Shopping for an RV refrigerator that can be powered by the sun?
You've come to the right place.
In this organized buying guide, we review and recommend the best RV refrigerators that are suitable for powering off-grid from an RV solar panel system, an off-grid solar panel kit, or a portable solar generator.
All of the products recommended in this guide are top-rated low-wattage, low-voltage appliances with high SEER ratings and well-insulated.
So let's get into it.
What's In This Guide
In this buying guide, we recommend, review, and compare 8 of the best RV fridge for solar power units.
We begin by listing our top 8 picks for various common needs and situations, followed by a quick product comparison table and in-depth reviews of our picks.
Then, we provide you with a buying guide describing the key features & gotchas to look for when buying an RV fridge for solar power - plus installation, maintenance, and other tips.
Finally, we answer common questions asked about RV fridges for solar power units.
Hopefully, this buying guide will help you find the best RV fridge for your specific needs and situation.
If you have any questions, leave us a comment below.
Best RV Fridge For Solar Power
- 1Best Overall: Dometic CFX3 Portable Refrigerator and Freezer
- 2Best Value: SetPower 12V Refrigerator, 37 Quart
- 3Most Eco-Friendly: F40C4TMP 12V Car Fridge, 30 Quart
- 4Most Durable: ICECO JP42 Pro, 3 in 1 Refrigerator
- 5For Big Families: Everchill RV Refrigerator, 12V Fridge
- 6Most User-Friendly: Whynter FM-65G 65 Quart Portable Refrigerator
- 7Forst Free: RecPro RV Refrigerator Stainless Steel | 10.7 Cubic Feet
- 8Best Looking: BODEGA 12 Volt Car Refrigerator, 27 Quart
Dometic CFX3 Portable Refrigerator and Freezer
Best Overall
Capacity
34 Quarts37 lbs
24V
Noise
40dB45W
SetPower 12V Refrigerator
Best Value
Capacity
37 Quarts34 lbs
12V
Noise
45dB45W
F40C4TMP 12V Car Fridge
Most Eco-Friendly
Capacity
30 Quarts29.6 lbs
12V
Noise
45dB45W
ICECO JP42 Pro, 3 in 1 Refrigerator
Most Durable
Capacity
44 Quarts49.9 lbs
12V
Noise
45dB45W
Everchill RV Refrigerator
For Big Families
Capacity
11 cubic feet50 lbs
12V
Noise
45dB45W
Whynter FM-65G 65 Quart Portable Refrigerator
Most User-Friendly
Capacity
61 Quarts57 lbs
110V
Noise
40dB75W
RecPro RV Refrigerator Stainless Steel
Frost Free
Capacity
10 cubic feet119 lbs
12V
Noise
45dB120W
BODEGA 12 Volt Car Refrigerator
Best Looking
Capacity
27 Quarts27.11 lbs
24V
Noise
42dB60W
1. Best Overall: Dometic CFX3 Portable Refrigerator and Freezer
This reliable Dometic CFX3 Portable Refrigerator and Freezer is the best RV fridge for solar power. It is highly portable and an ideal companion for outdoor activities.
This powerful cooler provides remarkable chilling and capacity, letting you carry more of your favorite foods and beverages with you.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
We rank this product the best RV fridge for solar power because of its balanced features, price, and easy maintenance. This RV fridge is equipped with advanced technology and allows you to monitor performance history.
It also lets you control temperature through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on your mobile, which is a plus point for tech lovers.
The sleek, space-efficient design is easy to handle and makes it easy set up in RVs. It's composed of durable, high-quality aluminum alloy that withstands all conditions.
It is lightweight than most RV fridges but heavier than F40C4TMP. With a large capacity of 32 liters, this is the ideal product for a small group of people.
Its fast freezing keeps foods and drinks chilled and leaves no need for ice. This super-efficient RV fridge can deep freeze down to -7°F. It features built-in 3-stage dynamic battery protection technology, which avoids dead batteries.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Capacity: | 32 Liters |
Voltage: | 24 Volts |
Model Name: | CFX3 35 |
Item Dimensions LxWxH: | 27.32 x 15.67 x 16.02 inches |
2. Best Value: SetPower 12V Refrigerator
The SetPower 12V Refrigerator is a super economical and pocket-friendly option. Its practical and rugged design makes it ideal for outdoor use.
