
This is the most common and most effective refrigerator available on the web. This has photovoltaic cells that are used to convert the energy absorbed by solar panels into electricity. This electricity or power facilitates the operation of the compressor, refrigerant, and all refrigerator parts. This is convenient, effective, and easily available.
Benefits of a Solar Refrigerator
- They are efficient.
- Solar refrigerators are a sustainable option and they conserve energy.
- They have a good insulation system.
- Solar refrigerators don’t require electricity/ power to function; they use solar energy.
- They are cost-effective; the solar refrigerators are not expensive, and you can get a good solar refrigerator at a reasonable rate.
- They are eco-friendly; solar refrigerators don’t harm the environment.
- They are more advanced.
What Features Make a Solar Refrigerator?
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Power Supply
A power supply is one of the important features to consider in a solar refrigerator. If you’re residing in a remote place or are out on a trip where there is no source of power supply, a refrigerator that doesn’t need a power supply will be such a blessing. The solar refrigerators take energy from the sun to operate and also save energy for times when there is a power cut or at night when there is no sun. It enables cooling without any electricity/ power.
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Organization
This is yet another important feature in a solar refrigerator. Organizing the food items inside the drink is important for the utilization of available space correctly. Organization saves up space inside the refrigerator for you to store more food items. It will be messy if your refrigerator is not organized, making it difficult for you to access the food items when required.
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Heavy-duty
Your solar refrigerator should be heavy-duty and durable to keep your food safe and fresh for longer. The material of the refrigerator should be strong enough so that it is not damaged by any mere incidents. It is not the correct if the refrigerator can be dented easily. This feature is useful at times when you are out camping or on some road trip where you need a refrigerator. In that case, you’ll need to carry a strong and durable refrigerator.
FAQs
Selecting the best solar refrigerator to fit your needs can often be tiring. To solve this issue, we’ve brought you some of the best solar refrigerator brands that you can add to your list of options for solar refrigerators. These brands are totally genuine and the most trusted solar refrigerator brands; Sundanzer, EcoSolarCool, Whynter, ICECO, Alipcool, and LIONCooler.
We would recommend you to check out these brands before buying a solar refrigerator, they won’t disappoint you.
A warranty is like a backup plan. When you make a purchase for a product, you don’t know whether it’s durable or not, what if it’s not of good quality, or if it gets damaged easily. A warranty ensures that whenever there is such a situation, you can conveniently get the product replaced or returned without any formalities. The warranty can be for 1 or 2 years, sometimes more than that. If there is damage, you can get it repaired with the help of a warranty. So, a warranty is a cover-up for future product/ solar refrigerator problems.
The solar refrigerators are available both; online and offline. It’s up to you where you want to buy the refrigerator. You can find a solar refrigerator on various e-shopping platforms such as Amazon and other e-shopping sites. You get to select from a large variety of options if you buy online whereas in the offline mode you’ll need to visit different shops, which is quite tiring.
Some refrigerators come with an installation service whereas some do not. That’s no problem as you can install the solar refrigerator by yourself. A solar refrigerator is installed similarly to a normal/ traditional refrigerator. You can read the installation instructions manual with the solar refrigerator.
A solar refrigerator needs to be cared for and maintained like any other refrigerator. Clean the compressor on a regular basis to avoid any damage and don’t use any sharp objects to clean the refrigerator. You can clean the refrigerator with a damp cloth and make sure to clean it thoroughly to remove all the dust particles. If your refrigerator has a frosting system, defrost it while cleaning.
