PV Gap

Agnes Said:

How much power(solar) do I need?

We Answered:

Let's look at best case.

Let's assume you're tied to the grid right now, and will stay tied to the grid, so no batteries will be required.

A good refrigerator will use only 1 kWh per day. That's an acceptable amount to get off of solar.

The air conditioner is an entirely different matter. If it's just a little 5000 BTU wall unit, you can use a crude rule that every BTU is 1 kWh per year (see the link below). That means 5000 kWh per year to run the A/C under average use. If you live in a hot, humid area, increase that. If you live in a cool, dry area, decrease it.

Anyway, 5000 kWh per year is approximately how much our array generates, and that's a 3 kW array in San Jose, California. You would need a smaller or larger array, depending on how your yearly sun compares with ours.

The cost for the array was about $20,000 before rebates, two years ago. Possibly, prices have gone down somewhat. And your state may have rebates to reduce that price.

If you planned to run a massive, whole-house air conditioner off the array, that would be a lot of energy, and proportionately more cost.

Your best bet is always to invest in super-insulation first - that saves extreme money with or without a solar array. And also, if you get solar, it may be to your advantage to have the array offset only the most expensive part of your electricity bill, not generate 100% of your electricity.

Good luck in any case.

Mario Said:

solar power refrigerators?

We Answered:

These are the most efficient DC energy-saving refrigerators ever to be developed. Can be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer.


These are fully programmable. The inside temperature and each of the other configuration values can be set by the user. It is therefore perfectly suited for all DC applications including even the refrigeration of medicines in hospitals. Thanks to the latest A++ energy efficiency class, together with optimal electronic control and an RPM control of the compressor, it is possible to ensure that the energy is used extremely efficiently. This leads to significant cost reductions in the system, as the PV stand-alone system can be made smaller than other refrigerators, and because considerable savings can be made on module and battery costs.

These products stand out for its user-friendliness, thanks to a large digital display with setting options, the highest standards of quality and reliability and a long service life. The refrigerator or freezer is easy to clean as it has a sealing plug on the bottom for draining water. This maintenance-free appliance can work with an input voltage of either 12 V or 24 V.

Product features
A++ energy efficiency class
Fast cooling due to compressor speed control
Freezer runs on a 70 W photovoltaic module in most climates
Automatic detection of voltage
Temperature fully programmable
Adjustable refrigerator or freezer function
Suitable for all DC applications
Low maintenance and easy to clean
Lock with two keys

Certificates for this product:-

Compliant with European Standards (CE)
RoHS compliant
CFC-free (R-134a)
Developed in Germany
Manufactured according to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

Sounds interesting.Please call on +91 92464 75056 or mailto solarsarma@gmail.com

Bryan Said:

I have a 110 volt refrigerator that i would like to power with solar panels..?

We Answered:

It would probably be a whole lot cheaper to have a super insulated box and haul some ice to your cabin.