Can I Run a Camping Fridge on Solar Power?

Jun 13, 2025

Yes, you can run a camping refrigerator on solar power—if you’ve got the right gear and know-how. No more soggy sandwiches or lukewarm beers! In this guide, we’ll break down what you need, how it works, and what UK campers should watch out for (hint: clouds).

Building Your Solar Power System

The 4 Core Components for Your Setup

Solar Panels: Capturing Energy from the Sun

Solar panels are the heart of your setup. They convert sunlight into electricity to power your system. For most camping fridges, a panel between 100 to 200 watts will do.

Higher wattage panels charge faster but tend to be heavier and bulkier. Choose a panel with good efficiency and portability for easy transport.

Portable fridge connected to a foldable solar panel array on grassy terrain with lush green hills in the background.

The Battery: Storing Power for 24/7 Cooling

A deep cycle battery stores energy collected during the day so your fridge can keep running at night or during overcast weather. Look at the ampere-hour (Ah) capacity—the more Ah, the longer it will run.

Choose a battery designed for deep discharge and regular recharging, ideal for off-grid use.

The Solar Charge Controller: Protecting Your Battery Investment

Charge controllers regulate energy flow between the panel and the battery. This prevents overcharging and damage to your battery.

It's essential for battery health and should match your panel's voltage and current output.

The Fridge Connection: Why a 12V System is Best

Most camping fridges operate on 12V DC, which avoids the energy loss from converting to AC. This makes your system more efficient.

If your fridge requires AC, use an inverter rated for its power needs. However, a 12V setup is simpler and more reliable.

Dometic compressor fridge with door closed, on a white background.

How to Correctly Size Your System

Step 1: Calculate Your Fridge's Daily Power Usage (in Watt-Hours)

Check your fridge’s specs or use a power meter. Multiply the running watts by the number of hours used daily.

This gives your total watt-hours (Wh) per day.

Step 2: Determine the Right Battery Size (in Amp-Hours)

Take your daily Wh and divide it by your battery voltage (typically 12V). This gives you the amp-hours (Ah) needed.

Add a 20–30% buffer to avoid completely draining your battery.

Step 3: Select the Appropriate Solar Panel Wattage

Take your daily Wh needs and divide them by the average UK sunlight hours (about 4 hours/day). This gives you the minimum wattage required for your solar panel.

It ensures your battery recharges fully each day.

Sizing Examples for Common Fridge Sizes

Small 30L fridge (~240Wh/day): Needs ~60Ah battery + 100W panel
Medium 50L fridge (~400Wh/day): Needs ~90Ah battery + 150W panel
Large 80L fridge (~600Wh/day): Needs ~125Ah battery + 200W panel

Dometic tall compressor fridge with black gloss door, partially open to reveal food items inside, on a white background.

Practical Advice and Common Questions

Best Practices for Off-Grid Fridge Operation

How to Position Your Panels for Maximum Sun Exposure

Face your panels south and angle them to match the sun's position. Keep them free from shade or debris.

Adjusting their angle through the day boosts performance.

Simple Tips to Reduce Your Fridge's Power Consumption

Keep your fridge full to stabilise internal temperatures. Limit how often you open the door.

Use insulated fridge covers and pre-chill items before storing them.

The Pros and Cons of Running a Fridge on Solar Power

Pros:

Free, renewable energy
Quiet and environmentally friendly
No need for campsite power hookups

Cons:

Upfront investment
Solar output varies with weather
Requires space for setup and equipment

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