Can I Power My RV Fridge With a Solar Panel
Question:
I have a 2021 Forest River Wildwood FSX The refrigerator operates solely off of the battery. I only have one battery. Would I be able to recharge the battery enough with a solar panel to operate the refrigerator? If so, what size solar panel would I need?
asked by: Susan L
Helpful Expert Reply:
A lot of this depends on how much power your refrigerator uses and the size of your battery. I'll also add that you're likely not going to be able to accomplish running the fridge completely on solar power with only 1 battery and you're likely going to need 4 batteries to provide you with enough juice to run the fridge for several days on the battery, even when being recharged with solar power.
A fridge like the Everchill # 324-000119 uses 11-amp hours of power, so it's going to consume 264 amp hours of power over the course of a day. Since you don't want to run the batteries too low, and you'll also need power for other appliances, you're going to need something like the Go Power Solar AE-4 All Electric System with MPPT Solar Controller - 760 Watt Solar Panels # 342-75010. This kit requires a 4 battery bank and can provide around 200 amp hours of power per day (in optimal conditions). With a 4 battery bank (200 amp hours per battery), you'd have enough power to run the fridge, other appliances and keep your batteries charged up sufficiently.
I've linked a review video of this 4 panel solar system for you to have a look at, as well as a helpful article on solar power for your RV that details how to determine exactly how much solar power you need for your coach.
Products Referenced in This Question
Everchill RV Refrigerator w/ Freezer - Reversible Doors - 10.7 cu ft - 12V - Stainless Steel
- RV Refrigerators
- Full Fridge with Freezer
- Freestanding
- 12V - Battery
- 10 Cubic Feet
- 23-1/2W x 25-3/4D x 59-3/4T Inch
- Stainless Steel
- Everchill
more information >
Go Power Solar AE-4 All Electric System with MPPT Solar Controller - 800 Watt Solar Panels
- RV Solar Panels
- Roof Mounted Solar Kit
- Rigid Panels
- 760 Watts
- 10.1 Amps or More
- AGM
- Flooded Lead Acid
- Gel
- Lithium - liFePO4
- 11-1/4L x 8-1/16W Inch
- 4 Panels
- Go Power
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Go Power Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller - 90 Watt Solar Panel
- Portable Solar Panel
- With Solar Charge Controller
- 51 - 100 Watts
- 0.1 - 5 Amps
- AGM
- Flooded Lead Acid
- Gel
- Lithium - liFePO4
- Go Power
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Everchill RV Refrigerator w/ Freezer - Reversible Doors - 10.7 cu ft - 12V - Stainless Steel
- Video: Everchill RV Refrigerator with Freezer Review
- Video: Propane to 12 Volt Everchill RV Refrigerator Conversion and Installation
- Video: Pollak Light-Duty On-Off Toggle Switch Review
- Shop: Epicord Battery Disconnect Switch with Key - 50 Amp
- Shop: Pollak Medium-Duty Toggle Switch - SPST- On-Off - 12 Volt - 20 Amp - 11/16" Handle
- Q&A: What is the Amp Hour Rating of the Everchill Refrigerator 324-000119
- Q&A: What is Power Source for Everchill Refrigerator for RVs
- Q&A: Are There RV Refrigerators That Run Off Both Electricity and Propane?
- Q&A: How to Make Sure Food Does Not Fall Out of Everchill Refrigerator for RVs
- Q&A: How Long Would 12 Volt Everchill Refrigerator Last Ran off 6 Volt Battery Bank
- Q&A: How Level Should Everchill RV Refrigerator Be in Trailer
- Q&A: Can the Everchill Refrigerator Be Used with 12 VDC Power
- Shop: Everchill RV Refrigerator w/ Freezer Drawer - French Doors - 16 cu ft - 12V - Stainless Steel
- Search Results: everchill
- Shop: Everchill 12-Volt RV Fridge Door Latch - Black
- Video: Review of Steele Rubber RV Slide Out Parts - Press in rubberSeal 60ft x 2inch x 3.75inch - SR64FR
- Shop: Go Power Solar AE-4 All Electric System with MPPT Solar Controller - 800 Watt Solar Panels
- Shop: Rubber Wiper Seal for RV Slide Outs - Channel Mounted Press-In - 15' Long
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: converter
- Search Results: pex tubing
- Search Results: fresh water tank
- Search Results: mppt controller
- Search Results: solar controller
- Search Results: plumbing parts
- Video: Lippert Components RV Fresh Water - Water Pump - LC689054 Review
- Video: Valterra RV Fresh Water - Water Tank - R8048 Review