Solar generators are portable alternative power sources for running refrigerators. Considering the importance of refrigerators in homes for preserving foodstuff or even outdoors for chilling drinks, it requires a consistent and reliable source of power to keep it running in the advent of any power outage or no power at all. As a result of this, there has been an increase in the demand for solar generators that can run refrigerators.

The surge in the search for refrigerator solar generators has also been a result of people becoming more aware of their carbon footprints and how much pollution they cause to the environment. Using a solar generator with your refrigerator is one sure way to lower one’s carbon footprint and, by extension, its adverse impact on the environment. Solar generators are also reliable sources of power. with them, you no longer need to depend on diesel and gas.

The Capacity of Solar Generators that can run a Refrigerator

To determine the capacity of a solar generator that can run an air conditioner, we first have to consider how much energy a typical refrigerator consumes. The power consumption of refrigerators will vary depending on their size, brand and model, age (length of usage), and of course usage pattern. For example, a refrigerator that is only used for 2 to 3 hours a day will consume less power than another refrigerator that is used throughout the day.

On average, it is estimated that a standard home refrigerator consumes about with a power rating of 500 watts consumes about 4008 watts per day. A minifridge rated 56 watts consumes about 519.48 watts while a freezer that is 100 watts consumes at least 799 watts daily all things being equal. In other words, refrigerators in general consume between 519.48 watts to 4008 watts daily. Therefore, for any solar generator to power a refrigerator, its watt rating must be at least 1000W as a starting minimum. Anything below this capacity will simply not work except it is for a very small refrigerator with minimal use. 

Generally, a 1000-watt solar generator can run a standard-sized refrigerator for a few hours to up to a full day. This all depends on the efficiency of its recharge cycle, the size and efficiency of the refrigerator, and the other electrical devices that may be connected to the generator at that time. However, it goes beyond mentioning these things. A thorough understanding of the role each component plays will help you make a better decision in picking the right solar generator for your refrigerator.

Solar Generator Considerations

1. Battery capacity: A solar battery with a capacity of 10 kWh or 1000 watts as they are more commonly rated can run the average refrigerator for about 14 hours in any day. A 100Ah battery can power a refrigerator that consumes around 100 watts for about 10 hours. If the refrigerator consumes 200 watts, at least two 100Ah batteries are needed to run it for 10 hours. The higher the power rating of a battery, the longer it can last between charges.
2. Power output: it is also important to consider the amount of electrical power the solar power station can supply your refrigerator. You should use a dollar system that has a wattage output higher than what your refrigerator needs.
3. Efficiency: The most efficient solar power stations will harness solar energy from the sun even with minimal light presence. Similarly, many of the solar power stations we have recommended can be charged in more than one way. There is often the option to charge them with solar, an AC outlet, or a combination of both.
4. Durability/Product Quality: Buying a solar generator for a refrigerator is an investment that ought to be thoroughly analyzed before purchasing any product. Good enough, most of the products here have a warranty period of 5 years and a lifespan of up to 10 years with constant daily usage.
5. Portability of the solar generator: A solar generator need not be too bulky. If it is portable, it has the advantage of being moved about easily and can even be taken along on camping tours.

Top Recommended Solar Generators for Refrigerators

1. BLUETTI Solar Generator AC300&B300 Modular Power System 

Technical Specifications/Product Information

• Wattage – 3072 watts
• Voltage – 240 volts (AC)
• Output Wattage – 3000 watts
• Product Dimensions – 20.47 x 12.99 x 14.17 inches
• Item Weight – 47.6 pounds

Unique Features

• 16 output ports
• Wireless charging feature
• UPS home backup

Included Components/Accessories

• B300 expansion battery
• PV350 Solar panels
• AC/Solar/Car charging cable 

Reason for Recommendation

The BLUETTI Solar Generator AC300&B300 Modular Power System can comfortably run an 800W-rated refrigerator for about three hours with a single BLUETTI B300 attached. With more expandable batteries connected to the solar system, it can carry the same fridge even for longer hours. A total of B300 batteries with an individual capacity of 3072Wh can be added to the setup to bring up its capacity to a total of 12288Wh.

