How Much Solar To Run Rv Fridge

What Size Solar Panel to Run a Camping Fridge?

Camping and RV trips are becoming more and more popular and as such, so are RV fridges. An RV fridge is a great addition to your camping or RV adventure as it allows you to maintain a consistent fridge temperature regardless of the season or temperature outside. But when it comes to powering these fridges, many are wondering how much power is needed, and how large of a solar panel do they need to run it? This article will help answer these questions by walking you through how much solar it takes to run a camping fridge and what size solar panel to ensure it works efficiently.

Calculating the Power Needed to Run a Camping Fridge

Determining the power required to run the fridge is the first step in understanding what size solar panel is necessary. This is done by looking at the wattage of the device, as this will give you the maximum wattage it requires. For the most part, RV fridges are usually between 40-100 watts. That means if you have a 40-watt fridge, that is the maximum wattage that it will require to run.

How Much Solar to Run an RV Fridge

Once you understand the wattage of your fridge, it is then time to consider how much solar is needed to adequately power it. Solar panels come in different sizes and the wattage of the panel needed, will depend on how much power you need to produce in order to meet the demands of the fridge. As a rule of thumb, you will need to have adequate battery storage capacity as well as panels to meet the demand. For example, if your RV fridge requires 80-watts of power, then you`ll need a 90-watt solar panel and adequate battery storage.

What Size Solar Panel to Run a Camping Fridge

Given the wattage of your fridge, the size of the solar panel you will need should be fairly easy to estimate. Generally speaking, you will need a solar panel that is at least 10-20% higher than the wattage requirement of the fridge. So if your fridge needs 80-watts of power, you will need a minimum 100-watt solar panel. This will ensure that the panel can provide enough energy to adequately power your fridge with enough leftover to charge your batteries.

Is There Anything Else to Consider?

Yes, there are some other factors you will need to consider when purchasing a solar panel for your RV fridge. First, you will need to make sure you purchase a quality panel that is reliable and durable. Cheap panels are not ideal as they can easily degrade over time and may not provide the energy output that you need. Additionally, you will need to think about the type of panel that is best for your RV, such as the monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film variant. You`ll also need to consider the physical size of the panel as this will have a direct impact on how much surface area you have to mount it on your RV.

Conclusion

RV fridges are a great addition to any camping or RV trip and will provide you with the much needed cooling power regardless of the season. But when it comes to powering these fridges, many are faced with the question of how much power is needed and what size solar panel is required. The answer is fairly straightforward, as the wattage of your fridge determines the wattage of the panel you will need. Generally speaking, you will need to purchase a panel that is 10-20% higher than the wattage of your fridge. Additionally, you should also consider other factors such as quality, type, and size of the panel needed for optimal performance.