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best solar generator for refrigerator

8 Best Solar Generators for a Refrigerator 2023: Top Picks, Reviews & Guide

Are you shopping for a solar generator powerful enough to run a small refrigerator off the grid?

You've come to the right place.

In this guide, we recommend and review the best solar generators capable of powering refrigerators on the go - from large RV fridges to 12 Volt portable coolers.

Let's get started.


In this buying guide, we recommend, review and compare 5 of the best solar generators to power a refrigerator.

We begin by listing our top picks for various common needs and situations, followed by a quick product comparison table and in-depth reviews of our top picks.

Then, we provide a short buying guide describing the key features to look for when buying a solar generator for refrigerators along with installation information, maintenance, and other tips. 

Finally, we answer common questions asked about a solar generator for a refrigerator.

Hopefully, this buying guide will help you find the best solar generator for your specific needs and situation.

If you have any questions, leave us a comment below.


5 Best Solar Generators For A Refrigerator

Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com

  1. 1
    Best For RV Refrigerator: EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station
  2. 2
    Quiet Operation: Jackery Explorer 1000
  3. 3
    Most Powerful: Goal Zero Yeti 3000x
  4. 4
    Lightweight Pick: Inergy Apex
  5. 5
    Most Versatile: Bluetti AC200 Max

best solar generator for refrigerator
  • EF ECOFLOW

  • Best Overall

  • 15.7 x 8.3 x 10.6 inches

  • 99 lbs.

  • 1260Wh

  • 1800W

best solar generator for camping
  • Jackery Explorer 1000

  • Quiet Operation

  • 13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 inches

  • 22.04 lbs.

  • 1002Wh

  • 1000W

best solar generator for camping
  • Goal Zero Yeti 3000x

  • Most Powerful

  • 25 x 19 x 23 inches

  • 78 lbs

  • 2982Wh

  • 2000W

best solar generator for refrigerator
  • Inergy Apex

  • Lightweight Pick

  • 14 x 8 x 7 inches

  • 25 lbs

  • 1100Wh

  • 1500W

best solar generator for camping
  • Bluetti AC200 Max

  • Most Versatile

  • 16.5 x 11 x 15.2 inches

  • 60.6 lbs

  • 2000Wh

  • 2000W


1. Best For RV Refrigerator: EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station

Are you looking for a durable and reliable solar generator to power a small RV-scale refrigerator when you are on the road? 

This EF Ecoflow unit with an impressive 1260Wh capacity and X-Stream technology serves the purpose very well for RV owners.

That said, with its capacity this unit is best suited for dedicating to your fridge and recharging electronics only.  

It’s not a full-power base station capable of running all of your appliances.

Pros

  • Features 6 USB ports
  • Multiple AC ports
  • Quick and straightforward installation
  • Wi-Fi and smartphone connectivity

Cons

  • Can be expensive

Our Review

This EF Ecoflow generator has a power capacity of 1260Wh, enough to power a large RV-style refrigerator for half a day or a medium-sized fridge for at least 8 hours. 

With solar panels added for recharging during stops, that’s plenty enough power to keep your fridge cold for extended trips off-grid.

This model has six AC ports, offering up to a combined 1800 watts of power. There are multiple USB ports, including two standards, two Type-C, and two fast-charging ports to power different types of devices. 

Thanks to the X-Stream technology, recharging this generator via a 115V AC outlet from 0 to 80 percent takes only an hour. 

This generator also features a robust design that is compact and highly portable. The durable metal casing prevents any damage, plus the two fans on the side keep the unit cool. 

There is a digital display on the front that helps you monitor the status of the generator from time to time. A two-year warranty comes standard. 

