What Size Solar Generator Do You Need To Run a Refrigerator?
At any given time, your fridge likely contains hundreds of dollars' worth of food, drink, and condiments. During power outages, it may only take a few hours for all of this to spoil. Thankfully, having a solar generator can help keep your fridge running.
However, you need to make sure you get the right size solar generator. In an effort to help, this guide goes over everything you need to know about choosing the right generator to run your refrigerator, such as how much power a fridge uses, how to calculate the right generator size, and more.
How Much Power Does a Refrigerator Use?
How many watts (W) it takes to run a refrigerator depends on size, model, and even the age of the fridge. For example, many modern options might be much more energy-efficient than the power-hungry models of the past.
In most cases, refrigerators use between 300 and 800W to run. However, keep in mind that because fridges often cycle on and off, the actual power usage may be lower.
What Size Solar Generator Do You Need?
While many fridges may only use up to 800W to run, they may need up to 2,000W or more to start the compressor. As a result, ensure you choose a generator with enough running wattage to handle the start, not just the normal operation of the fridge.
You should also choose a generator with sufficient capacity to keep the fridge running for quite a while. This varies depending on the size and power demands of the fridge, but generally, a 1,000 to 2,000 Wh generator should suffice. However, if you want to be able to power it all day, you may want to choose one with 4,000 Wh or more.
Also, if you want true peace of mind and to be able to run the fridge indefinitely, you’ll just need to connect solar panels with enough charging power to cover the wattage of the fridge. These panels are an important part of how a solar generator works, as they capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity.
For example, using the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra + 2×400W Solar Panels bundle gives you 800W of combined electricity production (in optimal conditions), which is often enough to cover the full energy needs of the fridge as it runs.
How Do You Calculate the Right Generator Size?
When learning about the best solar generators and deciding which to pick, make sure to calculate the right generator size for your needs. To do this, you’ll first need to find out how much power your fridge needs to run and start.
To find the exact power usage of your fridge, look for the manufacturer’s sticker inside it. On this sticker, you’ll likely see the amps and volts. By simply multiplying the amps by the volts, you’ll get the total wattage. Some fridges may also just display the wattage without you having to do this calculation, as well.
However, this is only the running wattage. Because the starting wattage of a fridge is much higher than the running wattage, often about three times higher, you’ll also need to calculate that number.
Once you know this starting wattage, make sure the generator you choose is powerful enough to handle it.
For example, if your fridge runs on 120 volts and 4 amps, the running wattage for the fridge is 480W. If you multiply that by three, you’ll get 1440W, which is around the starting wattage. As a result, you’ll want to choose a generator that can output at least that amount of power, if not around 10 to 20% more, just to be safe.
Without doing a calculation like this, you may end up with a generator that can’t successfully start or run your fridge, or you could spend too much money buying one that’s overkill for your needs.
How Can You Extend Refrigerator Runtime?
Here are a few tips and ideas to keep in mind to extend your refrigerator's runtime.
Keep the door closed as often as possible, as every time you open it, more room-temperature air enters the fridge.
Try to keep the fridge as full as possible, as this helps it maintain its cold temperature for much longer. Consider adding water bottles, jugs, ice packs, and other items in the fridge to fill it out if it’s relatively empty.
Keep the condenser coils clean. If they’re covered with dust, dirt, or other debris, they’ll make the compressor work harder and thus use more power.
Make sure the fridge door maintains a tight seal. Even a small gap in the rubber seal on a fridge door lets cold air out and warm air in.
Pair it with solar panels to run the fridge indefinitely, even during long outages. For example, an EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Solar Generator + 2 x 220W Solar Panel bundle often generates enough power to run many smaller or eco-friendly fridges without an issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Solar Generator Run a Refrigerator?
Yes, as long as it has enough power output and capacity, a solar generator is able to keep a refrigerator running.
How Long Can a Solar Generator Power a Fridge?
How long a solar generator can power a fridge depends on the size and capacity of the unit. A small solar generator may only be able to power a fridge for around six hours or so, while a larger unit may keep the fridge running for two entire days, or longer.
The Right Solar Generator Size Keeps Your Refrigerator Running Reliably
Choosing a solar generator that’s the right size ensures you can keep your fridge running, even during prolonged outages. The right size depends on the power usage of your fridge, which you can often find out by reading the manufacturer’s sticker inside it.
While most fridges use between 300 and 800W to run, you may need around three times as much wattage to start the fridge.
Consider checking out the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus Solar Generator + 400W Solar Panels to keep your fridge operating during an outage, or a whole-home generator to power the rest of your home when the power goes out.
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