The Ultimate Guide To Choosing & Using A Solar Refrigerator
Because let’s face it, having cold drinks and fresh food off the grid is a game-changer. And lucky for us, solar-powered fridges are becoming more affordable by the day.
So whether you’re:
- A seasoned off-gridder
- A weekend camping warrior
- Or a survivalist gearing up for an uncertain future
It’s time to step up your game and harness the power of the sun with a new solar cooler!
Best Solar Refrigerators Available Now
We’ve done the legwork and found the top solar-powered fridges on the market today. No guesswork, just the best options out there.
Starting off our list is the VL60 portable refrigerator from ICECO.
It has a built-in DC adapter, but the compressor electronics use both AC and DC. It comes with two separate power cables to connect 12/24VDC and 110V to 240V AC power.
This solar refrigerator unit comes complete with solar panels and a power station.
And the compressor itself has a great safety feature. When connected to a car, it will auto shut off, so you don't kill the car starter battery.
It's also compact enough to fit in the back of a car for extended camping trips. But it still has a large 60L capacity for all the food and drinks you need.
There are two heavy-duty metal handles on the side so two people can lift it in and out of the trunk.
It also has a fast cooling compressor with variable control. That way, you set the temp you need with dual cooling zones allowing you to select one as a freezer and one as a refrigerator.
There's also a great LED display. This display allows you to see even in bright light. So you can adjust the temperature and mode during the day.
ICECO works with international brands like Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac, providing vehicle fridge solutions.
And it comes with a five-year warranty for the compressor and one year on everything else. So ICECO has you covered.
↓ Budget-Friendly Overland Fridge Review
The ACOPOWER is a tremendous portable fridge for day trips and overnighters. It's made to cool and freeze all your food items off-grid.
It charges with solar and runs on a battery with a long-lasting 10 hours of chilling and freezing time.
With 42L capacity, it is ideal for:
- Camping
- Tailgating
- Fishing
- Rving
- Picnics
It comes with rigid 6" wheels and a telescopic luggage handle to easily pull & roll it around.
Having a battery-powered fridge freezer like this one is a game-changer in portability.
On the refrigerator, you have three different charging modes:
- AC
- 12-volt DC in the car
- Solar panels
This package allows you to drive to your campsite and keep things cool without depleting your refrigerator battery.
Your battery only kicks in when you unplug the other sources of power.
There is a digital smart control panel for temperature control. But you can also remotely manage it through a free app for your phone.
The battery takes around 4-6 hours to charge fully, but you are good to go for up to 10 hours.
They also come in sizes from 15QT to 52 QT, so you can pick the one that fits your needs.
↓ The First Cordless 12V Solar Fridge
What Is A Solar Refrigerator?
A solar-powered fridge is exactly what it sounds like – a refrigerator that runs on energy harnessed from the sun. It’s your ticket to cold storage even when the grid goes down.
Most models come with built-in batteries, allowing them to stay powered even when the sun dips behind the clouds. Perfect for keeping food fresh when you’re miles from civilization.
How Do They Work?
These fridges operate just like traditional ones – except instead of plugging into a wall socket, they pull power from solar panels.
Most need about 5 hours of sunlight per day to keep things chilled. But since the sun doesn’t always cooperate, many models include battery packs and inverters to store energy for cloudy days. And just like that, you’ve got a fridge that runs off free, renewable energy.
Battery Banks: Your Secret Weapon
A solar refrigerator is only as good as its power supply. If you want uninterrupted cold storage, pairing your fridge with a battery bank or power station is the way to go.
Want a free 78 item preppers checklist?
Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇6 Smart Reasons To Own A Solar Refrigerator
1. Free Energy
Once you set up your solar fridge, you’re tapping into the sun’s energy – completely free of charge. No more running a gas generator or buying ice packs.
2. Off-Grid Independence
With a solar-powered fridge, you’re less reliant on the grid. That means more freedom, whether you’re camping or prepping for emergencies.
3. Better Emergency Preparedness
When the power goes out, most people scramble. But with a solar fridge, you can keep your food cold even during extended blackouts.
4. No More Spoiled Food
Nothing ruins a trip faster than a cooler full of melted ice and soggy food. A solar refrigerator eliminates that problem, keeping everything fresh for the long haul.
5. Eco-Friendly Solution
If reducing your carbon footprint is on your radar, a solar fridge is a step in the right direction. Clean energy, no emissions.
6. Perfect for Bug-Out Locations
If you’ve got a remote cabin or bug-out location, a solar refrigerator is a must-have. Keep food fresh for weeks without worrying about power outages.
Final Thoughts
A solar refrigerator is more than just a cool gadget – it’s a game-changer for off-grid living, emergency preparedness, and eco-conscious energy use.
If you want to be truly self-sufficient, a solar fridge belongs in your setup.
Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,
P.s. - I just found out 2 out of 3 Americans don’t feel prepared for a 3 day disaster!!!
I guess this goes to show how modern society continues to embrace ‘living a fragile life.’ What’s crazy is… it’s so easy to fix.
To make sure YOU have the basics, watch our FREE training on “10 Simple Steps To Basic Preparedness” that shows you HOW.
Nothing crazy here… this isn’t doomsday prepping... just the basics every responsible adult should have before a disaster strikes.Why You Can Trust Skilled Survival...
Go here now to review a full breakdown of:
- Who We Are
- Our Credentials
- Our Mission
- & Product Recommendations...
Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:
- Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
- Plant Emergency & Safety Leader for a Major Food Manufacturer
- Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
- Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
- Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
- Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
- Bachelor's Degree In Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor's Degree In Civil Engineering
- Bachelor's Degree In Biomedical Engineering
"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." - Warren Buffett
We're fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.
And we'll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create...
P.s - I just took this FREE 60-second 'Readiness Score Quiz'👇
AND... I've still got a few gaps in my preps...🤔 But at least, I'm not part of 'The Fragile Masses'. 👍 Find out where YOU stand by answering a few questions...
Recommended Reading
5 Best Vacuum Sealers Hand-Picked By A Survival Expert
Vacuum sealer are an essential kitchen appliance to keep food fresh and avoid unnecessary waste. We review the top 5 on the market today.
Camping Generator: The Best Setup For Whisper Quiet Power
You need quiet power for both camping and survival. In this article, I share the best camping generator and how to modify it for silence.
Hand Crank Generator: Best Ones For DIY Emergency Power
A hand crank generator is a wise black-out backup tool. We show you the best ones to keep your family safe in a long term power outage.
9 Best Solar Radios Hand-Picked By A Survival Expert
Everyone needs a solar radio for life-saving weather alerts and emergency information. We share the best solar radios on the market today.
Survival Bag: Best Ones Hand-Picked By Our Gear Expert
Settling on the RIGHT survival bag can be an overwhelming task. But we make it easy by focusing on only the best ones available today.
Portable Power Station: Best Ones For Power Outages
We review the best portable power station on the market. And break down the features you'll want for camping, traveling, and emergencies.