This RV fridge for solar power provides efficient cooling and freezes items in a flash. It has durable quality and thick insulation, which keeps food fresh and chilled for an extended period.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
With its versatile design, this product is ideal for RVs. It features everything you need in the best RV fridge for Solar power. Its portable and anti-shake design makes it super convenient and easy to handle.
It has a detachable lid that can be accessed from either side. The fridge also features two detachable wheels for easy mobility. This product has three levels of car battery protection to protect the fridge and the vehicle's battery, providing the best protection for batteries against overcharging.
It's super quiet and consumes low voltage. Plus, it is super easy to operate with soft-touch buttons. The high-resolution color display allows you to control and monitor cooler performance.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Capacity: | 35 Liters |
Form Factor: | Compact |
Item Dimensions LxWxH: | 25.4 x 14.8 x 19.7 inches |
3. Most Eco-Friendly: F40C4TMP 12V Car Fridge
This dual-use cooler, the F40C4TMP, is perfect for outdoor use due to its practical and durable design. It delivers effective cooling and quickly freezes things.
It has a long-lasting quality and substantial insulation that keeps food fresh and refrigerated for an extended time.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
This single-zone refrigerator with a capacity of 30 quarts is well worth considering because it is compact and most lightweight except for the Bodega (which appears later on in this list).
The magnetic door design seals the cold and keeps the food from going bad. Its durable and anti-shake design may not be large enough for year-round use.
Its super powerful compressor chills everything in a flash and keeps items fresh for a more extended period. The 30 degrees of anti-slip and various charging alternatives makes it highly convenient.
The 12-volt camping refrigerator also includes three degrees of battery protection: Low, Mid, and High, which keeps the battery from depleting and immediately reopens when the electricity is restored.
It's eco-friendly, and the estimated annual energy use for this device is less than 1 kWh per day.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Capacity: | 28 Liters |
Configuration: | Compact Internal Freezer |
Voltage: | 12 Volts (DC) |
Cooling Method: | Compressor |
Item Dimensions LxWxH: | 22.68 x 12.6 x 15.51 inches |
4. Most Durable: ICECO JP42 Pro, 3 in 1 Refrigerator
The solid structure of the ICECO JP42 Pro is made of rotomolded durable design, which is super convenient for travel.
This product can be used as an excellent backup solar fridge and freezer in areas where the grid is unavailable or unstable. It's beneficial, inexpensive, and long-lasting!
Pros
Cons
Our Review
This capacious RV fridge is equipped with a dual-zone system that allows you to use it as a freezer or refrigerator. Although it has a loud, noisy compressor, its outstanding features make up for it.
This product can be used as a freezer as well as a fridge. The thicker inner wall and integrated structure provide outstanding heat insulation performance. The pull-down rebound lock provides a reasonable seal assurance.
This fridge has enough capacity for two people's needs. With anti-tilt protection, your fridge will operate even at a 40-degree angle. It can also draw power from DC and AC sources, giving it even greater versatility.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Capacity: | 41.6 Liters |
Configuration: | Compact Internal Freezer |
Cooling Method: | Compressor |
Item Dimensions LxWxH: | 28.4 x 15.9 x 17.5 inches |
5. For Big Families: Everchill RV Refrigerator
This spacious fridge, the Everchill, is another addition to our 8 of the best RV fridge for solar power review list. It is highly efficient, energy-saving, and extensive, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities to the fullest.
It has a turbofan, digital temperature settings, adjustable humidity vegetable box, and a twist ice cube machine to meet all needs in an RV. The space inside is great for big families.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
This RV fridge has a large capacity of 11 cubic feet, almost twice that of other RV fridges. It's similar to your domestic fridge in size and functionality, except you can operate it on solar power. So, that’s a convenient benefit for RV owners.
It contains five compartments of tempered glass and a spacious and practical freezer section. The door comprises several racks for extra storage.
It consumes less energy, freezes quickly, and stays cold longer. The interior is designed with LED illumination for easy accessibility. The travel door lock ensures overall safety and keeps the fridge's contents safe and secure.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Capacity: | 11 Cubic Feet (311 Liters) |
Number of Doors: | 2 |
Voltage: | 12 Volts |
Form Factor: | Freezer Top |
Item Dimensions LxWxH: | 25.75 x 23.5 x 59.75 inches |
6. Most User-Friendly: Whynter FM-65G 65 Quart Portable Refrigerator
For off-grid users, the Whynter FM-45G has several intriguing features. It is built with solid insulation to withstand temperature variations.