Specifications

Brand:

EF ECOFLOW Store

Dimensions: 

15.7 x 8.3 x 10.6 inches

Weight: 

99 lbs

Storage Capacity: 

1260Wh

Output Capacity: 

1800W

Ports:

6 AC ports

2 standard USB ports, 2 USB Type-C ports

2 fast-charging ports


2. Quiet Operation: Jackery Explorer 1000

best solar generator for camping

With just enough capacity to power a fridge for a day, lightweight portability, and 3 recharging options, this Jackery solar generator an excellent investment. And its super-quiet. 

The tough yet lightweight design is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want to keep a 12V cooler or mini-fridge going for their camp.

Pros

  • Robust build
  • Quick recharge
  • Reliable capacity
  • Plenty of ports

Cons

  • Not waterproof

Our Review

This unit stands out for its vibrant orange and black body designed to take a few beatings.

With a wattage rating of 1000 watts and a capacity of 1002Wh, this solar generator is suitable for keeping the lights on at the campsite or even running appliances like a mini-fridge for up to 10 hours straight.

It can be paired with two Jackery 100W solar panels to recharge the unit daily, so your drinks and food stay cold. 

The use of MPPT technology ensures 23% conversion charging efficiency.

The generator  offers three standard pure sine wave AC outputs, two standard USB Type-C ports and a USB 3.0 fast-charging port. 

There is a mini display on the side of the unit to allow you to check battery percentage and output draw. 

But the best thing about Jackery Explorer 1000 is how reliable and quiet it is. 

It is completely noiseless, thereby offering power and peace all at once. You also get a two-year warranty on this unit. 

Best Features

  • 3 pure sine wave AC ports
  • 1002Wh capacity
  • 2 Type-C ports and 1 fast-charging 3.0 port
  • Quick charging

Specifications

Brand:

Jackery

Dimensions: 

13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 inches

Weight: 

22.04 lbs

Storage Capacity: 

1002Wh

Output Capacity: 

1000 Watts


3. Most Powerful: Goal Zero Yeti 3000x

best solar generator for camping

If you need to run a full-sized fridge off-grid, then the Goal Yeti 3000x is a great choice.

With 2982Wh of capacity, this unit can operate a standup RV-class refrigerator without issues for more than 1 day.  

Add a few Nomad solar panels to recharge during the day, and you can run your fridge for weeks.

Pros

  • Incredibly durable design
  • Highly portable
  • Powerful solar generator
  • Plenty of plugs
  • Compatible with a range of devices

Cons

  • It is expensive
  • It is heavy

Our Review

Being a high-end solar generator from the Yeti series, the Goal Zero Yeti 3000x is convenient for camping as well as general use around the house (if you are worried about blackouts). 

Featuring 2982Wh, this generator is suitable for powering an average domestic refrigerator for an entire day.

And of course, depending on your needs, you can also run medium-sized fridges and a bunch of other appliances. 

You get versatile port options with this unit. There are a total of seven different port options including fast-charging 60W USB-C Power Delivery, multiple USB-A ports, regulated 12V, and two 120V AC ports.

It also has compatibility with the Yeti App. Such type of connection allows you to monitor, control, and optimize power usage from anywhere.

The app will also provide you with real-time power consumption notifications.

As for charging times, you can recharge the Goal Zero Yeti 3000x in 14 hours with a wall outlet.

Using a 12V car charger will take 28 hours while 600W of solar panel energy will recharge it in 6 hours.

Best Features

  • Powerful 2982Wh.
  • 7 different port options.
  • Portable wheels.

Specifications

Brand:

Goal Zero

Dimensions: 

25 x 19 x 23 inches

Weight: 

78 lbs. 

Storage Capacity: 

2982Wh

Output Capacity: 

2000W


4. Lightweight Pick: Inergy Apex

The Inergy Apex is a go-to solar generator for people looking for a powerful yet lightweight unit to power their appliances.

The unit is dependable yet weighs only 25 lbs and is built with quality materials. It has multiple plugs and ports and a high solo capacity. 

