Ultimate Guide to Best RV Fridge for Solar Power

Looking to harness solar power for your RV to keep your outdoor adventures convenient? With the average RV consuming roughly 30 kWh of electricity daily, choosing the best RV fridge for solar power is an excellent advantage while on the road. To put it in perspective, that’s equivalent to the energy consumption of 10 laptops or 50 light bulbs! 

By switching to solar power, you can really save a lot of money, lessen your carbon footprint, and enjoy more freedom and flexibility on the road. Sounds good, right? Delve into our guide to discover the best RV fridge for solar power and explore our top recommendations.

A man opening the door of an rv fridge for solar power. RV Lifestyle Experts

Key Takeaways

  • There are different types of solar-powered fridges, such as absorption fridges, compressor fridges, and thermoelectric fridges, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
  • The best RV fridge for solar power depends on factors such as your power consumption, available space, cooling capacity, noise level, durability, and price.
  • Get an in-depth review of some of the best solar-powered RV fridges, including the Dometic CFX3 55IM, the Alpicool C15, and the ICECO VL60.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best RV Fridge for Solar Power

As environmentally conscious RV enthusiasts, it’s crucial to carefully assess the wide range of refrigerator options available to ensure optimal performance. When selecting the best RV fridge for solar power, several factors come into play. Here are some key considerations to help you make the best decision:

Energy Efficiency

The more energy-efficient a fridge is, the less power it will consume from your solar power system. It will also run for longer without draining your batteries. You can check the energy rating of your fridge, which is usually expressed in kilowatt-hours per year (kWh/yr).

With that said, it will be more suitable for your RV adventures to look for solar-powered fridge features. These include low-voltage protection, automatic defrost, and LED lighting.

Size and Capacity

Another factor to consider when choosing the best RV fridge for solar power is its size and capacity. You should have an idea of how much food you are planning to store and how big your RV is. At the same time, you should also know the number of people traveling with you and how often you plan to cook and eat in your RV.

In addition, it is also important to consider the available RV storage space for installing and accessing your fridge. The last thing you want to happen is to buy an RV fridge that will not fit because that means wasting money. That’s why it is important to measure the available RV storage space and compare it to the RV fridge you’re eyeing. Remember to pay attention to the important details like size and capacity. 

A man opening the door of one of the best rv fridge for solar power. RV Lifestyle Experts

Cooling Performance

Some RV fridge models offer better cooling capabilities than others. This is attributed to features like separate freezer compartments, adjustable thermostats, or digital displays that let you monitor and adjust your temperature settings.

Essentially, you should also look for fridges that have good insulation and ventilation. This can help prevent overheating and keep optimal cooling performance.

Battery Power and Storage

Another factor to consider is how much battery power and storage you need for your RV solar-powered fridge. This will determine how long your fridge can run without sunlight and how much solar energy you need to generate and store to keep your fridge running.

You should also consider the type, size, and number of batteries needed for the RV solar system. Ensure the wiring, connectors, and inverters are compatible with your fridge.

Durability and Construction

When it comes to RV adventures, you want a fridge that can withstand the bumps and vibrations of traveling on rough roads, as well as the exposure to dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures. In fact, traveling means having a tough appliance so you won’t be inconvenienced on the road. That’s why it will be best to look for a model with sturdy frames, hinges, handles, and seals, as well as corrosion-resistant materials and coatings.

Also, double-check the warranty and customer service of the manufacturer or seller. This is important so you won’t need to worry much if you encounter any fridge problems.

Cost

All the other factors aside, cost should be your top priority so you can specify your top options for an RV fridge. You won’t be wasting time considering other options that won’t fit your budget if you consider your solar-powered fridge budget. This includes the initial cost, operating cost, and maintenance cost of your fridge. 

Regarding prices, most thermoelectric fridges are the most affordable ones, followed by compressor fridges and absorption fridges.

