Best Solar Generator for Refrigerator and Other Appliances

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Get Smarter On Architecture and Design

Get the 3-minute weekly newsletter keeping 5K+ designers in the loop.

Enter your Email to Sign up

Side-bar-footer-forum

If there is one thing you need to add to your home, then it is a solar generator. You will definitely find a couple of benefits of solar-powered generators, including the fact that they can work as a great backup option in case you face a disruption in the power supply. In addition, these solar generators are especially perfect options for outdoor usage. In this post, we will comprehensively look at the best solar generator for refrigerators and other home appliances. Read on to find out more!

What Is a Solar Generator?

A solar generator is a huge-capacity rechargeable power station with a large battery and potable solar panel that makes a device that offers power backup for off-grid activities and during emergencies at home. Solar generators are simpler and safer to store and maintain than gas generators.

With that understanding, let's dive in and look at the best solar generators for refrigerators and other appliances.

1. GRECELL Portable Power Station 300W (Peak 600W), 288Wh Solar Generator

Sale
Portable Power Station 300W (Peak 600W), GRECELL 288Wh...
  • 【288Wh Capacity, 330W Output】330W (600W surge) pure sine wave...
  • 【Upgraded Battery Management System】We promise to adopt...
  • 【USB-C PD 60W, USB-A QC 18W】PD60W fast charging makes it...
  • 【Power 8 Device simultaneously】Equipped with 1*AC output,...
  • 【3 Ways To Recharge, Built-in MPPT Controller】GRECELL power...

The GRECELL Portable Power Station 300W is a compact, efficient, and versatile power solution, designed to cater to various portable energy needs. Featuring a 288Wh lithium battery, this power station supports a peak output of 600W, making it suitable for small appliances, electronics, and outdoor use. It includes a 60W USB-C PD port for fast charging, pure sine wave AC outlets, and multiple input/output options, making it a reliable choice for camping, travel, and emergency blackouts.

The GRECELL Portable Power Station 300W offers a practical and reliable power backup for light-duty needs, especially during outdoor adventures or short-term blackouts. Its compact design and multiple output options make it a great addition to your emergency kit, though its limited capacity may require users to manage power consumption carefully.

Pros:


  • Portable design suitable for travel and outdoor use.
  • Supports fast charging for laptops, smartphones, and other devices.
  • Multiple charging options
  • Quiet Operation

Cons:

  • Charging via standard AC or car adapter can take several hours.
  • Shorter battery lifespan.

2. Anker 521 Portable Power Station Upgraded with LiFePO4 Battery

Sale
Anker 521 Portable Power Station Upgraded with LiFePO4...
  • 10 Years of Long-Lasting Power: Anker 521 Portable Power Station...
  • USB-C Port Built In: Ditch bulky adapters and use a single cable...
  • 600W of Upgraded Power: Anker 521 Portable Power Station uses...
  • 256Wh Capacity for Weekend Trips: When you're getting away for...
  • 6 Ports for More Charging: Plug in 6 devices or appliances for...

The Anker 521 Portable Power Station is an upgraded, durable solution for portable energy needs, featuring a LiFePO4 battery known for its extended lifespan and safety. With a 256Wh capacity and 300W output (600W peak), this power station is ideal for small electronics, outdoor adventures, and emergency power backup. It includes 6 versatile ports, such as 2 AC outlets, 60W USB-C PD, and USB-A, providing multiple charging options. Designed with portability in mind, it’s lightweight and compatible with optional solar panels for sustainable energy use.

The Anker 521 Portable Power Station combines reliability, safety, and convenience, making it a great choice for powering small electronics and emergency scenarios. While its moderate capacity limits heavy-duty use, its lightweight design and advanced battery technology offer excellent performance for everyday portable power needs.

Pros:

  • Easy to carry and store, suitable for travel and outdoor activities.
  • Fast-charging capability for laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
  • Multiple ports
  • Solar Compatible

Cons:

  • Additional cost for users opting for solar charging.
  • Lacks advanced features like wireless device charging.

3. Takki 120W Peak Solar Generator Portable Power Station 

Sale
Takki 120W Peak Solar Generator Portable Power Station...
  • Solar Powered Generator: The combination of Takki portable power...
  • The large capacity solar charger power bank(88.8Wh, equivalent to...
  • Charging Time: Use an AC charger to charge the S81, it can be...
  • Takki 21W foldable solar panel charger with a high-efficiency...
  • Takki solar generator and 21W solar panels are designed for...
The Takki 120W Peak Solar Generator is a compact and efficient portable power solution, offering 88Wh of energy storage and a 21W solar panel for recharging on the go. This lightweight power station is designed for small electronics and essential devices, making it a reliable companion for camping, outdoor adventures, and emergency scenarios. Equipped with multiple output ports, including AC, DC, and USB, it provides versatility for charging laptops, phones, cameras, and more.