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Fast charging
  • Built-in LED display on the front
  • Free basecamp LED lights included

Cons

  • Customer service could be better

Our Review

This unit is 35 percent lighter than the competitors, weighing merely 25 lbs. The Inergy Apex is packed with impressive power capacity and user-friendly features.

It boasts a substantial 1100Wh capacity that can power different appliances like fridges, TV, laptop, and others for 8-12 hours at a time.

The Li-ion battery can be quickly charged in only three hours with solar panels. You can also upgrade the grid system to meet your needs. 

There are six 110V plugs on this generator with several outputs, including USB 3.0, USB Type-C, standard 12V, and DC ports to mark versatility. You can use this generator to power a range of devices whenever required.

The batteries in this unit are advertised to have a four times longer lifespan than its competitors.

Besides the one-year warranty, the manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the performance of this generator. 

Best Features

  • 4 times longer lifespan.
  • Reliable 1100Wh capacity.
  • Ultra-lightweight.
  • Multiple plugs and ports.

Specifications

Brand:

Inergy

Dimensions: 

14 x 8 x 7 inches

Weight: 

25 lbs. 

Storage Capacity: 

1100Wh

Output Capacity: 

1500W


5. Most Versatile: Bluetti AC200 Max

best solar generator for camping

When it comes to the Bluetti Ac200 Max, the final entry on our list, you have a unit with massive solo capacity with plenty of ports.

This heavy-duty solar generator has everything to make it perfect for running not just refrigerators but also other appliances during your camping trip.

Featuring 2000Wh, you can run an average domestic fridge for more than 12 hours. 

Even better, if and when you want more capacity you can add Bluetti batteries in series to this unit.

Pros

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Quick charging
  • Versatile ports

Cons

  • The fan can be a bit loud

Our Review

Last on the list is this powerful solar generator from Bluetti

This heavy-duty solar generator is packed with a high power capacity of 2000Wh, enough to run an average domestic refrigerator for more than 12 hours. It can also be used for multiple appliances in your home or campsite.

An LCD on the front allows you to monitor the power and other settings. This unit features LiFePO4 battery with 3500+ cycles to 80%.

You also get over-current and short-current protection along with protection from over-charge, over-voltage, and overheating.

The universal ports include 6 x AC, 1 x 12V/25A DC, 1 x Type-C and 4 x USB-A, 1 x car socket, 2 x wireless charger, and 2 x DC 5521. 

You can also remotely control this solar generator via built-in Bluetooth connectivity for a user-friendly experience. It is also backed by a two-year warranty and good customer support.

You can recharge it with 700W solar panels in 3.5 hours and in 2.2 hours if you pair a solar panel with a wall outlet (max. 1200W).

Best Features 

  • 2000Wh capacity.
  • Wireless charging pads.
  • Numerous ports.
  • 2-year warranty

Specifications

Brand:

BLUETTI

Dimensions: 

16.5 x 11 x 15.2 inches

Weight: 

60.6 lbs. 

Storage Capacity: 

2000Wh

Output Capacity: 

2000W


Best Solar Generator For A Refrigerator: Buying Guide

best solar generator for refrigerator

Many brands offer solar generators that can power a fridge. 

However, choosing the right solar generator can be overwhelming as it is not a general-purpose device. They can cost quite a bit, and a wrong choice can lead to regret in the future.

It is essential to consider several factors and features to get your hands on a valued purchase. Give this buying guide a read to learn about solar generators for refrigerators.

What Is A Solar Generator?

A solar generator looks just like a fuel generator, except it uses solar energy to power the appliance.

It is a quiet and eco-friendly alternative to a standard fuel generator. The best solar generator for a refrigerator is compact, lightweight, and portable.

It comes in various sizes with varying battery capacities to supply emergency power backup in a power outage situation.

The solar generator is paired with solar panels to convert the sunlight to direct current (DC energy).

The DC power passes through a charge controller and is stored in the battery.

A pure sine wave inverter inside the generator takes the energy stored in the battery and converts it into AC power, ultimately used to power the common household appliances. 

