Hey everyone! I'm trying to figure out if my off-grid solar system is capable of running a standard electric refrigerator. I've had enough of my propane fridge failing, and getting propane to our camp in northern Ontario is a hassle. I have 1140 watts of solar panels and a 1000 Ah AGM battery setup that provides about 12 kWh of power at 12v. Currently, we use around 1.6 kWh daily, and the new fridge would add another 1.2 kWh, totaling about 2.8 kWh daily usage. Ideally, I'd like to maintain my battery levels at or above 70%, although I can handle going lower occasionally, especially during those dreary October days when the sun isn't shining much. Given my setup, will I be able to keep my drinks cold, or am I pushing it too close? Appreciate any advice!
3 Answers
You've got a solid setup! With 1140 watts generating around 4.5 kWh even on a rough day, your current daily usage of 2.8 kWh should be manageable, especially since you're prioritizing battery health at 70% SOC. Just remember that in those gloomy months, you might want to optimize your fridge use by putting it on a timer or running it during peak sunlight hours. Keeping additional mass in the fridge can help maintain the coolness too—like ice packs. If you're up for it in the future, consider switching to LiFePO4 batteries; they can give you more cycles and better performance overall. Your beer should stay cold without too much stress!
Your solar setup sounds pretty good for the colder months! Just remember, I’m at 52N, and my winter solar production is down to around 400Wh per day. I would suggest double-checking your power needs for the fridge during winter, especially if you're planning on using quite a bit more energy than you're generating. Maybe think about setting up a smart thermostat to help manage the power flow, saving some juice during the night while you're snoozing. You’ve got this!
Thanks for the advice! Learning a lot about solar usage in winter has been eye-opening. A smart thermostat sounds like a good investment—I might have to make that a priority!
Lol, are you considering keeping your fridge cold in winter? You could just stick the beer outside! But seriously, if you're concerned about power, maybe keep an eye on the fridge's power draw? If it pulls too much, you might want to limit its use or consider just using it for essentials. Also, check your battery charging during those overcast days; maybe have a backup gas option to top off the charge if you need to.
Haha, I wish I could just use the outdoor temps for beer! Keeping an eye on the power draw is a good idea, for sure. Maybe a timed approach will balance it out. Appreciate the humor!
Thanks for the tips! I've been worried about efficiency. I'll definitely try using a timer and packing ice in the freezer. Would you recommend any specific brands for LiFePO4 if I decide to upgrade?