To recharge the 3000W battery from a wall outlet, it will take just 1.5 hours using its 30A AC charging cable. When using solar, it will take about 1.8 to 2.3 hours to complete a full charge using its 2400W-rated solar panel. On the other hand, a combination of solar charging and AC will top-up the battery to 100% in 1.5 hours. 

2. Nature’s Generator Platinum System 1800W Solar & Wind Powered Pure Sine Wave Off-Grid Generator 

Technical Specifications/Product Information

• Wattage – 3600 watts
• Voltage – 240 volts (AC)
• Output Wattage – 1800 watts
• Product Dimensions – 28″L x 18 “W x 19″H
• Item Weight – 297 pounds

Unique Features

• 3 way charging
• Movable wheels
• Wind-powered charging
• LED charging status
• Nature Pulse smart app monitoring (USB Smart Key)

Included Components/Accessories

• 1×Nature’s Generator Power Pod (With 35in Expansion Cable)
• 3×Nature’s Generator 100W Solar Panel (With wheels)

Reason for Recommendation

Solar panels, wind turbines, and AC power are the three ways to recharge this powerful 3000W-rated solar power generator. Nature’s Generator Platinum System 1800W Solar & Wind Powered Pure Sine Wave Off-Grid Generator comes with three 100W Polycrystalline solar panels for complete off-grid independence. The solar panels can be adjusted at three different angles to properly harness sunlight. Once fully charged, it generates an output of 1800 watts which is more than enough to carry most 1000 watts rated refrigerators. And with the myriad charging options it has, you can recharge the power station and still be using it at the same time.

Due to the complexity of setting up this product, it comes with a detailed installation guide to put you through each step. The solar panels also have movable wheels to enable you to move them to where they will harness the sun the most. Interestingly, all the accessories you need to set up this solar power station are included in the box.

3. Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station

Technical Specifications/Product Information

• Wattage – 2000 watts
• Voltage – 120 volts
• Output Wattage  – 2000 watts minimum
• Product Dimensions – ‎15.25″L x 13.6″W x 10.23″H
• Item Weight – 42 pounds

Unique Features

• 7 output ports
• MPPT charge controller

Included Components/Accessories

• 1 solar panel
• 1 wall charger 

Reason for Recommendation

The Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station promises to power your refrigerator anywhere with its 3032W power output for as long as 43 hours on a full charge. Rest assured, with its heavy-duty anodized aluminum enclosure and tier 1 lithium battery cell, the power station promises to last as much as 10 years under conditions of proper maintenance.

All that is needed to bring it to life is to recharge it via a wall outlet or through the solar panel it comes with. Considering the amount of power it churns out, the Goal Zero Yeti power generator will take anywhere from 18 to 36 hours to complete a full charge using its custom 200W solar panels. The power station also has an MPPT charge controller (Maximum Power Point Tracking) which makes it at least 30% more efficient than non-MPPT charge controllers.

4. OUPES Mega 2 Portable Power Station 2500W

Technical Specifications/Product Information

• Wattage – 2500 watts
• Voltage – 110 volts
• Output Wattage – 2500 watts
• Product Dimensions – ‎30.7 x 19.69 x 17.72 inches
• Item Weight – 55 pounds

Unique Features

• Smart app control
• Fast charging (full charge in 36 minutes)
• Home integration kit
• Can charge 16 devices
• Expandable from 2kWh to 10kWh

Included Components/Accessories

• 1* AC charging cable
• 1* Anderson to Anderson Cable
• 1*7909 to Anderson Charging Cable
• 1*Car to Anderson Charging Cable
• 1*MC4 to Anderson Charging Cable

Reason for Recommendation

OUPES B2 Smart Extra Battery for Mega 2 comes with upgraded LFP batteries that promise to last more than 10 years. In the course of their lifespan, the batteries can undergo more than 3500 cycles at 80% capacity. It will take only 36 min to get a full charge when you charge it with the duo of its 2100W solar panel and 1600W AC input. In addition, the power generator can also be fully charged in 1.3 hours using its AC input alone.

Ordinarily, the OUPES Mega 2 with a 2048Wh LiFePO4 battery backup can power most refrigerators rated 2000 watts and below. But with the option to expand 10, 000 watts by adding 4 more batteries, the solar power station can do even more.

