How Much Solar Power Do I Need to Run a Refrigerator

To calculate the solar power required to run a refrigerator, the user must find the energy requirement of the refrigerator first. Dividing the running watts per month by the solar panel power produced per month should give the number of solar panels required to meet the demand.

In other words, there is no shortcut answer to this particular question. That is because it is not a simple question. Various factors such as the model of the refrigerator, its power rating, the solar panel’s power rating, and some calculations are required to reach the final answer.

How Much Solar Power Do I Need to Run a Refrigerator

As a basic household appliance, a refrigerator can be categorized as one that has a larger power requirement. Hence, it is important to know the exact consumption rate, especially if you have decided to install a full off-grid solar power system. 

Calculation of Energy Requirements

Although refrigerators tend to have a larger energy requirement, different models will require different amounts of power. Your refrigerator may be an energy-draining older model or an energy-efficient newer model. Either way, determining the energy requirement of your refrigerator is of severe importance.

Check the Energy Rating

The simplest way to determine the power requirements of your refrigerator is to check the energy rating label. You will see the appliances coming with a vivid black and yellow sticker that shows the energy requirements.

This information varies from 200 kWh to 600 kWh. You may also see an estimated cost of running a whole year in it as well.

Quoted Power Rating

Another method to find the power rating for older refrigerators is to find the quoted power rating. You may find this information right beside the product’s serial number in watts. In other cases, if you find the voltage and required amperes, you can simply multiply them to find the wattage of the appliance.

After you have found the power rating, it is time to find the running watts. For instance, if your refrigerator has an annual energy rating of 365 kWh, it will require 1kWh per day. That means the running hour requirement will be 0.42kW per hour. In other words, you will need a solar power system that can deliver 42 watts per hour.

Solar Panel Requirements

Now that you know the power requirements of your refrigerator, it should become fairly easy to select the solar panels. Generally speaking, refrigerators have relatively larger power requirements and you would be better off with one or more 300W solar panels.

However, you need to know the exact amount of solar panels and the power to save additional costs. Typically, a decent solar panel can produce about 30kWh per month. From the previous calculation, you already know the running watts of your refrigerator.

Let us suppose it is 115 kWh per month. Now divide the running wattage in a month by the power produced per month by the solar panel. The result should be 115 kWh ÷ 30 kWh = 3.83. Therefore, you will need to install at least four solar panels to meet the power demand of your refrigerator.

Conclusion

Although a bit complicated, the calculation of the energy consumption rate of your refrigerator is important. Properly utilizing the services of solar panels saves you from going through monthly electricity bills. If you have decided to install solar panels, you cannot afford to show ease when it comes to choosing the right ones with the right power ratings.