Why Is A Solar Generator Better Than A Gas Generator?

best solar generator for refrigerator

Plenty of reasons make a solar generator a better choice than a gas generator for anyone who needs to run a fridge off-grid. Let's have a look at them.

Indoor Use

Unlike gas generators, solar generators can be used indoors, thanks to their fuel-free operation.

There is no release of toxic fumes, so you can use a solar generator to run your appliances anywhere in the house in case of a breakdown.

No Fuel Cost

As mentioned above, solar generators use sunlight to run appliances instead of fuel.

It means solar generators can be run at no additional cost, while a gas generator would cost you both time and money every time you go to a gas station for refueling.  

No Maintenance

The best thing about solar generators is that they require little or no maintenance throughout their lifetime.

Warranties also back these units to save the additional cost of replacement or repair.

Contrary to this, gas generators require fuel and filter changes regularly to work to the fullest. 

Benefits Of Using A Solar Generator

Let’s go over the top advantages of using a solar generator.

Silent Operation

Solar generators are highly praised for being silent, which allows you to work peacefully.

Unlike gas generators, these units power the appliances without any noise. This feature makes solar generators ideal for RVs and vans on road trips. 

Unlimited Power Source

best solar generator for refrigerator

Solar generators use sunlight energy to run your appliances. It can provide unlimited electricity to gadgets as far as the sun shines.

Even on a cloudy day, a few hours of direct sunlight exposure are enough to provide enough juice.

These units can also be charged via an AC outlet or cigarette port in your car. 

Operational While Charging

Another significant benefit of a solar generator is using it while charging. The best solar generators for refrigerators offer exact charging and discharging rates in real-time.

It allows you to use the unit and simultaneously charge the generator's battery. 

Drawbacks And Limitations

Now that you know the benefits of a solar generator, let's look at the drawbacks. 

High Upfront Cost

Solar generators are relatively more expensive than gas generators and other alternatives.

Also, the package does not include the solar panels, so you have to purchase them separately, which would add to the overall expense.

Limited Power Output

Solar generators, being limited to the capacity of their inverter, provide a limited amount of power output. It requires a high-capacity solar generator to run large loads for hours. 

Limited Sunlight Hours

The operation of a solar generator depends on the amount of sunlight it can utilize during the daytime.

It works in a limited capacity on cloudy days, making it challenging to use in areas with limited sunlight exposure.

Solar Generators for Refrigerators: Features To Consider

Battery Capacity

best solar generator for refrigerator

The first thing to consider about a solar generator is how much energy, in watt-hours, it can store.  

To run a full-sized refrigerator for 12 hours a day will take a minimum of 1,200 Watt-hours of energy.  Mini-fridges and RV fridges typically consume up to half as much energy per day.

So to make sure your generator can power your fridge, check the battery capacity of the unit in watt-hours. 

The battery capacity of solar generators range from a couple of hundred Wh to several thousand Wh. 

A high-capacity solar generator can of course run a fridge longer.  However, remember that most refrigerators are extremely well-insulated and only need to run a few hours per day to keep food and drinks cool and to keep most frozen foods hard.  

If you need to freeze liquids, however - for example to freeze fresh-caught fish - then you will need a higher-capacity generator capable of keeping it running 24 hours a day.

Power Outputs

The rated output of a solar generator, in watts, defines the maximum power provided by the solar generator, which then determines what appliances can be powered from the unit. 

For powering a full-sized 115V fridge, you will need a power rating of at least 500W with perhaps a 1,000 watt surge or peak power rating. Most solar generators with a proper capacity will easily meet this spec.

Solar generators in the 1,000Wh to 3,000Wh class are not generally suitable for powering commercial refrigerators and freezers that require 220V AC power.

Number Of Ports

best solar generator for refrigerator

You must check the types of ports available on the solar generator to know if it can serve versatile applications.