5. Generac 8026 GB2000 2106Wh Portable Power Station

Technical Specifications/Product Information

• Wattage – 2106 watts
• Voltage – 12 volts
• Output Wattage – 2016 watts
• Product Dimensions – 16.8 x 10.4 x 15.1 inches
• Item Weight – 50 pounds

Unique Features

• MPPT controller
• 15 watts wireless charging for phones
• Fast solar charging
• Multiple charging options
• 4.7 multi-color inches display screen

Reason for Recommendation

The GB2000 solar power station was designed to be lightweight, compact, durable, yet powerful enough to carry a car refrigerator of about 120 watts. It comes with a battery capacity of over 2000 watts that can be recharged in multiple ways like through solar panels, AC outlets, and generators. The huge advantage this product has over others is in the compact design that makes it pretty easy for it to be transported anywhere it is needed easily.

6. Jackery 1000 Plus Solar Generator Kit

Technical Specifications/Product Information

• Wattage – 3000 watts
• Voltage – 110 volts (AC)
• Output Wattage – 2000 watts
• Product Dimensions – ‎10.24″L x 11.24″W x 5.51″H
• Item Weight – 65.7 ponds

Unique Features

• App control
• Expandable power output from 1.25kWh to 5kWh
• 4000W peak output

Included Components/Accessories

• 1*Battery Pack 1000 Plus
• 2*SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels
• 2 * Charging Cables (1* AC Charging Cable, 1 * Car Charger Cable)
• 1* Extension Cable
• 2* DC7909 to DC8020 Adaptor,

Reason for Recommendation

The Jackery 1000 Plus Solar Generator Kit with a 2528Wh battery and  2x100W solar panels can generate as much as 3000W output. This is enough power to run a refrigerator. The generator can attain a full charge in 2 hours using its ultra-fast solar charging technology while its AC fast charge can top it up in just 1.7 hours. Once it has attained a full charge, your generator can comfortably run on it for as much as 44 hours if expanded to 5kWh.

All the features that make solar generators smart are equally present in this product. It can be remotely controlled and monitored using a mobile application. Similarly, the battery management system (BMS) incorporated into it provides robust layers of security and protection for worry-free usage. With proper maintenance, you are looking at a portable power generator that can last you up to 10 years with a 4000 recharge cycle.

7. OUPES Mega 5 4000W Portable Power Station

Technical Specifications/Product Information

• Wattage – 4000 watts
• Voltage – 110 volts (AC)
• Output Wattage – 4000 watts
• Product Dimensions – 25.2″L x 11.9″W x 17.2″H
• Item Weight – 110 pounds

Unique Features

• 4 multi-channel charging
• UPS for emergencies
• Fast solar charging

Included Components/Accessories

• 1*AC Charging Cable
• 1* Anderson to Anderson Cable
• 1*7909 to Anderson Charging Cable
• 1*Car to Anderson Charging Cable
• 1*MC4 to Anderson Charging Cable

Reason for Recommendation

The OUPES Mega 5 4000W Portable Power Station is a massive solar power generator with a  5040Wh capacity and massive 4000W power output. With this rating, it can conveniently carry a standard-size refrigerator as well as other household appliances. To bring it to life, hook it up to a 1800W wall outlet, or 2100W solar panels and you will have the power station ready to power your refrigerator in a little over 2 hours. The superior LFP battery in it can carry a recharge cycle of over 3500 times which is well enough to last through 10 years usage at least.

More so, the battery management system will protect your appliances from over-voltage, current, or heat to just what is ideal to charge the battery at any specific time. All these can still be monitored on the generator’s smart app. Information like remaining battery level, estimated running time, input/output wattages, etc can all be customized to your specific energy needs.

8. BLUETTI Solar Power Station EP500Pro

Technical Specifications/Product Information

• Wattage – 3000 watts
• Voltage – 240 volts
• Output Wattage – 3000 watts
• Product Dimensions – ‎22.8″L x 11.8″W x 29.9″H
• Item Weight – 183 pounds

Unique Features

• Movable wheels
• 17 ports
• Fast recharge

Included Components/Accessories

• AC charging cable
• PV charging cable

Reason for Recommendation

BLUETTI Solar Power Station EP500Pro comes with a powerful 5100Wh LP battery and a 3000W inverter capable of powering a refrigerator rated 4000W. It is a uniquely designed product with a lot of power parked into its simple rectangular structure. The generator has a smart charging technology that enables it to attain a decent recharge in a little over 1.8 hours. This is possible when it is in dual charging mode using a 2400W PV + 3000W AC input to achieve a maximum power input of 4000W.

