Best Solar Generator for Refrigerators in 2021: Complete Reviews With Comparisons
In most homes, refrigerators are the biggest energy consumers next to heating and cooling systems.
If you want to lower your utility bill, you should focus on this appliance.
One way for you to do this is by using the best solar generator for refrigerators.
Once considered fit for camping or hiking only, solar generators have become more and more powerful over the years.
They can now energize refrigerators easily and even entire homes under certain conditions.
The question is how to sort through all the brands and models available in the market.
We have done the heavy lifting for you by compiling a list of your best options.
Comparison Chart
Best Solar Generator for Refrigerator: A Review
1. Nature's Generator Gold System
Nature’s Generator is from Huntkey USA, Inc., an American company specializing in solar and wind-powered technology.
The Gold System 1800W is a low to mid-tier offering from its wide selection of high-quality products.
This solar generator packs a lot of power for its price.
It is an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers who want an alternative power source for home use.
Product Highlights
The Gold System from Nature’s Generator has many interesting features, including:
- High Output
Most refrigerators have a starting wattage of 800 to 1,200 watts and a running wattage of 100 to 200 watts.
With an output of 1,800 watts, this generator can easily start any refrigerator and keep it running.
It also provides 720 watt-hours of run time on a single full charge.
- Expandability
Expanding your generator is fast and easy with Nature’s Generator.
Each pod comes with an expansion port, allowing you to connect several power pods.
You can easily stack one pod over the other and get more storage for power if needed.
- Sine Wave Inverter Technology
This generator uses a sine wave inverter, which transforms the power stored in the 60 Ah battery into an alternating current.
It has less distortion and is more stable, making it safer for use on your refrigerator and other more sensitive appliances.
Additionally, it is more efficient and generates less noise when running.
- Wind Power Option
True to the identity of Nature’s Generator, the Gold System carries the additional option of harnessing wind power.
It has a 300-watt wind input charge controller built into the system, allowing you to store power in any weather.
- Nature’s Pulse App
Once you install this app on your device, you can easily monitor essential things about your generator.
You can track how much power is left on the battery or how much wind and solar energy is produced.
You can also track the run time of your appliance or run diagnostics on the unit.
The Good
The Gold System has a high capacity of 1,800 watts and 720 watt-hours of total output on one charge.
It features a pure sine wave inverter system, which efficiently converts energy and provides a more stable power supply.
If you connect it to your refrigerator, it can act as a UPS or Uninterrupted Power Supply, protecting your appliance.
The Bad
At 126 pounds, this generator system is a bit on the heavy and bulky side.
The good thing is that both the smart pod and solar panel come with sturdy wheels for easy transport.
Pros
Cons
2. Necespow Portable Power Station
The Necespow Solar Generator is a portable power station that you can use at home or on the move.
It does not come with a solar panel in this package, but it is compatible with most 100-watt solar panels.
With an output of 600 watts and 322 watt-hours, it can power small to mid-sized refrigerators.
Product Highlights
The Necespow Portable Power Station comes with the following features:
- Pure Sine Wave Inverter
This generator has a large 100,800-Ah battery and uses a pure sine wave inverter.
It works faster and more efficiently, generating 322 watt-hours to power up your refrigerator or charge your electronic devices.
- Additional Functions
This solar generator features an adjustable LED lamp.
You can set it in four modes: lighting, flash, strobe, and SOS.
This feature will come in handy if you encounter any emergencies while camping or fishing.
- Multiple Charging Methods
Another interesting thing about the Necespow Portable Power Station is that it allows you to store power in many ways.
You can hook it up to a 100-watt solar panel and bring it to full charge within five to eight hours.
If you do not have one, you can plug it into the wall and charge it for the same amount of time.
Alternatively, you can use a car charger or another generator.
- Multi-Port Output
This portable power station has two AC power outputs and two DC outputs.
It also has one QC3.0 port, one PD 60W USB, and one traditional USB Type-A port.
You can use all seven outputs at the same time as long as the charging station has juice.
The Good
One thing that makes the Necespow Portable Power Station stand out is its ability to support multiple charging options.
You can also use it as a light source or SOS signal during emergencies.
The Bad
One thing that you should consider about this power station is that it does not come with a solar panel.
On the one hand, it gives you the flexibility to use a panel of your choosing.
However, looking for a solar panel separately can be inconvenient.
Pros
Cons
3. Jackery Explorer Solar Generator 240
Jackery is a trailblazer in the portable power industry.
The Explorer Solar Generator 240 is one of its more affordable offerings.
Still, it has much to offer in terms of quality and value.
It is compact and comes with a 200-watt, 110-volt solar panel and a 16.8-Ah battery.
You can use it to fire up your home appliance or take it with you on your next outdoor adventure.
Product Highlights
Here’s what you can expect from the Explorer Solar Generator 240:
- High-Efficiency Solar Panel
The solar panel is built with a maximum power point tracker or MPPT controller.
It allows the panel to operate at optimum capacity and charge the power station at the highest efficiency.
You can charge the power station to full capacity in six hours, thanks to this technology.
You can also maximize the energy stored in the lithium-ion battery with the sine wave technology.
However, at 240 watt-hours, it is a bit lacking when it comes to powering up a refrigerator steadily.
- Multiple Power Outputs
Built into the Explorer Solar Generator 240 are multiple ports for power output.
It has one AC outlet, one DC car outlet, and two USB-A ports.
At full capacity, you can charge small electronic devices multiple times or power up a mini-fridge for four hours.
