Generators use different fuel sources but the solar version uses clean energy, which makes them more efficient and environmentally friendly. Solar generators are even more beneficial because they store their energy in batteries, so that you can use the reserve when the sun goes down.
An important factor to consider when purchasing a solar generator is its ability to power your refrigerator. We all know how important it is to have your refrigerator working, especially during an emergency situation. When looking to buy a solar generator you want the best solar generator to power your refrigerator.
Which is why I decided to create this article to provide you with the top six best solar generator for refrigerator reviews. I have also provided you with a buyers guide with all the important information you’ll need to know before buying a solar generator.
6 Best Solar Generators for Refrigerators
1. Jackery Solar Generator 1000
Topping the list for the best solar generator for refrigerator is the Jackery 1000. Jackery’s solar generator is not only eco-friendly but also convenient because of its portability. The generator comes with 2 SolarSaga solar panels to collect the sun’s energy.
With a 1002Wh capacity (2000W surge power), the generator can support the appliances in your RV including your refrigerator during road and camping trips. This is a mix of power and convenience especially because of the generator’s quiet nature.
The Jackery explorer 1000 consists of 3-standard pure sine wave AC outlets allowing you to add more devices and appliances without worrying about the battery. This generator is designed to allow you to charge its Lithium-ion battery as you use it, so you have a continuous power supply.
To boost this functionality, the generator’s upgraded MPPT controller allows its battery to go from 0% to 80% charged in 6.5 hours. This is a big plus especially considering its capacity. The back of the generator consists of a back-lit display which indicates its input and output power as well as your battery usage.
The explorer 1000 was built for longevity, its design consists of six protection layers built with an ETFE material. ETFE is considered an excellent alternative to glass because it’s semi-transparent and doesn’t wear fast. Plus, the unit comes with a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Portable, weighs 10kg
- Easy to set up and use
- Fast recharge
- Get power on the move
- 2-year warranty
- Charge all electric devices in your RV all through your road trip
- Eco-friendly solution
Cons
- The explorer takes about 8 hours to charge completely
- 10kg can be a bit hard to carry
- Supports large devices for a short time
This eco-friendly power option is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who don’t want to keep stopping over to charge their electronic devices. With this generator, you can comfortably keep a completely furnished RV powered up throughout the day.
2. EF ECOFLOW EFDELTA 1260Wh Solar Generator
With an IP67 rating, EFDELTA is considered one of the most eco-friendly, all-weather generators on the market. The generator will work in all weathers and can be placed outside as you enjoy your camping trip. Its IP67 rating also ensures that your generator still works even after being submerged in water for half an hour. The generator is made of an aluminum and plastic casing for durability.
You only need 1.6 hours to fully charge the EFDELLTA using a standard AC cable because of its patented X-Stream technology. This is 10 times faster than most solar generators on the market today.
Got solar panels with no solar generator? EF ECOFLOW designed this solar generator to work with most solar panels up to 400watts. You can connect the generator’s battery with three solar panels simultaneously to maximize its efficiency. When connecting the generator to 110W ECOFLOW solar panels, you can bump up the connections to 4. The solar’s MPPT controller allows for faster battery recharges.
EFDELTA consists of a variety of outlets including 6 120V AC outlets, 2 USB Type C, 4 USB Type-A, and a 112-volt car accessory. You can essentially connect the generator’s battery to thirteen devices simultaneously without overloading it. It’s also overload and temperature protected and you get a 2-year warranty with it.
Pros
- Fast charging
- Compatible with most solar panels
- Connect up to 3 solar panels
- Reliable, sustainable power supply
- All weather power generator
Cons
- Short lifespan (800 charges)
- The generator is a bit noisy
- Heavy generator (30 pounds)
I like the EFDELTA because of its compatibility with other solar panels in case you want to add to those you currently have. Its durable build coupled with the IP67 rating is also a big plus for us. Our only problem is the noise levels, no one wants to watch TV with a noisy generator as its background.
3. Generark Solar Generator For Homes
If your home is prone to power outages then you need Generark’s generator. The device is perfect for home use, first because of its sleek, iconic design. It goes well with modern decor and second because it’s solar-powered, the generator doesn’t emit toxic substances. It even comes with a special carrier bag.
Generark has provided alternative charging options if there isn’t enough sunlight to provide efficient energy. You can either use a standard gas generator to charge it or an auxiliary outlet.
The 1002Wh electric-vehicle grade solar cells can save you during a power outage because of their ability to reserve energy for around a week. If you have a refrigerator, then you can keep your food fresh for up to 20 hours before it goes off.
Generark solar generators have to undergo 52 reliability and safety tests before getting to you. This is why the company feels confident enough to provide a 5-year limited warranty for the devices. The generator has six protective layers including temperature control, over-discharge, over current, over charge and over voltage
Setting up this solar generator is as easy as it gets, you can connect it within 30 seconds and be ready to use it. The device can support any 1000-watt device without any issues and this includes refrigerators, microwaves, cookers e.t.c.