9. Egretech Sonic 1200W Portable Power Station

Technical Specifications/Product Information

• Wattage – 1200 watts
• Voltage – 120 volts
• Output Wattage – 1200 watts
• Product Dimensions – x
• Item Weight – 22.94 pounds

Unique Features

• Portable, Digital Display
• Overload Protection
• Short Circuit Protection
• Extra-Long Run Time

Included Components/Accessories

• 1 * AC Charging Cable
• 1 * Sonic 1200W Power Station
• 1 * Car Charging Cable

Reason for Recommendation

Egretech Sonic 1200W Portable Power Station is a small solar electricity generator that is capable of powering small refrigerators. It will come in handy, especially during camping trips where there are no powerlines connected to the central grid. But despite being small, it is still capable of doing a lot for refrigerators in its power rating. An advantage this Egretech solar station has is fast charging. It takes only 1.67 hours for it to be fully charged using an AC charging cable. On solar, 6 to 7 hours will be enough to fully charge using 200W solar panel

10. P5000 Power Station 5120Wh 2200W Solar Generator LiFePO4 Battery

Technical Specifications/Product Information

• Wattage – 1800 watts
• Voltage – 220 volts
• Output Wattage – 1800 watts
• Product Dimensions – 21.65*11.61*18.8 inch
• Item Weight – 114 pounds

Unique Features

• Smart-UPS feature
• 15 output ports
• Movable wheels
• Advanced battery management system

Included Components/Accessory

• Charger

Reason for Recommendation

The P5000 Power Station 5120Wh 2200W Solar Generator LiFePO4 Battery is a 114-pound solar generator that will give you years of reliable solar power. It has as much as 15 output ports which means there is every charging for most household items. At 1800 watts of power, the generator is capable of carrying refrigerators that are up to 1000 watts.

11. OUPES Mega 3 Solar Generator 3600W

Technical Specifications/Product Information

• Wattage – 3600 watts
• Voltage – 110 volts
• Output Wattage – 36   watts
• Product Dimensions – ‎15″L x 9″W x 13″H
• Item Weight – 83 pounds

Unique Features

• Fast charging
• Smart app control
• Adjustable AC input
• Expandable battery capacity
• Portable and unique design
• Movable wheels

Included Components/Accessories

• Solar panels

Reason for Recommendation

The OUPES Mega 3 is a 3600W solar generator that comes with two 240W solar panels that can recharge the power station to 100 percent in about 9 hours. With four of the same solar panels, it will take at most 4.6 hours and 3 hours or less with six 240W solar panels under ideal sunlight. The battery is powerful enough to power any refrigerator rated less than 3000W for hours.

Like other OUPES products already reviewed here, the Mega 3 can also be remotely monitored and controlled using an app. You can even regulate your energy consumption rate on the app to be just what you need.

12. Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station Kit 

Technical Specifications/Product Information

• Wattage – 2000 watts
• Voltage – 120 volts
• Output Wattage – 2000 watts
• Product Dimensions – ‎10.24″L x 11.24″ W x 14″H
• Item Weight – x

Unique Features

• Expandable power from 1.25kWh to 5kWh.

Included Components/Accessories

• 1* AC Charge Cable
• 1* Car Charge Cable 
• 2* DC7909 to DC8020 Adaptor
• 1*Explorer 1000 Plus Battery Pack 

Reason for Recommendation

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station Kit which supplies 2000W of power or 4000W at peak period is powerful enough to run any standard refrigerator. All that is needed to get started is to recharge it through solar in 2 hours using 4*SolarSaga 200W solar panels, or an AC outlet. With the battery management system built into it, its advanced LiFePO4 battery cells promise to up to 10 years while providing 4,000 recharge cycles. 

