Thread: Running a fridge/cooler with a Solar Panel

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
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

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

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
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

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

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

Cheers

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

P.S.

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

Cheers

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

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!

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.

goof