A solar refrigerator is a cooling unit that uses energy provided by the sun through solar thermal or photovoltaic energy to keep perishable foods from spoiling. They are growing in popularity due to advances in lithium-ion battery technology that allow solar refrigerators to be light enough for portability yet hold enough charge to cool food for hours or even days. Plus, they require no ice, making them ideal for off-the-grid locations where AC power is not available.
Older versions of portable refrigerators used kerosene, which had several disadvantages to a solar refrigerator. They burned up to a liter of kerosene per day, mitigating off-the-grid possibilities. Plus kerosene is costly and smelly, and produces significant amounts of carbon dioxide.
Solar refrigerators provide a means for keeping food safe and preserved without the need to connect to utility-provided power. They can also be used in cottages, camps, and other domiciles as an alternative to absorption refrigerators, as they can run year-round without fears of freon leaks or other chemical concerns.
One solar refrigerator that stands out on the commercial market is the new GoSun Solar Cooler. It is a portable, affordable and fuel-free solar powered cooler, refrigerator/Freezer and charging system. This solar refrigerator utilizes energy from the sun to power a highly efficient DC cooler to keep drinks or food cool, or to freeze, eliminating the need for ice.
Other portable solar refrigerators utilize thermoelectric chips, which can only provide cooling of about 35 degrees from air temperature and cannot produce ice. By combining the technology of brushless compressor technology, with the insulated air gap canopy of the GoSun Solar Table, the GoSun Cooler can be powered directly by the portable solar panel or the rechargeable lithium battery.
A portable lithium battery pack powers the GoSun Solar Cooler. The large 150 watt-hour solar power pack can also power laptops, cell phones, and many other portable accessories, making it the perfect outdoor product to be prepared for a power outage or emergency.
This post is part of our larger information resource on solar coolers. Click here to read our post Solar Fridge Guide: Stay Cool Off The Grid