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Have you been searching for an RV fridge that runs off solar power? Boondocking, also known as dispersed camping, is an extremely popular form of RVing, and it is only natural to want to procure the best of the best off-grid accessories!

Solar powered fridges can be extremely useful, whether you’re camping in your RV for some time or simply taking the boat out and you also want to bring along some brews. These fridges are designed to run on battery or solar power, making them extremely useful and a great way to balance out power in your RV. 

But what else should you know about solar fridges, and how do you know what ones you should consider purchasing for your needs and upcoming camping excursions? I’ve put together everything you need to know along with a list of my favorites.

If you just want to skip ahead and see what made the list you can check out my recommendations here: 

Now let’s get started!

How Solar Power Fridges Work

Fridges that have the ability to run on solar power are essentially 12V fridges, also known as portable fridges. Unsure what that means? These cool appliances are built to run on battery power rather than shore power!

Your solar panels directly recharge and maintain your RV’s batteries, should you have solar installed. That’s how your fridge would technically be “solar powered”- solar can power DC or battery powered items with ease.

12V fridges work the same as regular shore power fridges, except they usually have more portable elements to them, such as a manageable size and weight, wheels, and a handle. It is important to outfit your RV with a reliable battery for boondocking if you have a solar fridge.

Solar fridges come in a variety of shapes, styles, and capabilities. Most of them have freezer compartments, ample storage for cans or bottles, and some are even high tech enough to be controlled via a mobile app!

These fridges are built with portability and ruggedness in mind. They can easily be installed in your RV or Class B van conversion– you can hit the road knowing that you don’t have to worry about keeping your food cold!

What to Consider in an RV Fridge With Solar Power

There are many things to consider in an RV fridge built and ready to be powered by solar energy. But what might some of those considerations be? Let’s take a moment and look at some together.

Size

Whether you’re in a vintage travel trailer or a brand new Class B van, size matters. It can be difficult to fit all the amenities you need in a tiny space, especially if you aren’t used to the size of RVs. Even finding a small rig with a bathroom and shower is possible, however!

That is why considering what size portable fridge you need is very important. You may only have so much space available to you, whether it be inside of your RV or tow vehicle, and that space will always be at a premium.

Some RV fridges that run on DC power can be installed where an old RV fridge used to be- some portable fridges look and operate more like a traditional cooler or ice chest. This means that the dimensions might be very different than what you may be expecting.

Trying to figure out how much space you need may be difficult, especially because most portable fridges are measured in cubic feet. How much food does that mean you can fit? I recommend taking some measurements of your residential fridge to get a good idea.

The size of your fridge will also affect your budget. If you are looking at something larger than the average portable fridge, it will of course cost you a bit more. However, this can be necessary for those of you camping with a large group or for an extended period of time.

Fridge or Freezer Capabilities

Whether you need your 12V fridge for keeping your beer cold or for freezing your ice cream, having the option to do both can be very beneficial to many RVers. That’s why knowing the fridge and freezer capabilities of any portable fridge is key.

Some portable fridges only have one large compartment, meaning you have to choose between using it as a fridge or as a freezer- you can’t have both at once. This can be frustrating for many RVers, though it may save you some funds in the long run.

However, there are portable fridges with two compartments so you can have frozen french fries for deep frying and fresh burgers for grilling on some of the best portable RV grills available on the market today.

It all depends on what you plan on using your portable fridge for! Most RVers will choose a fridge with both options, as it can feel difficult to pick between one or the other. You shouldn’t feel as though you have to limit your food options in that way.

No matter what, keep the size of your fridge in mind: your freezer compartment may be much smaller than the one you have at home. The last thing you want is to end up with ice cream that can’t fit (though I guess that means you’ll have to eat it all, and that doesn’t sound so bad)!

Other Power Options

While having a 12V fridge may be all you need, some RVers may want the option to hook up their fridge to other power options. For example, if you want to plug in your portable fridge at home, shore or 120V AC power is going to be a lot more efficient to use than 12V DC power.

