SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
Member Is Offline
|
|
Solar powered refrigerator specs
Do you think this will work?
New 3.1 cubic feet 120 volt AC fridge
Energy consumption: 220 kwh/year (sticker on fridge)
100 watt solar panel
100 amp hour LiFePO4 battery
1500 watt inverter
Located on the beach south of Mulege where it's clear skies almost every day. October through May. No summer months.
Of course, I know more is better. I don't mind having the minimum system.
I already own the fridge and inverter. I'll be buying the solar panel and battery soon from Amazon.
[Edited on 9-5-2024 by SFandH]
|
|
Tioloco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2688
Registered: 7-30-2014
Member Is Offline
|
|
I give that a "maybe"
|
|
geoffff
Senior Nomad
Posts: 674
Registered: 1-15-2009
Member Is Offline
|
|
At 0.6 kWh per day (220 / 365), your 100 watt solar panel would need to pull in 6 hours of full sunlight every day.
"Probably." But might be safer to double the solar panels.
|
|
Cancamo
Nomad
Posts: 360
Registered: 4-5-2011
Member Is Offline
|
|
Simple solution these days is purchase a new inverted refrigerator in Mexico at various places, (Walmart, Chedraui, Copell, etc..), Samsung or LG, all
hecho en Mexico. Super efficient with up to six speeds instead of off/on like conventional models. Makes the propane refrigerators of the past
obsolete.
With new panel/panels, batteries, inverter....no worries at all.
I have installed many of these systems in remote ranches using USED panels, batteries, and small inverters. All these systems are still functioning
and providing the first refrigeration these folks have ever had. As the batteries fail in time, we put a power strip or a switch and shut it off when
the sun is down, (also avoid opening the refrigerator door at night). Not having the capital to purchase new batteries etc. leaves few options for
these folks.
This method has changed the lives of many Choyeros with more options and better nutrition
|
|
SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
Member Is Offline
|
|
Quote: Originally posted by geoffff | At 0.6 kWh per day (220 / 365), your 100 watt solar panel would need to pull in 6 hours of full sunlight every day.
"Probably." But might be safer to double the solar panels.
|
OK, I'm going for two 100-watt panels wired in parallel.
The fridge I have is new, brand name Atvio, purchased at Walmart in Mexico.
|
|
mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18391
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
|
|
There are a number of solar calculators that will help you calculate demand, storage and generation…
When i built 2 systems a while ago, i relied on forums at solarpaneltalk, good website to learn DIY home setups.
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
|
|
Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
Member Is Offline
Mood: Full Time Residents
|
|
you will only need 100w panel
the fridge is tiny and uses only 80w when on
in the summer it will be on all the time
your battery data at 100amp hours is off because the data is derived at 68f not the real temps that mulege gets
in the morning today it was 90f....after noon 110f
batteries act differently in the heat
i would be concerned about the tiny 1500w inverter being modified and not pure sine wave
could damage electronics inside the unit
and the fan on the little unit is going to be loud
you didn't say anything about wire from the panel to the charge controller or a single pole breaker
#6 wire will work
100amp single pole breaker will work
charge controller for a golf cart will work
for this i would save money and just get a 200amp hour AGM battery
lots of the lithium batteries are failing in the heat
|
|