Pros
- Six-layer protection
- Hassle-free connection
- Safe for in-house use
- 7-day reserve battery
Cons
- Can only handle devices with up to 1000W capacity
- Slow recharge
Generark’s is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use because it uses sustainable energy, and doesn’t emit toxins. Its seven-day reserve is a good feature to leverage especially if you’re living in a natural-disaster prone area.
Recommended Reading: 10 Best Canned Meats for Survival & Prepping
4. BLUETTI 2400wh Solar Generator
Bluetti’s briefcase solar generator works well both indoors and outdoors. The generator boasts a powerful 2400W/1000W portable power station, two foldable solar panels, a solar charging cable and a kickstand to hold the panels towards the sun. It also consists of an upgraded MPPT that allows you to recharge the battery using an AC wall outlet and solar panel.
Bluetti’s solar panel uses monocrystalline silicon cells which work better than traditional cells. These panels are further laminated with ETFE lamination to reduce wear and tear and enhance solar absorption. ETFE is also easy to clean, just use a clean wet cloth to wipe its surface. The setup weighs just under 50lbs.
The solar generator is reliable especially for devices such as refrigerators because of its regulated input and output. This regulation doesn’t accept varied inputs and outputs to reduce overcharges and undercharges. You have 16+ hours to power your refrigerator when using this generator.
Bluetti’s generator takes about 6 hours to fully charge. Its two pure-sine wave outlet allows you to connect 1000W devices with no worry. This technology also allows pass-through charging. The manufacturer has created the generator for long-term use, it contains a protected 3C high rate battery rate which keeps the solar generator working for longer.
Pros
- Regulated input and output
- Durable solar panels made from microcrystalline silicon cells and ETFE
- Foldable solar panels for easy storage
- Connect multiple devices at once
- Allows pass-through charging
Cons
- 50lbs is too heavy for some people to carry
- Can only support 1000W devices
Bluetti’s solar generator supports pass-through charging so you can keep powering essential home appliances even as it charges. You can connect multiple devices although you’d need to buy adapters for some.
5. Nature’s Generator 1800W Solar Powered Generator
Nature’s Generator covers all its customer’s input bases by designing a generator that can be charged through solar power, wind energy, and a wall socket. This 1800W solar-powered generator weighs 100 pounds, which can make it hard for you to carry, however it comes with a cart and a strong handle for portability.
You can control the generator through an app on your mobile device which makes managing your power input and outputs easier. Nature’s solar-powered generator also has an LCD display for control as well. The company sells solar panels separately but you get a 100W polycrystalline power panel and a kickstand when you purchase the generator.
Instead of the common Li-ion batteries, Nature’s Generator went with Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries, which some consider as a terrible idea as this is quite an old technology.
You get multiple outputs upon purchasing this product. There are three 120v AC outlets, 12V DC outlets, and USB ports. These outputs allow you to insert as many devices as you have at your place to keep them running. This benefit is made possible by the generator’s 1800-watt pure sine wave inverter.
Pros
- 3 input methods (solar, wind, charging)
- Comes with a portable trolley and cart
- Unlimited expansion of the 720Wh capacity
- Affordable Price
Cons
- Uses outdated battery technology
- 500-800 lifecycle
- Takes 15 hours to fully charge
Nature’s Generator’s solar-powered generator may not do much compared to those from other brands, but it can charge electronics such as your laptop, smartphone, or tab and is very affordable.
6. Goal Zero Yeti 3000X Portable Power Station
The Goal Zero Yeti 3000X is a portable lithium rechargeable power station, with a battery capacity of 3075 Wh or 280.8 Ah, 10.8V Li-ion battery. It has dimensions of 10.1 x 15.3 x 13.1 in (25.7 x 38.9 x 32 cm) and weighs around 50 lbs.
This full-featured portable power station can be used to charge a variety of devices and has multiple output ports. The display panel indicates battery percentage and the amount of electricity being used, and it can also be used to check the time.
Wi-fi connectivity allows you to monitor your devices from anywhere, and the built-in pure sine-wave inverter with surge protection allows you to use standard AC devices anywhere in the world. The Yeti 3000X is compatible with all Goal Zero solar panels and accessories.
Goal Zero’s Yeti 3000X is the ultimate power station for anyone who wants to run their refrigerator off the sun. The unit has multiple ways to charge, including:
- AC Power Cord
- Solar panels
- Car charger adapter
- USB input port
- Lithium Ion Battery Cartridge
- Dynamo crank
or by pedaling the portable generator connected to the device through the gear connector.
The main outlet is a three-pronged plug with more than enough power to run your refrigerator, and it also has two USB ports for smaller appliances or lights. There’s even a battery life meter so you can see how much juice your system has left.
