Running a fridge/cooler with a Solar Panel

[goofyr]

Hi,

I just wanted to find out whether you can run a fridge/cooler directly with a solar panel or must you have something in between (like a battery/pwerpack or regulator)?

Thanks,
goof

[Rosco]

Goof

I suppose it would be possible, depending on the type of fridge, but not advisable. A panel can put out anything up to about 26V.

IMHO there's only one way ... the right one https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
That's via a regulator and battery. Think of the batt as supplying the power in the 1st instance, with the SP topping it up along the way.

Cheers https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[johnv]

Agreed. depends on the size and output of the panel, but you definatley would want to be safe and use a regulator and battery, Don't connect panel directly to fridge

[goofyr]

Originally posted by Rosco
Goof

I suppose it would be possible, depending on the type of fridge, but not advisable. A panel can put out anything up to about 26V.

IMHO there's only one way ... the right one https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
That's via a regulator and battery. Think of the batt as supplying the power in the 1st instance, with the SP topping it up along the way.

Cheers https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Thanks Rosco, I guess if I wanted to connect the solar panel and the cooler (waeco TC32FL) to the battery at the same time I need some way to isolate them.

goof

[Rosco]

Originally posted by goofyr


Thanks Rosco, I guess if I wanted to connect the solar panel and the cooler (waeco TC32FL) to the battery at the same time I need some way to isolate them.

goof

Shouldn't be a prob. I have an 80W jobby permanently roof mounted and wired through a solar reg. Then just switch on the Waeco when required.

It's not rocket science, 'cause if it was I'd be stuffed for sure https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Cheers

[weeds]

you will need a reglator and battery with out question when using a solar panel to run an appliance, which i'm sure you are planning to use otherwise the fridge would not work at night.

springers (12V shop) at brendale have a 40L Waeco running inside the shop with just a small battery and a 80W solar panel on the roof. it been running for at least 12 month non stop. keep in mind that it's in a aircon showroom all day so the fridge is not working all that hard.

an 80W panel would be the minium to run a 40L fridge. somebody could probably explain this better than me or a web sight but i will give it a go on a 40L engle fridge current type.

Fridge
max current draw per hour 2.5amps
say the fridge cycles at 50% that would mean it would draw 1.25amps/hr = 30amps out of the battery over a 24hr period

solar panel
80W BP
Max current output 5amps/hr
say you keep moving the solar panel so that you get 8hrs of direct sunlight you would put 40amps back into the battery

factor that will affect the whole setup;
the more you open the fridge the more it will cycle
solar panel not square to the sun
clouds
shade

i have nearly convinced my dad to buy a 120W bp to run his 40L engle and a fluro in his camper van, only problems is he's made keen on a generator which are noisey, got to carry two fuels, not allowed to use them at a lot of places etc

hth

[Rosco]

P.S.

And don't forget a diode between the panel and batt, to prevent back flow.

Cheers

[NOZ]

I wanted to do the solar panel thing but to many $$$ to run a cf80 :cry:

[goofyr]

Originally posted by Rosco
P.S.

And don't forget a diode between the panel and batt, to prevent back flow.

Cheers

I thought you said it wasn't rocket science! https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Thanks for the input guys, I'll be researching a little further, but at least now I have an idea how to hook it all up and what to consider.

Much obliged. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

goof

[JDNSW]

When looking at the numbers, remember that the 5 amps for the 80W panel is the maximum, not the average - realistically you'll probably average 3 amps. And get anywhere inland in summer and that fridge will have the motor running pretty close to 100% of the time - unless its in the car with the aircon going.