With the advancement of technology, more and more people choose to go camping and traveling in their RVs, then on the way, a refrigerator is almost indispensable for them, a 12v refrigerator is the best choice for them, but on the way, it’s a hassle to go to the charging piles and other places to charge frequently, and the solar panels can provide them with a sustainable green power source. So how do you go about choosing a solar panel of the right size? The following will give you the answer.
12v refrigerator solar panel size chart
| 12V Fridge size(Quarts) | Power(Watts) | (Wh/day) | （kWh/year) | Recommended solar panel power(Watts) |
| 20Quart | 40W | 310Wh | 116KWh | 100W |
| 30Quart | 50W | 400Wh | 146KWh | 110W |
| 40Quart | 60W | 470Wh | 175KWh | 130W |
| 50Quart | 70W | 550Wh | 204KWh | 160W |
| 55Quart | 75W | 600Wh | 219KWh | 180W |
| 60Quart | 80W | 650Wh | 233KWh | 200W |
The above is for reference only, specifically the choice of solar panels should also be based on the cost, efficiency and other aspects of the overall consideration.
Power consumption of 12v refrigerator
The power consumption of 12v refrigerator is related to the size and efficiency of the refrigerator, but generally speaking, 12v refrigerator consumes between 40 and 80 watts per hour. For different situations, the daily energy consumption of the refrigerator varies, but it is generally between 310Wh and 650Wh, and we can choose solar panels rated between 100W and 200W or more for its use. For solar panel brand selection, I would recommend buying JinkoSolar panels and Trina Solar panels.
Factors to consider when choosing a solar panel for your 12v refrigerator
Efficiency and charging loss: when we are choosing a solar panel, the priority should be to consider its efficiency and charging loss, for example, wiring, battery loss and other factors will cause energy loss, we should try to choose a lower loss, higher efficiency solar panels.
Battery capacity: In the night, rainy weather and other no light or weak light conditions, solar panels produce electricity is likely to be insufficient for us to use, at this time we have to use the battery in the storage of electricity. However, if the capacity of the battery is small, then it is very likely that we will face power outages, so we have to make the choice of solar panel according to the capacity of the battery.
Simple steps to calculate the size of solar panel required for 12v refrigerator
(1) 12v refrigerator energy consumption: power consumption (W) multiplied by 8 hours to get the energy consumption (Wh)
For example, a refrigerator with a power consumption of 66 watts, then its energy consumption is 66 times 8 for 530 Wh.
(2) Calculation of solar panel size: (daily energy use / peak sunshine hours) / system efficiency = minimum size of solar panel.
However, for the recommended solar panel size, also multiply the minimum solar panel size by 1.25.
How can the efficiency of a 12v refrigerator using solar panels be improved?
Choosing a Better Refrigerator Different refrigerators vary in price, efficiency, etc., and those that are more efficient and of better quality will definitely cost more. So, if the financial situation permits, try to choose a better-quality refrigerator.
Regular inspection and maintenance of solar battery When the solar panel surface accumulates sand and dust and other substances will affect the power generation efficiency of the solar panel, thus affecting the use of the refrigerator, and regular inspection can also avoid the emergence of circuit aging and other problems.
Improve the performance of components to choose better solar panels, batteries and other components will be conducive to the efficiency of the refrigerator.