An open refrigerator in a dark room. RV Lifestyle Experts

Different Types of RV Fridge for Solar Power

Portable and solar-powered fridges for RVs are built differently. In fact, there are different types of fridges, each featuring unique technologies to keep your food and drinks cool and safe while on the road. Here are the main types of solar-powered fridges and how they work:

Absorption Fridges

Absorption refrigerators use a mixture of ammonia, water, and hydrogen gas to generate a cooling effect. Characterized by their lack of moving parts or compressors, they operate quietly and boast reliability.

However, these refrigerators suffer from drawbacks such as low efficiency, steep initial cost, and diminished performance in elevated temperatures or altitudes. Often dubbed “three-way refrigerators,” they can be powered by three different sources: solar energy, propane, or AC power.

A man looking at the best RV fridge for solar power in an rv. RV Lifestyle Experts

Compressor Fridges

Compressor refrigerators utilize a compressor to circulate refrigerant through a network of coils and fins. They boast high efficiency, robust performance, and adjustable settings, allowing them to achieve and sustain low temperatures even in hot weather.

On the downside, compressor refrigerators tend to consume more power, emit a higher level of noise, and demand more maintenance than other refrigerators. They are often referred to as two-way refrigerators due to their ability to run on two power sources: solar or AC.

Thermoelectric Fridges

These fridges use a thermoelectric module to create a temperature difference between two metal plates. Also, they are very simple, lightweight, and inexpensive, which makes them ideal for small spaces and short trips.

However, thermoelectric refrigerators come with limitations such as limited cooling capacity, elevated power consumption, and subpar functionality in hot or humid conditions. Thermoelectric fridges are also known as one-way fridges because they can only run on one source of power, which is solar.

Best RV Fridge for Solar Power: Our 4 Top Picks

Planning a weekend escape or considering full-time RV living? Explore these top picks for the best RV fridge for solar power to help you make the most of your outdoor adventures:

1. Dometic CFX3 55IM Portable Refrigerator/Freezer with Ice Maker

Dometic CFX3 55IM Portable Refrigerator/Freezer with Ice Maker. RV Lifestyle Experts

The Dometic CFX3 55IM Portable Refrigerator/Freezer with Ice Maker is one of the most advanced and versatile fridges for camping that you can find. It has a large capacity of 53 liters, which can fit up to 85 cans of drinks. It also has a built-in ice maker that can produce ice in less than two hours. 

Moreover, the fridge is durable and lightweight, with reinforced corners and stainless-steel hinges. It can operate on 12/24 V DC or 100-240 V AC power sources, and it has a low power consumption of 0.95 Ah/h on average.

In addition, Dometic CFX3 55IM also has a three-stage battery protection system that prevents your battery from draining too low. The fridge comes with a removable wire basket, a divider, and a drain plug for easy cleaning.

The pros of the Dometic CFX3 55IM include:

  • Large capacity and ice maker
  • Smart control and display
  • Durable and lightweight design
  • Low power consumption and battery protection
  • Easy to clean

The cons of the Dometic CFX3 55IM include the following:

  • Expensive
  • Heavy (45lbs/20.4kg)

2. Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator/Freezer

Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator/Freezer. RV Lifestyle Experts

This is one of the most affordable and compact fridges for camping that you can get. Its capacity is 15 liters, which can fit up to 20 cans of drinks.

The Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator/Freezer can cool down to -20 °C (- 4°F) in less than an hour, and it has an eco-mode that saves energy. The fridge has a simple LCD display and buttons to adjust the temperature and settings.

Additionally, Alpicool C15 can operate on 12/24 V DC or 110-240 V AC power sources, and it has a low power consumption of 0.7 Ah/h on average. It also has a three-level battery protection system that prevents your battery from draining too low.

Furthermore, the fridge has a sturdy and portable design, with handles and wheels for easy transport. It comes with a removable basket and a drain plug for easy cleaning.