13. Egretech Sonic 2200W Portable Power Station

Technical Specifications/Product Information

• Wattage – 2200 watts
• Voltage – 230 volts
• Output Wattage – 2200 watts
• Product Dimensions – ‎16.61″L x 11.34″W x 11.93″H
• Item Weight – 46 pounds

Unique Features

• LCD screen
• 14 output ports
• Fast charging (1.67 hours)
• Intelligent BMS 

Included Components/Accessories

• 1 * AC Charging Cable
• 1 * Car Charging Cable

Reason for Recommendation

The ‎Egretech Sonic 2200W is another portable solar power solution capable of running small refrigerators. It is powered by ‎6 Lithium Ion batteries that charge fully in 3 to 4 hours using two 400W solar panels. With an AC charger, it will top up fully in 1.67 hours while when using a car charging port, it is in 21 hours. Because of its size and design, it is very easy to carry this power station.

The Working Components and Mechanism of a Solar Generator for Refrigerator | How They Work

Before any of the solar generators listed here can provide sufficient power to run a refrigerator, it must have been well charged through solar or an AC outlet with enough power reserve. If it is through an AC outlet, the solar power generator draws power from it and recharges itself for future use. 

As already mentioned, the solar generators recommended here all come with an AC charger or adapter. It is designed to convert alternating current into direct current which the generator stores in its battery. This battery can be a lithium-ion or another type suitable for storing electrical energy. As the generator is charging through an AC outlet, the generator’s charge controller regulates the charging process to ensure that the battery is charged efficiently and most importantly safely to prevent overcharging and damage to the battery.

On the other hand, the mechanism through which a solar generator recharges via solar energy is different. 

First, the solar panels connected to the generator convert sunlight into direct current electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This electricity is first sent to the charge controllers where their voltage and current are regulated to ensure that the battery receives an optimal and safe charge. The DC electricity is then stored in the battery ready to be used at any time. An inverter is also part of the set-up and what it does is primarily convert DC electricity into AC which is what most household appliances like refrigerators use. 

Therefore, when a refrigerator is plugged into any of the top recommended solar power generators here, it receives AC electricity. The refrigerator’s compressor, condenser, and evaporator work together to maintain a cool environment inside, preserving food and other perishables.

How Long Will a Solar Generator Power a Refrigerator?

The length of time a solar generator will power a refrigerator depends on the capacity of the solar generator and that of the refrigerator. The average household fridge uses 250 kWh of electricity in a year. Solar panels with a capacity of 200 W can potentially generate enough electricity to offset this consumption, but the exact amount of electricity generated will depend on other factors such as the length of sunlight hours and panel efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity. While the size and capacity of the battery will depend on the specific needs of the user.

How Many Solar Panels Are Needed with a Solar Generator for a Refrigerator

On average, about 4 solar panels are needed to get enough power to operate a solar generator that can power a refrigerator. For example, a refrigerator that uses about 900 Wh of electricity per day with about five hours of bright sunlight needs two 100-watt solar panels. But with the solar generators recommended here, most of their solar panels are at least 200 watts.

What to Avoid when Choosing a Solar Generator for a Refrigerator

It is common to come across solar generators with bogus power ratings touted to power refrigerators. Avoid these products and good enough, none of such products were listed here. Similarly, do not use any solar generator with low-wattage solar panels as they will find it difficult to charge efficiently. In like manner, solar generators with a small capacity no matter how affordable they may be should be avoided.

Buying a solar generator for a refrigerator is an investment that needs to be made carefully. With some of the products we have listed here, you can get as much as 10 years of daily usage with a warranty that covers the first 5 years of the product’s life. There is also efficient customer service support for each product we have reviewed here. With all these, you will be in safe hands when choosing any of these top recommended products per your budget and needs.

Conclusion

Battery capacity, power output, efficiency, durability, and portability are some of the key considerations you should have in mind when buying a solar power station to be used for a refrigerator. The best products in the market have all these features and even more. There are products like Jackery 1000 Plus Solar Generator Kit and OUPES Mega 3 Solar Generator 3600W listed here (for example) which can be monitored and controlled using a smartphone. With this feature, you can be able to monitor the performance of the solar generator while away and even control it remotely.

In like manner, a product like the OUPES Mega 5 4000W Portable Power Station is remarked for its temperature control feature. They are recommended for outdoor usage even when temperatures are less than optimal. The solar generators have been specially engineered to adapt in such environments ready to serve once turned on. Talking of outdoors, you might also want to consider BLUETTI Solar Power Station EP500Pro for its movable wheels. It makes them very easy to drag along like a suitcase without the burden of having to carry all the weight.