- Multiple Charging Options
Similar to the previous model reviewed, you can charge this generator in several ways.
You can plug it into a wall socket, hook it up to a car charger, or use the solar panel.
This feature will come in handy when the weather is not ideal for solar charging.
- Easy to Transport
The Explorer Solar Generator 240 weighs only 6.6 pounds and comes with a solid handle.
You will have no trouble bringing it along, whether you go hiking, camping, hunting, or fishing.
The Good
This solar generator is lightweight and compact, perfect for an active outdoor lifestyle.
You can charge it in several ways, allowing you to store power whatever the weather is.
The Bad
With an output of 200 watts and a capacity of 240 watt-hours, you may not have enough for a full-sized refrigerator.
However, you could power up a mini-fridge for several hours.
Pros
Cons
4. Bluetti AC200P Solar Generator With Panels
Bluetti is one of the more recognizable names in the energy storage industry.
It specializes in solar power storage solutions designed for an off-grid lifestyle, and the AC200P is its flagship product.
If you are looking for the best solar generator that your money can buy, you should consider this generator.
Product Highlights
The AC200P Solar Generator is a bit expensive, but the following features say that it is worth it:
- High Capacity
With a capacity of 2000 watts and an output of 2,000 watt-hours, this solar generator is no slouch.
It can easily power your refrigerator and still has much left for your gadgets and other electronic devices.
It comes with three panels built with MPPT controllers, allowing you to charge in three to 3.5 hours fully.
If you love spending time outdoors or living in a place with frequent blackouts, you must invest in this solar generator.
- Efficient Solar Panels
Each solar panel is rated at 120 watts and made with high-quality monocrystalline silicon cells.
They are five percent more efficient than traditional solar cells.
What is more, the panel surface is laminated with ethylene tetrafluoroethylene or ETFE, making it scratch-proof and easier to clean.
It also transmits light more efficiently.
- Highly Durable
The AC200P Solar Generator has a built-in LiFePO4 battery cell designed to last long.
It is capable of over 3,500 charge cycles, making it several times more durable than other batteries.
With a service life this long, your money is definitely well spent.
The Good
The AC200P is a high-powered solar generator that can energize more than just your refrigerator.
It comes with three efficient solar panels that will let you charge it in less than four hours.
You can add two more if you want an even better performance.
It is a great investment if you need reliable access to an alternative power supply.
The Bad
The higher capacity and better performance of this generator come at a price, but not too much.
Pros
Cons
5. EF Ecoflow Portable Power Station
The EF Ecoflow Portable Power Station is a reliable alternative power source.
You can use it in outdoor settings or as a backup power supply at home.
It is a low or mid-tier product that won’t put too much dent in your budget but still meet your needs.
Product Highlights
The EF Ecoflow Portable Power Station has several key features, such as:
- Smart Inverter Charging
With Ecoflow’s X-Stream technology, you can charge its battery from zero to 80% in less than an hour. At 1.6 hours, you will get a full charge.
It also features the “Quite Charging” mode, which allows a quieter charging condition.
- Efficient Solar Panel
If you use the solar panel to store power, you can charge the battery full in three to six hours.
This is due to the MPPT controller built into the system, which gives it a conversion efficiency of 22%.
- Multiple Outlets
The EF Ecoflow Portable Power Station allows you to charge 10 devices simultaneously.
It has three pure sine wave AC outlets, one USB-C port, two USB-A ports, and other power outputs.
The Good
One thing that sets this power station apart is the fast charging, whether you use the panels or the X-Stream technology.
It also offers multiple output ports that you can use simultaneously.
The Bad
The 600-watt capacity and 288 watt-hour output can power small to mid-sized refrigerators.
However, it may not be enough for bigger ones.
Pros
Cons
Buyer’s Guide
The market is filled with solar panel generators that can meet your requirements.
If you look at all of them closely, it will take a lot of your time and energy.
You can narrow down your options by considering the features below.
Capacity
When shopping for a solar generator, you need to look at its wattage before anything else.
This will determine whether it can supply the starting wattage needed to fire up the refrigerator’s electric motor.
It will also let you know how much power the battery can store.
Output
The solar generator’s power output tells you how long the battery can run on a full charge.
Number of Outlets
If you have several devices that you want to plug into the generator, look for one that has multiple output ports.
FAQs About Solar Generators
1. Can I Run a Refrigerator on Solar Power?
Solar generators have evolved over the years, and many of them are now powerful enough for refrigerators and other appliances.
2. What Size Solar Generator Is Needed To Run a Refrigerator?
Most refrigerators today have a starting wattage of 800 to 1,200.
The running wattage is lower, but it is safer to use the higher wattage value as a reference.
The size of your solar generator would depend on the starting wattage of your appliance.
The general rule is that it should always be higher to ensure that it can provide sufficient power.
3. Can a Solar Generator Run a Freezer?
Freezers have similar starting and running wattage with refrigerators and can run on appropriately-sized solar generators.
4. What Can a 300-Watt Solar Panel Run?
A 300-wat solar panel with a 120 Ah battery can power a small fridge.
The Solar Generators To Choose
Out of the five items reviewed, two went head-to-head for the honor of being the best solar generator for refrigerator.
Nature’s Generator Gold System came out on top in terms of value for money.
It has a high capacity, is expandable, and offers tons of other features, which is surprising for its price.
Bluetti is a good alternative if you do not mind paying a few extra bucks for a slight bump in power.
