So how many panels does it take to power your average kitchen fridge? I estimate that a single modern rooftop-style panel could pull it off. Is there a battery being used in this setup? I suppose you wouldn’t need one if you’re only storing drinks that don’t need to be kept at a safe temperature 24/7. Regardless, I wish the article would have asked these questions.
Is “a panel” a standard size/unit? (Genuinely asking, I assumed there are lots of different sizes but a standard would totally make sense from a cost savings perspective.)
As far as your question, the main challenge would be the required battery because the startup load of a compressor is waaaay higher than the operating load. A single refrigerator barely uses much power once it’s going.
Not a lot. Maximum power a fridge would draw is around 150W and it will work for about 8 hours per day so 1.2 kW. A 1 m² panel should provide enough power and energy, even with conversion losses. You’d need a battery though.
My kitchen fridge is relatively new, uses ~1.25 kWh/day, typically draws ~100W when running and never really goes over 200W
My garage fridge is older and cheaper and uses about the same amount of energy, but power occasionally spikes >1kW
With batteries, both could be powered with just ~200 W worth of panels. Without batteries, you may want a little more power or a descent capacitor to make sure you can handle the start-up loads.
Given it’s out in direct sunlight all day, you may need an extra 200W or so to offset the solar hear gain.
A typical rooftop panel is ~300-400W, so 1 would probably do it.
So how many panels does it take to power your average kitchen fridge? I estimate that a single modern rooftop-style panel could pull it off. Is there a battery being used in this setup? I suppose you wouldn’t need one if you’re only storing drinks that don’t need to be kept at a safe temperature 24/7. Regardless, I wish the article would have asked these questions.
Is “a panel” a standard size/unit? (Genuinely asking, I assumed there are lots of different sizes but a standard would totally make sense from a cost savings perspective.)
As far as your question, the main challenge would be the required battery because the startup load of a compressor is waaaay higher than the operating load. A single refrigerator barely uses much power once it’s going.
Given the semi-arid landscape, I’m betting it’s cold at night, no need to run the fridge.
Not a lot. Maximum power a fridge would draw is around 150W and it will work for about 8 hours per day so 1.2 kW. A 1 m² panel should provide enough power and energy, even with conversion losses. You’d need a battery though.
My kitchen fridge is relatively new, uses ~1.25 kWh/day, typically draws ~100W when running and never really goes over 200W
My garage fridge is older and cheaper and uses about the same amount of energy, but power occasionally spikes >1kW
With batteries, both could be powered with just ~200 W worth of panels. Without batteries, you may want a little more power or a descent capacitor to make sure you can handle the start-up loads.
Given it’s out in direct sunlight all day, you may need an extra 200W or so to offset the solar hear gain.
A typical rooftop panel is ~300-400W, so 1 would probably do it.
Probably like 3