Design & DIY

Is it possible to replace a propane fridge with an AC fridge using solar panels?

Is it possible to replace a propane fridge with an AC fridge using solar panels?

Sure, it’s possible, but it’s going to be expensive. Refrigerators draw energy constantly and require a lot of generating power and electrical storage. A high-efficiency model that runs on roughly half the wattage of a normal fridge is a must for someone determined to run the appliance with solar energy. Still, even those consumption-friendly models use more than eight times what a radio might. Finding available power isn’t an issue; photovoltaic systems can power every appliance, including table saws in a workshop. But the cost necessary to run the solar-powered refrigerator is far more than the cost of the fridge itself. Cost-wise, it’s best to keep the propane refrigerator.

If you don’t already have a photovoltaic system, installing one isn’t trivial in terms of costs or planning, but it’s important to learn how much solar power your cottage could generate before committing to the switch from electricity.

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