You’ll want to shop for a fridge or freezer with these capabilities, and it usually just comes in the form of a particular power cord- one that can easily plug into a standard socket in your home rather than a cigarette lighter in a car.

You may even find a more traditional three-way powered RV fridge and think that it suits you. These fridges are capable of running on AC, DC, and propane power sources. This is the ultimate in versatility, but you may lack some portability with this option due to propane lines.

Many RVs built for boondocking have fridges like this installed in them already. Having as many power sources as possible means you avoid spoiled food in the long run, but it may not suit your current solar power fridge goals!

Efficiency

 What’s the most important thing to consider if you are boondocking or camping off-grid for a long period of time? You’ll need to consider the efficiency of your appliances so that you can maximize your overall energy usage!

Understanding your RV’s electrical system can be more complicated than you think. There are many things to research and understand before you hit the road and go off-grid, such as your expected amperage used hourly, how powerful your batteries are, and if you have an inverter.

Before you begin shopping for a solar power fridge, you should understand how much power you have, how long that power will last off-grid, and then begin your search looking for fridges that will fit into your expected amperage usage in an efficient way. 

Choosing an energy efficient appliance can be key to successfully camping off-grid, especially if you plan on doing so for long periods of time. You don’t want to run down your batteries, so it is important to also have enough solar panels installed to properly maintain them.

Where You Plan on Storing It

Not only does the size of your solar powered fridge matter- you should think about where you plan on storing it while you are camping. Yes, space is always at a premium in RVs, even in RVs with enough space for two bathrooms!

This is when many RVers resort to keeping things outside of their RV if the weather is nice, and this could include your off-grid fridge. If you are unsure where a good place to keep your fridge might be, you may wish to consider a more durable option.

You could potentially keep your solar powered fridge outside in the elements, should you not have enough space inside. This can be especially true if you plan on cooking much of your food outside, or if you’re boondocking in a teardrop travel trailer with an outdoor kitchen.

Some of these fridges should only be kept indoors, and aren’t recommended for extended outdoor use. This is something to consider, and durability and ruggedness may be near the top of your list of needs!

Overall Power Needs

Choosing a solar fridge with more bells and whistles could mean more power usage. However, you’ll want to get a fridge or freezer that will stay cold for a long time. Budgeting enough power for your fridge when you’re travelling off-grid can be tricky.

To truly gauge how much electricity something needs, I highly recommend purchasing a multimeter. These nifty gadgets are capable of measuring electric currents in many different forms, including amperage. They are invaluable if you own an RV!

Trying to calculate how many solar panels you need to power your boondocking rig can be complicated- it is important to know how much power every single appliance needs, both to start up and to stay running. Take your time to determine your power needs and wants!

Budget

Lastly, knowing roughly what you can budget for an RV fridge is important. These necessary appliances range in price, anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars. Purchasing a portable fridge may be a big investment for some of you.

The startup cost of a solar powered fridge can be high as well. If your RV isn’t already outfitted with solar panels, you’ll have that cost to consider as well. You may even have to pay for an upgraded converter, another cost.

However, these fridges are versatile, portable, and can be used in a variety of applications. You may be surprised by how much you can fit in them as well- perhaps you won’t need as big of a fridge as you expect, and that way you can save some money!

Pros and Cons of an RV Fridge With Solar Power

There are many perks and drawbacks to anything, and RV fridges for solar power operations have their own pros and cons. Let’s take a look at some of these possibilities together.

Pro: They Run on the Sun

If you are a notorious boondocker hoping to hit the road with no connections or hookups, having a fridge that runs on solar power is a huge perk. You won’t have to worry about anything but your battery life, and this should be replenished daily by your solar panels.

Solar on RVs has taken off, for many reasons. Having the option to go anywhere you want so long as there’s sunlight can be freeing. And having a fridge that will run on the sun is even more wonderful!

