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Author: Subject: Solar powered refrigerator specs
SFandH
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[*] posted on 9-5-2024 at 08:51 AM
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]




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Tioloco
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[*] posted on 9-6-2024 at 07:52 AM


I give that a "maybe"
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geoffff
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[*] posted on 9-6-2024 at 09:23 AM


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.





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[*] posted on 9-6-2024 at 11:55 AM


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
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SFandH
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[*] posted on 9-6-2024 at 04:42 PM


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.





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[*] posted on 9-7-2024 at 06:43 AM


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.







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Bob and Susan
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[*] posted on 9-7-2024 at 01:57 PM


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







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