The Whynter FM-45G is made to provide you with a reliable and simple-to-use DC or AC-powered refrigerator wherever you go. Also, it’s very easy to set up and clean.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
This product has the ability to cool down to -8°F in freezer mode, cutting off your ice expenses. It offers excellent capacity and can carry enough edibles for two people.
It also features a LED temperature display and low power indicator for better temperature control. It can reduce the overall drain by as much as 50%.
When not in use, you can put it in energy-saving mode. It can operate on AC, DC, and solar power, giving users various options. The drain plug allows easy cleaning and maintenance.
The durable exterior is highly insulated with stainless steel, ensuring efficient cooling. It includes two easy-to-remove wire baskets that could be used to store items.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Capacity: | 2.12 Cubic Feet (60 Liters) |
Configuration: | Compact Internal Freezer |
Defrost System: | Automatic |
Voltage: | 110 Volts (AC) |
Item Dimensions LxWxH: | 18.25 x 28 x 21 inches |
7. Frost Free: RecPro RV Refrigerator Stainless Steel
This second-to-last best RV fridge for solar power option, the RecPro, contains a separate fridge and freezer compartments.
The immense size and capacity are ideal for a family and can store plenty of food. RecPro requires no need for venting, and you have complete control over the temperature, balance, and other aspects.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
This massive piece from RecPro is another attractive option for the best RV Fridge for Solar Power. It operates silently and cools to your desired temperature in less than an hour.
The locking doors and reversible door panels can be opened in both directions, allowing easy accessibility.
It offers a large capacity of 10.7 cubic feet with five wide shelves to store many food products and beverages. RecPro contains a full refrigerator as well as a top freezer.
If you need a little more room for your meals, while being frost-free, this model is ideal.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Capacity: | 10.7 Cubic Feet (302 Liters) |
Configuration: | Freezer-on-Top |
Cooling Method: | Compressor |
Item Dimensions LxWxH: | 60 x 25 x 24 inches |
8. Best Looking: BODEGA 12 Volt Car Refrigerator
This portable car refrigerator, from Bodega, allows you to enjoy cold drinks in a safe and quiet environment during your journey. It has a friendly, portable design.
The lateral displacement is substantially decreased due to its smooth external lines. Also, it is equipped with a multi-functional non-slip base.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
The BODEGA 12 Volt refrigerator is the final entry to our 8 of the best RV fridge for solar power units out there. This unit comes with multiple advanced features.
It has an LCD panel to view operation and alter the temperature range. It holds a total of 27 quarts divided into two zones.
This full RV fridge has a capacity of 25 liters. BODEGA also offers a protection and guard system for different levels. The system can be configured to work with various starters and shutdown voltages.
By using the full mode, a powerful compressor can raise the temperature of an empty portable refrigerator to 32°F in 15 minutes. The car portable freezer can continue to run even if your automobile is climbing at a 30-degree inclination angle.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Capacity: | 25 Liters |
Configuration: | Compact Internal Freeze |
Cooling Method: | Compressor |
Item Dimensions LxWxH: | 24 x 13 x 14 inches |
RV Fridge For Solar Power Buying Guide
Check out our detailed buying guide for the best RV Fridge for Solar Power if you still have certain questions about how to select one for yourself.
What is an RV Fridge For Solar Power and how does it work?
Even though the result is the same, RV refrigerators operate differently than ordinary domestic refrigerators. A compressor is used to operate the refrigeration cycle in your home refrigerator, but not in a standard RV refrigerator.
RV refrigerators are known as absorption refrigerators, and they function uniquely. The heat is collected from the interior of the fridge and terminated outside.
They can run on both electricity and propane gas which is one of the reasons for their success in RVs. Because RVs require their refrigerators to function even when they are not connected to a power source. And for this purpose, solar-powered refrigerators are the best option for RVs.
How is an RV Fridge For Solar Power better than an ordinary fridge?
An RV fridge is similar to a standard refrigerator, but unlike a standard refrigerator, its power requirement is suited to run on either 12V to 48V DC power or on the 115V AC power (30 amps or less) that most RV solar power systems produce.
You can carry these portable RV fridges everywhere on vacations and outdoor activities. You can conveniently place them in your RV and enjoy chilled drinks anytime.
In short, RV fridges for solar power are highly eco-friendly, safe, functional, and versatile.