The Takki 120W Peak Solar Generator is an excellent choice for budget-conscious users needing lightweight, portable power for basic devices. While its capacity and power output are limited, its solar charging capability and compact design make it a practical solution for camping trips, small emergencies, or off-grid situations.

Pros:

  • Built-in protection against overcharge, overcurrent, and short circuits.
  • Quiet operation.
  • LED display allows easy monitoring of battery status and output.
  • Cost-effective option for light-duty power needs.

Cons:

  • Limited for users needing multiple AC connections simultaneously.
  • Not weatherproof

4 EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station

Sale
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA, UPS Power...
  • 【Multiple Charging Outputs Provide More Options】DELTA...
  • 【Triple Rechargeable Modes Efficient Solar Generator】EcoFlow...
  • 【Recharge From 0% TO 80% Within 1 Hour】EFDELTA can be...
  • 【High Performance and Handy Power Source】DELTA is a portable...
  • 【Product Guarantee & What You Can Get】 EcoFlow provides our...

ECO FLOW portable power station is another one of our favorites. Our portable solar generator had a large capacity of 1260Wh, which was perfect for professional work, outdoor activities, and power outages. The power stations had 6x 1800W AC outlets, allowing us to access important power devices and heavy-duty power equipment, including refrigerators.

Amazingly, it charged from zero to eighty percent in less than an hour, always giving us a power boost. Moreover, it powered approximately thirteen devices at the same time. The power stations allowed us to use the three 160W solar panels to harness the sun's power. It charged in three and a half to seven hours.

More so, it offered an alternative of linking to four 110W solar panels to charge fully in four to eight hours. Using a car adaptor, the power station charged in 13.5 hours and 96 minutes to get charged fully when plugged into a standard AC wall outlet.

Pros:

  • It is compatible with various devices and helps you stay powered for many hours.
  • It charges at a high speed of an hour from 0 to 80 percent
  • It provides reliable backup power.
  • It has a large inverter load of 1260Wh capacity
  • It charges faster using a car adaptor and solar panel. 

Cons:

  • It is quite heavy to transport

5. Dabbsson Portable Power Station DBS2300

Sale
Dabbsson Portable Power Station DBS2300, 2330Wh EV...
  • [???????????????????????????????? ????????????????...
  • [???????????????????? ???????? ????????????????????????????????...
  • [???????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????...
  • [4 ???????????????? ???????????????? ????????...
  • [15???????? ????????????...
The Dabbsson Portable Power Station DBS2300 offers a robust and high-capacity solution for portable and home backup power needs. With a 2330Wh semi-solid state LiFePO4 battery, this power station provides reliable energy for heavy-duty applications, including emergency backup, RVs, and outdoor use. It supports expansion to 8330Wh, making it highly versatile for extended use. The device features 5 AC outlets with a 2200W output, ensuring compatibility with a range of appliances and devices.

The Dabbsson DBS2300 is an excellent choice for those seeking a robust and expandable power solution for home backup, RVs, and off-grid applications. Its high capacity, durability, and output versatility make it a reliable option for heavy-duty and emergency scenarios, though its size and cost may not suit users with more modest power requirements.

Pros:

  • Includes AC, USB, and DC outputs for a variety of devices.
  • Quiet operation
  • Portable design

Cons:

  • High initial cost compared to smaller or less capable power stations.

What to Consider When Purchasing the Best Solar Generator for Refrigerator

Image Source: futurecdn.net

1. Size and Weight

Before you purchase the best solar generators, you must first consider the size of the generator you need. Solar power generators come in different sizes, which might impact your experience.

Again, keep the weight in mind if you need a portable solar power generator. You should purchase a generator that is compact and lightweight. However, if you intend to use it for home use only, weight does not matter.

2. Wattage and Voltage Rating

The wattage and voltage rating of a solar-powered generator is other vital factor you must consider. Generally, these ratings illustrate the generator's capabilities ans show you which devices can be powered by this generator.

The wattage rating is usually the total power output obtainable from the generator's battery. For instance, if your refrigerator needs a higher power output than the generator's, you won't be able to power the refrigerator at full capacity. Therefore you need to ensure thay the generator you purchase can power up the refrigerator you have.

On the other hand, the voltage ratings are provided for the output ports of the generator. Therefore, these units must have the identical voltage port required by the refrigerator you have to power.

3. Number of Ports

Image Source: walmartimages.com

In addition to checking the voltage and wattage ratings, you must check the number of ports the generator you intend to buy has. The more ports, the better compatibility the generator offers. Getting a generator with at least 2 or more output ports is typically best.