Pros for the Alpicool C15 include: 

  • Affordable and compact
  • Fast cooling and eco mode
  • Simple control and display
  • Low power consumption and battery protection
  • Sturdy and portable design

Cons for the Alpicool C15 include:

  • Small capacity
  • Noisy (45 dB)

3. ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator/Freezer

ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator/Freezer. RV Lifestyle Experts

This is another top contender for anyone in the market for the best RV fridge for solar power. It has a dual zone design that allows you to set different temperatures for each compartment, ranging from -18 °C to 10°C (0°F to 50°F).

You can use it as a fridge/freezer combo or as two separate fridges or freezers. It has a total capacity of 60 liters, which can fit up to 90 cans of drinks.

Moreover, you can easily control the temperature and settings of each zone using the intuitive LED display and touch buttons. It can operate on 12/24 V DC or 110-240 V AC power sources and has a low power consumption of 0.74 Ah/h.

Furthermore, the ICECO VL60 fridge utilizes a four-level battery protection system to prevent your battery from draining too low. It comes with a durable and sleek design, with aluminum alloy handles and metal hinges. 

The pros of this fridge include the following: 

  • Spacious and flexible dual-zone design
  • LED display and touch buttons
  • Low power consumption and battery protection
  • Durable and sleek design
  • Removable wire baskets

Some of the cons of this fridge model include:

  • Expensive
  • Heavy (63lbs/28.6kg)

4. Engel MT45F-U1 Portable Fridge Freezer Overland 4×4 AC/DC 12V

Engel MT45F-U1 Portable Fridge Freezer Overland 4x4 AC/DC 12V. RV Lifestyle Experts

This compressor fridge is suitable for camping, boating, and off-grid living. With a capacity of 43 liters, it can fit about 60 cans of drinks or enough food for a small group. It has a reversible lid that can be opened from either side, making it convenient to access.

The thermostat has a low voltage cut-off that protects your battery from draining. Also, it comes with a durable and efficient swing motor compressor. The fridge consumes about 0.7 amps per hour, which is low compared to other compressor fridges. It weighs 53 lbs/24kg, which is relatively light for its size.

The pros of this solar fridge are: 

  • Large capacity
  • Low voltage cut-off
  • Low power consumption
  • Lightweight

Some cons include the following: 

  • High price
  • No internal light

Best RV Fridge for Solar Power: Frequently Asked Questions

We understand how choosing an RV fridge can be daunting. We want to help by answering your common questions about the best RV fridge for solar power. Here are some of them: 

How many solar panels do I need to run an RV fridge?

The answer depends on the power consumption of your fridge, the size and efficiency of your solar panels, the amount of sunlight you receive, and the state of charge of your batteries. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can use this formula to estimate the number of solar panels you need:

Number of solar panels = (Power consumption of fridge x Hours of operation per day) / (Solar panel wattage x Hours of sunlight per day x Battery efficiency)

How long can an RV fridge run on batteries?

The answer depends on the power consumption of your fridge, the capacity and state of charge of your batteries, and the presence or absence of other power sources. However, you can use this formula to estimate the run time of your fridge on batteries:

Run time = (Battery capacity x State of charge) / Power consumption of fridge.

Final Thoughts 

In conclusion, investing in an RV fridge powered by solar energy not only ensures the freshness of your food and drinks without dependence on traditional electricity or gas but also contributes to minimizing your carbon footprint. By evaluating your specific needs, preferences, and the factors discussed above, you can make a wise decision that enhances your RV experience while embracing sustainable practices. 

Hopefully, you have found this guide helpful in helping you to be ready to embark on your outdoor adventures. Contact us today to learn more about the best RV fridge for solar power and how to make the most of your RV lifestyle.

Eddie Meyers
author avatar
Eddie Meyers
My name is Eddie, and I am an RV enthusiast! I have enjoyed traveling all my life, and want to give my family the same opportunities to see as much of the world as possible. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve discovered how great RVs can be for vacations with a young family. Here at RV Lifestyle Experts, I want to share my experiences, the tips I’ve picked up along the way. I hope that our guides can encourage you to try the RV lifestyle. I promise you that you won’t regret it!

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