Benefits of using an RV Fridge For Solar Power
RV fridges for Solar Power have multiple benefits:
Drawbacks and limitations
As everything has its downside, an RV fridge for solar power also has some limitations:
Features to Consider
Capacity
The first feature you need to look for in the best RV fridge for Solar power is its size and capacity. RVs require space-efficient fridges to store maximum food and drinks without occupying much space.
Performance and Effectiveness
Efficiency is the second most crucial thing when buying the best RV Fridge for Solar power.
Choose an RV fridge equipped with energy-efficient and highly effective cooling technology. A good RV fridge should be able to cool your food in less time and keep it more relaxed for longer without using as much electricity.
Cost
Although RV fridges for solar power are expensive, using them often can be cost-effective. You can find great RV fridges for a reasonable price in our top 8 best RV Fridge for Solar Power guide.
Power Draw
Make sure to check the average and peak wattage of the RV fridge before buying. Both must be below your RV solar generator’s peak output (watts) rating or you’re going to trip the system off.
The average wattage will determine how long you can run your fridge. For example, a 100-Watt refrigerator will require 2,400 Watt-hours of energy each day. If your battery pack has less than that, you’re gonna need to solar-recharge often.
Finally, keep in mind that you should never drain your batteries below 50% for Lead Acid & AGM batteries, while Lithium Ion ones can be drained safely to around 80%.
Durable Thick Insulation
Insulation is essential in maintaining the inside temperature of your refrigerator. You'll need sufficient insulation to keep your products fresh and chilled. Select an RV fridge that has thick insulation.
RV Fridge For Solar Power Installation
Installing and operating these appliances is similar to a standard refrigerator.
Install your preferred solar panels and connect their wires to the fridge inside your RV. You can either drill a hole in your RV or use any available hole, for example, the refrigerator vent or plumbing pipe.
The next step is to link the voltage regulator. Choose a mounting point as close to your batteries as possible to reduce line loss.
After placing the voltage regulator on the wall, you'll need to connect it to the power lines you dropped through the hole inside the RV. Test the polarity of your wires with a multimeter and label each one. Then attach your solar panels and batteries according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Lastly, just link all the wires together. To use AC appliances, such as your microwave or laptop, you'll need an inverter to convert the DC electricity from your solar panels to AC power.
After that, connect your RV's electrical system. Please make sure the negative side of the inverter is connected first when connecting it to your house battery posts.
Always read the handbook for the product you purchased for more precise guidelines.
Maintenance & Operating Costs
Maintenance and conservation of RV fridges are pretty straightforward and similar to ordinary fridges. Make sure you place the fridge in a secure and ventilated area in your RV.
RV installation includes Photovoltaic panels, Controllers of the charge, Storage of batteries, and Inverters. The price of photovoltaic panels has dropped over 80% since 2010. Most solar power fridges will likely cost over $1,000, with higher-end models approaching the $2,000 range.
Of course, adding more panels and batteries to the system will raise the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many solar panels does it take to run a residential RV refrigerator?
This depends on your needs. For a standard residential fridge, two to three solar panels would be required to power it using solar energy.
Can you run a fridge + freezer on solar power?
Yes, you can run a fridge + freezer on solar power. Even though refrigerators require a constant power supply to keep food fresh, the amount of wattage and energy drain required to run modern units is low enough to keep them going for a day or two on a 400-600W setup. Longer, with the right battery bank.
Are solar refrigerators good?
Yes, of course! Solar refrigerators offer great convenience as well as modern functionality. But of course, everything depends on your lifestyle and family size. The solar refrigerator is your savior if you enjoy living off the grid or like to travel a lot. They are portable, compact, and easy to install in your RVs.
Can a 200, 300, or 400-watt solar panel setup run an RV refrigerator?
Yes. A 200, 300, and 400-watt solar panel can run a small refrigerator. Most refrigerators for RVs only pull 50-150 watts.
Final Verdict: What is the best RV Fridge For Solar Power
For most smaller RVs, we think the Dometic CFX3 Portable Refrigerator and Freezer is the best RV fridge for solar power. It offers decent capacity for two, great portability, and temperature control options.
It’s also incredibly efficient and packed with handy features and can be your ideal RV companion.
If you need a full-sized fridge that can run for a day or so on your RV solar panels, then consider buying the RecPro 12V or Everchill fridges. You can’t go wrong with either one.