Pros
- Multiple Input and Output Ports
- Multiple options to charge the unit
- Wi-fi Connectivity with ability to control unit remotely
- Pure sine wave inverter with built in MPPT charge controller
- User Friendly
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a solar panel
- Hefty Price Tag
- Only 500 lifecycles
The Goal Zero Yeti 3000X is the most powerful generator on this list, but it’s also the most costly. It comes with a ton of premium features and it will run your refrigerator for much longer than any of the other options on this list. It offers multiple options to charge the unit but only comes with an ac power cord. Other charging options have to be purchased separately
How does a solar generator work?
A solar generator consists of four components to capture the sun’s energy and store it for future use. First, the solar panels capture the sun’s energy through photovoltaic cells which then displaces its electrons forming electricity. This current is then stored in a battery for use when the sun isn’t around. Solar generators also come with charge controllers to protect your battery’s lifespan by controlling its power input and output. An inverter then transforms the energy from DC power to AC.
Difference between solar generators and fuel generators
The difference lies in how both devices create electricity. Solar generators are more efficient in that they rely on clean, sustainable energy supply from the sun. Fuel generators require fuel such as gas to run. Solar generators are cheaper in the long run because you don’t need to keep buying fuel, and they are also eco-friendly because they don’t produce harmful toxins.
Types of solar generators
Solar generators come in two forms; solar backup generators and portable solar power generators. A solar backup generator should kick in as soon as you experience a power outage. These generators have multiple batteries to keep the power in your house running and support the energy needs of your electric appliances.
Portable solar generators are more small scale and perfect for people who travel; campers, RV travelers e.t.c.They have a low-wattage capacity and can only handle a few devices.
Things to consider before buying the best solar generator for refrigerator
A generator is a long time investment and choosing the wrong one can derail you. Choosing the right one for your needs can take a while especially because the market is saturated with refrigerators from different brands. But what should you consider before buying a generator for your refrigerator?
Wattage and voltage
A generator’s wattage and voltage show its working power. Wattage in a generator essentially represents how much power it can provide to power devices; some solar generators can produce just enough power output for a mini fridge, while others can provide for even larger household electronics.
A 7CuFt and a 4CuFt minifridge would require 228kWh on average but a CuFt side by side fridge around 710kWh.
The voltage rating shows how much power can come out of a solar generator’s ports. For instance, if a solar generator produces 120V, then it can only power refrigerators with the same voltage requirement.
Portability and other design factors
A generator may be functional, but these days we also have to consider its design. For instance, if you enjoy travelling and are looking for a solar generator, then you’d need to look for things such as compatibility and portability. If you’re using an RV, you don’t have space to waste, so the generator has to be small in size.
A heavy solar generator is an inconvenience, so most people prefer something light that they can easily carry around. Aesthetics is another thing to consider, so look for something sleek that will blend with decor, or look nice even when placed outside.
Device support
How many devices can this solar generator support, and what types of output ports are there? Not every device uses USB, and being a source of power, a solar generator should support multiple devices. Some of these generators even have in-built ports that you can connect your devices to directly.
Reliability
This is mostly concerned with a solar generator’s battery capacity and whether it offers backup. But imagine using a solar generator for three months and then it permanently goes off. The lifespan of your solar generator also matters when considering how reliable it is.
Your capacity needs will determine the solar generator you go for. If you need to use it at home, then you’ll need a strong device that can support multiple essential appliances. An RV on the other hand, may have fewer appliances, so a lower capacity generator will do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How big should a solar generator be to support a refrigerator?
It’s a common misconception that bigger generators support bigger devices, but the size of a solar generator doesn’t matter, its capacity is most important. If your refrigerator is your common appliance of interest, thenfirst find out how much power it uses then find a corresponding generator to support it. Smaller generators with smaller capacities (1000 watts) power smaller devices, bigger ones, for instance, 3000watts can handle bigger appliances such as refrigerator.
How do you charge a solar generator?
A solar generator converts the sun’s energy for storage. Essentially, the battery stores the DC electricity from the solar panels. You can charge a solar generator using solar panels. The video below gives a step by step tutorial on how to charge a solar generator with any solar panel.
Do you need adapter cables for solar generators?
You may need an MC4 branch connecter to connect a solar generator and panels. MC4 branch connectors work with parallel wiring solar panels to maintain the voltage of a solar panel so that it’s in line with its battery size.
How much wattage does a refrigerator require?
The average home refrigerator uses anywhere between 100 and 250 watts. This depends on its brand, size, age and your home’s internal temperature. Essentially modern refrigerators only consume power for about eight hours, and this knowledge will help you decide which solar generator will work best for you.
Final thoughts
Solar generators are good devices especially if your house is prone to power outages or when you travel to remote places without an electric connection. These devices are especially popular today because the world is going green and people are working to reduce their carbon footprint.
Choosing the best solar generator for a refrigerator can be quite the hassle seeing as there are many of these devices on the market these days. I hope that the list I have provided meets the specifications you are looking for.
If you’re looking for more affordable solar power options check out this article: Patriot Power Cell Review – Is it worth it?(The Real Truth)
