Solar Powered Refrigerators and Freezers Guide

The great thing about this particular freezer is that it comes in a variety of sizes and this is the larger one at 8 cubit feet which will provide enough storage space for your grocery items.

Most of these types of appliances require power systems and the ultra-efficient Sundanzer solar refrigerator uses a low amount of energy which helps you save on consumption costs.

The (30in.L x 50in.W x 37in.H) uses environmentally-friendly alternative refrigerant called CFC an organic compound that contains carbon, chlorine, and fluorine.

Photo: Amazon

First off it is necessary to get a 80 Watt solar panel - most panels can be installed on the roof of a home or cabin.

Then you will need a 110 Ah battery - this will help with keeping the appliance powered up at night

As well as a 15 Amp charge controller - you will need to make sure the batteries do not die out.

I have listed each one out for your convenience and you can research further to make sure you have all the equipment needed.

You can save on cost by getting a solar kit where all the items are sold in a bundle versus buying each one separately.

Photo: Sunforce 50048 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit

Having the right kind of solar panels is going to be crucial for your appliances to work and stay cold enough to keep items such as meat.

To keep the battery charged at night you will need a strong backup power generator to stay charged for ultimate use.

Attaching a Backup Battery to your Solar Electricity Unit

Pick an area that will get lots of sun rays coming down to allow for powering and keeping the fridge from losing coolant. Solar panels will directly power equipment depending on the load and the output of the Photovoltaic Cell, this is why a battery backup is necessary.

Read reviews and get a second opinion on any device your thinking of purchasing, you can always compare by size, brand and price.

Calculate your Home Energy Usage Costs

Next understand what your energy needs are for the amount of sunlight needed to produce an electric current for your home will be the result of how many solar panels you get installed on the roof top.

To run a PV system you will need the right type of panels to reduce your power consumption. The additional components include an inverter, battery storage and backup.

Use an inverter for converting DC to AC

The inverter will allow you to convert direct current to an alternating current. The backup battery allows you to run off solar power when the sun is down, how this is done is the excess power that solar systems produce can be stored into batteries which can be used later on when needed as in the case of keeping a freezer or refrigerator.

Photo: Clip Art Philip Martin

It is best to learn how to clean out your freezer because over time you could end up with frost build-up, stains or foul odor. To eliminate these types of conditions you will want to have a cleaning routine that you follow every 6 months to a year.

Things you will need

1. Rubber Gloves
2. Cleaning Cloth
3. Dry Towel
4. Baking Soda

Step By Step Cleaning Instructions:

First step is you will want to defrost the freezer if necessary by removing excess ice build-up, depending on how long the deep freezer has been in use you may need to chisel with an ice pick big chunks of ice from the sides and bottom of the freezer unit.

Auto-defrost or Frost Free?

If yours is frost free you will only need to remove the items out of the freezer and then wipe out the interior with a wet cloth and dry off to eliminate moisture. Baking Soda is great for deodorizing and removing odors.

Read more about defrosting tips and auto-defrost freezers.

Photo: Pixbay

Freezer storage is a great way to keep food longer when buying items in bulk. Saving on your grocery bill can be obtained by learning the proper way to freeze meals at home.

Quick Tips Guide

Use air-tight sealed containers
Use freezer bags for food storage
Reduce food waste by avoiding freezer burn
Label and Date all frozen foods

What Are Freezer Friendly Foods?

It is important to note that not all foods are made for freezing especially if you are interested in (make-ahead) meals.

Find out the shelf-life of the following foods at Still Tasty a free resource and ultimate shelf life guide.

1. Fruits and Vegetables
2. Fresh Meat
3. Casseroles
4. Baked Goods
5. Beverages
6. Dairy and Eggs
7. Fish and Poultry
8. Grains and Pastas
9. Snacks and Sweets
10. Herb and Spices

Freezing meals and the basics of food storage starts with educating yourself on packaging food and thawing safety guidelines for frozen left-overs

More reference material can be found at: The National Center for Home Food Preservation: www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/freeze.html

Photo: Amazon

Most homeowners and renters know how high their utility bill can get during the winter months when trying to heat an apartment or a single family house.

The key to conservation is to know how much energy you will actually use during those seasonal peaks in your HVAC cycle.

I will cover some simple tips you can follow to be prepared to save hundreds of dollars on your home utility bills.

1. First you will want to considering getting weather stripping for your windows and doors, the reason this is important is because gaps in the home will allow heat to escape and cold air in.

2. Next you will want to turn off lights in areas when not in use, this is a small thing but will make a big difference in your overall consumption costs.

3. Try to avoid unnecessary running of water from kitchen or bathroom faucets, it is a habit that will save you hundreds each month if you remember to practice it.

4. Buy surge protectors and unplug appliances when you are not home, it is no use to keep energy draining computer or kitchen gadgets running during times you are at work.

5. The biggest tip is to write out a energy conservation plan for your family to follow, take time to look for ways to save on your home energy costs, even if you do not use renewable energy resources.

Photo: Clip Art Philip Martin

The following Textbooks will give you some insight into this growing interest in natural energy sources:

1. The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy: Achieving Energy Independence Through Solar, Wind, Biomass, and Hydropower

2. Solar Electricity Handbook - 2011 Edition: A Simple Practical Guide to Solar Energy - Designing and Installing Photovoltaic Solar Electric Systems

3. Power from the Sun: A Practical Guide to Solar Electricity

4. Solar Electricity Basics: A Green Energy Guide

5. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Solar Power for Your Home, 3rd Edition

Photo: Amazon

This solar power briefcase comes in handy when you need to supply power to hand tools, laptop, or satellite telephone. The unit is easy to carry and store because of its size and flexibility.

It provides the freedom of power while living off the grid. The 13 watt power from the sun is possible due to the Silicon Solar Cells packed into a 20.07" x 14.76" x 1.57" size for easy use. Each unit comes with battery clamps and a lighter plug.

Photo: Amazon

How Many Solar Panels are needed to run a freezer?

You can run a freezer on one solar panel.

What Type of Charger Do I need for the Battery?

It is best to get a battery that is compatible with a charge controller.

Will This Fridge only work during Power Outages?

You can use them for outdoors or indoors, especially on boats, in a cabin or remote areas.

How Long will a solar powered Freezer Last?

These appliances are built to last for many years.

How Big is a Refrigerator that runs on Solar?

Depending on the brand the size can range from 1.8 cubic feet up to 8 cubic feet.

Where is the best places to live for solar?

Using alternative energy off the grid will require you to have shared sustainability in planned communities in France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Austraila, Italy and the United States.

Photo: Pixbay

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