Looking to get some solar for my rv

[highdesertranger]

I paid 750 bucks for my 12v refer and bob keeps posting the wynter at home depot for under 500 bucks. so if you add the price of the dorm fridge and the invertor to run it, you are close to half way there plus you could probably cut back o some solar bringing you closer to the price of a 12v. plus the 12v works much better in hot conditions. I know this because I tried one of those dorm fridges. to say I was less than impressed is a big understatement. highdesertranger

 

[sassypickins]

Does this make sense: A $500-$600 12v fridge/freezer? Good energy-wise. Can be used as a freezer for meat, fish, etc AND can freeze enough water bottles to keep fresh food cold in a cooler, and just rotate the bottles.

 

[Seraphim]

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/norcold-refrigerator-without-ice-machine-1-7/57037

This fridge operates of propane and electricity. About $500. Small, but sufficient. Our fridge,,operating in propane mode, draws about .6 amps. Ours is a lot bigger, so I doubt this one will draw as much.

Our 7 gallon (35 lb?) propane tank easily last us a month for fridge (constant run) heating the hot water tank once a day for showers, dishes, etc, and cooking.

Might consider a propane system for fridge and stuff. Not sure if the one in the ad is two way or three way.

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Just checked that model - it's a three way: runs off 110v, 12v and propane.

 

[Taco98]

So it seems like the general concises is to run a better fride and less solar. So If I went with say 200watts and only 4 battery's and got a 12v or propane fridge I would be better off. Not a fan of the coller type fridges. Gf has a bad back so trying to avoid her bending down for everything. Also very limited on space so the freezing water and putting then in a cooler isn't an option either. I would still like to have an inverter to be able to run/charge something off 110

 

[Taco98]

Ok ordering a frige today. We are really looking at running this on solar. Don't want to run it on propane of we can. Now how much solar will I need to run the norcold 4.5 refrigerator. Will I still need 400-500 watts and 6 batteries. Or could 300w and 4 batteries handle it. Basicly did some math and the cost is gonna be very close if we went with a good frige and less solar and ran it off propane but we don't wanna be filling propane tanks a couple times a week/month. Want to be able to be parked for a long time. So is it really worth the extra money for the better frige to run it off solar. Is it better to run it off 110 or 12v. Thabks guys huge help. Gonna try to order panels and frige today. Snow in the near future and need to get this done so we can get out of the tent.

 

[AuricTech]

If you plan to run your refrigerator using electricity, you're better off not getting an RV-style absorption refrigerator. Those operate by using a heat source (such as a propane burner) to drive the cooling cycle, and using electricity to generate heat is very inefficient.