You can use a couple of high-voltage ports to plug in your refrigerator, while the low-voltage AC ports can run low-power gadgets like laptops, tablets, and TV.

Most solar generators also feature different types of USB ports to allow you to plug in USB cords to charge smartphones and power lights and fans. 

Durability

Apart from the technical features, you should consider the build and design of the solar generator, especially if you plan to use it outside. 

A high-end build is essential if you intend to take the generator around on camping and road trips. 

Portability

The latest generation of solar generators capable of powering a fridge have compact dimensions and weigh between 15 and 60 lbs, so they are easy to move around.

That said, if you are considering a higher-capacity model to serve multiple needs, then be aware some can weigh north of 100lbs.


Maintenance & Operating Costs

how to hook up solar panel to rv

Solar generators are low-maintenance machines that require very little care to function properly. 

They do not need fuel to operate, plus there are no moving parts on these units. 

However, it is still essential to clean the solar panels and regularly remove the dirt and debris from fan air intakes. 

These units operate on solar energy, which is FREE. Thus, there are no additional operating costs after buying the solar generator


Who Needs A Solar Generator For A Refrigerator?

Compact and portable solar generators can keep your food saf and cold in wide range of scenarios.

  • Power outages, even extended ones.
  • Portable off-grid activities like camping, festivals, road trips, etc.
  • Off-grid vehicles including RVs, boats, and vans.

Frequently-Asked Questions

What size solar generator is needed to run a refrigerator?

Solar generators with a capacity of 2400Wh and higher are suitable for running a large refrigerator 24 hours a day. 

However, if you have a 12V mini-fridge and do not want to take a large and heavy generator on an RV, a 500Wh unit should work well enough. 

Keep in mind that today’s refrigerators do not pull power all of the time to keep food cold.  

And RV-class refrigerators are super-efficient when not pulling power, which extends their life on battery power.

What size generator do I need to run a refrigerator and freezer?

A generator with a 2400Wh capacity can efficiently run a refrigerator and freezer.

Can a 300-Watt solar panel run a refrigerator?

Yes, a 300-watt solar panel can power a mini-fridge on an extended basis when paired with a battery power bank or solar generator of 1,500Wh or greater.

How long should I run my generator to keep my refrigerator cold?

In general, you should provide power to your fridge for one hour to keep the refrigerator cold for four hours.

This also depends on multiple factors like how old the refrigerator is and how quickly the temperature changes in the fridge. 

How long can a solar generator run a fridge?

Due to domestic refrigerators typically consuming anywhere between 1-2KWh a day, you will require a solar generator featuring 2400 Wh or higher if you wish to keep the fridge running for 24 hours continuously.

Weaker generators should be able to help your fridge run for a couple of hours depending on their Wh rating.  

That said, most modern refrigerators don’t need to pull power continuously to keep food cold.  So cycling the power on and off can extend the range quite a bit.

How much power does a fridge consume at any given time?

The power consumption by a domestic 110V AC fridge ranges between 100 to 250 watts.

It uses around 1-2KWh of energy per day.  RV-class refrigerators use about half as much energy.


Final Verdict: What Is The Best Solar Generator For A Refrigerator?

For powering larger/standup refrigerators, the EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station is our top pick.

This reliable solar generator has 1260Wh of power capacity with six versatile output ports. It boasts Wi-Fi connectivity plus X-Stream technology ensures quick and reliable charging.

This unit can help keep your medium-sized fridge running continuously for more than 10 hours, or over 24 hours by cycling power on and off.  

Paired with a 200W solar panel, you can keep your fridge running on an extended basis.

However, if you want a lighter weight unit, opt for the Inergy Apex

And for those wanting a powerful unit for 24-hour fridge or freezer operation, take a look at the Goal Zero Yeti 3000x.

Best of luck selecting the right solar generator that works best for you. 

If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below.

About the Author David Roberts

I'm a Mechanical Engineer who's obsessed with solar energy and sustainable living.

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