4. Inverter

You will also need to factor in the type of inverter the power generator you want to purchase has. The inverters regulate the flow of electrical power. It converts direct current electricity, which is what a solar generates, to alternating current electricity, which the electrical grid uses. Basically, go for a generator with the best inverter;  Pure Sine Wave Inverter is a great option.

5. Battery Type

Image Source: generatorsource.com

The battery type of the solar generator is another factor you need to consider. Although most solar-powered generators are usually lithium-ion batteries, you can find others with lead acid and salt water.  

a) Lithium-ion

Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular batteries used on solar generators since they are usually compact and lighter than batteries. They even last much longer and go for over 5 years or at least 2,000 charging cycles. The one limitation of lithium-ion batteries is that they are usually highly-priced.

b) Lead acid

Lead acid batteries are reliable and well-understood since they have been in the market for years. These batteries are fairly affordable and have a decent life of anywhere from 3 to 5 years. The major limitation is that they threaten human health and the environment if discarded wrongly.

b) Saltwater

Unlike the two types of batteries we have covered, saltwater batteries do not comprise any heavy metals; they fully rely on salt electrolytes. A standard saltwater battery lasts for about 5000 cycles, but you can easily use them beyond this cycle safely.

6. Battery Capacity

Understanding the battery capacity of the solar-powered generator you intend to purchase is also necessary. The battery capacity shows the absolute amount of electricity a solar generator can hold or store. Any generator with more than eight-hour battery capacity is good for a refrigerator or fridge.

7. Reliability

You will need to check the reliability of the solar-powered generator you get. Although reliability is mostly about the unit's power capacity and backup time, we are speaking about the unit's lifespan. Since you will invest heavily, it's only fair that you get a generator that will serve you for a long.

On that note, going for a generator with a long warranty is necessary. This way, you can have peace of mind while using the unit. In case the generator gets damaged due to external factors such as moisture or dust, you have free-of-cost repairs or replacement

Benefits of Using a Solar-Powered Generator

Image Source: bluettipower.com

1. Free Pure Energy From the Sun

When you use solar generators, you essentially use free energy from the sun. By relying on this clean, renewable energy source, you don't have to be concerned about a negative environmental impact caused by other dirty fossil fuels.

2. Low Maintenance Costs

Solar-powered generators are extremely easy to maintain, unlike conventional fuel or gas-powered generators. Since they do not have any moving parts and do not need liquid fuel, you will likely need to pay less for repairs.

3. Quiet Operation and No Pollution

As we have stated above, solar generators do not have any moving parts; this way, they run quietly. Solar generators also do not burn fuel to generate energy, meaning they do not release pollutants during operation.

4. Offset Energy Consumption

The other advantage of solar-powered generators is that they can be used anytime to help offset your energy consumption.

A solar generator can be used anytime to offset your energy consumption at home or in the office.

How Does a Solar Generator Work With a Refrigerator?

Image Source: greencitizen.com

Solar generators can offer off-grid energy consistently, over extended periods, without requiring anything other than the sun's power. In addition, they provide a green solution for power generation, which is more efficient than propane or gas-powered generators.

Solar-powered generators combine a solar panel, the best charge controller, a battery system, and an inverter into a compact system. This system then converts solar energy into a usable electrical current.

The solar panels absorb or take in the sun's rays, and then The batteries store the energy collected for later usage. The inverter then converts the low DC from the batteries to AC, which can power your everyday household items like the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Solar Generators for Refrigerators

1. Does a Solar Generator Require Adapter Cables?

You can use solar generators for different power devices. As a matter of fact, you can basically power anything that requires a standard AC wall outlet. The generators already dedicated AC and DC outlet ports to your electronic gadgets without needing any adapters. However, you will need the adapter cables if you charge multiple appliances.

2. What Can I Power With the Solar Generator?

A solar generator can power almost all types of electrical appliances. Basically, you can power small appliances such as lights and phone chargers and even larger devices like TVs and refrigerators.

3. How Much Do Solar Generators Cost?

The cost of solar generators varies mostly depending on the capacity of a specific generator. Most high-capacity generators usually cost anything between $1000 and $5000. Other generators will cost anything between $140 and $3,400. Additionally, larger generators cost more than portable devices.

Image Source: bluettipower.com

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Related Articles

10 Best Solar Attic Fan Models

If you're looking for the best solar attic fan, you're probably one among hundreds of people faced with the burden ...

Best Solar Pool Heater to Extend Your Swim Sessions

People with swimming pools may feel confined to only using them during the summer months. However, you can extend the ...

Will Solar Panels Work on an East-Facing Roof?

Will solar panels work on an east-facing roof? Yes! The orientation exposes them to direct sunlight. Since solar panels are ...