Con: It’s Risky if Your Fridge Runs Out of Power

One of the main risks of being disconnected from shore power? What will you do if your solar malfunctions or your battery runs out of power? You run the risk of everything in your fridge or freezer spoiling.

Understanding your RV’s electrical system, including your inverter and converter, is key to making the most of your solar system. Knowing how many amps that your appliances take is detrimental, especially before you hitch up and go.

Pro: They Are Compact and Portable

There’s nothing like an ice chest or cooler for days on a boat or at the beach. Solar power fridges are no exception, capable of going wherever you choose to bring it. So long as it has a handle, wheels, and a battery to run it, you can bring your cold goods!

Plus, having a compact and portable RV fridge means that you don’t have to worry about where to keep it when you’re on the road. You can easily slot these fridges into awkward spots in your van conversion or travel trailer built for solo travel.

Con: Sometimes They are too Compact

The main drawback of RV fridges that run on solar power? Some of them are quite small. If you consider a standard ice chest, that is the average size of most of these fridges and freezers- while some boast large capacities, it may be less than you expect.

That’s why it is important to plan ahead- consider how many fridge or freezer goods you need for one camping trip, and if you can afford to restock rather than bring everything in one go. Either that, or you purchase a larger fridge- but that may take up too much space!

Pro: They are Easy to Set Up

Concerned about how to hook up your solar powered fridge in your RV? The best part of these little guys is that they are simple to set up, and for a good reason. Most will have a standard cigarette lighter-style plug- simply insert that wherever you plan on running your fridge!

So long as you have your solar system up and running (or perhaps you have an onboard generator), you should have no trouble using your solar powered fridge. Many boast quick cool down times as well, which can be an added bonus to these portable appliances!

Con: They Can Get Pricey

Just like a lot of RV parts and accessories, solar powered fridges can get expensive. Plus, their prices range wildly- from $300-$3,000 and anywhere in between. It can be difficult to know what to purchase, let alone if you can even afford one in the first place.

RV replacement parts or build outs always take a decent amount of cash. Replacing a standard RV fridge with a fridge for solar power is no exception. You may be faced with some sticker shock, and this can get discouraging while shopping.

Pro: You Can Get Fridge and Freezer Capabilities

You can get an RV fridge for solar power with freezer options as well- you won’t be stuck with only fresh food options if you don’t want to! These technological marvels can come equipped with a small freezer section too, in case you need ice or more.

Having the option of both a freezer and fridge makes your cooking possibilities limitless. You can make just about anything- just make sure you’ve packed the propane and that your propane regulator is up to date (check out our regulator guide here, if you think you need a new one)!

The Best RV Fridge for Solar Power

Are you ready to take a look at some of the best RV fridges for solar power on the market currently? Hopefully you know just how many amps your RV solar system can spare for your new portable fridge- let’s get started. 

Best Overall: Dometic CFX3 Portable Refrigerator and Freezer

Available in 7 different sizes, this portable fridge from Dometic is a fantastic choice for those of you looking to invest in another Dometic-brand product. Dometic is a brand I personally trust, especially for camping and RV living- they have been a huge name in the game for generations.

This particular portable fridge earns the best overall spot because of its many size choices, its mobile app cooling capabilities, and an efficient compressor cooling technology. It’s even lighter weight than many other coolers on this list, and can deep freeze down to -7 degrees!

The sizes on this fridge range from 25 liters all the way up to 100 liters- the average RV refrigerator falls somewhere on this list, and doesn’t have the benefits of portability either. That’s why this Dometic cooler is a top pick- the 35 liter size can hold up to 50 cans!

Made of a sturdy yet lightweight aluminum frame, this handsome matte black portable fridge can travel anywhere you want it to. It has heavy duty handles, a high resolution display, and has usage history available via the Dometic mobile app.

This efficient fridge has freezer capabilities as well, and you get more freezer space on the largest models. These may be roughly 80 pounds empty, but chances are you won’t need a 100 liter fridge for your upcoming camping trip!

You can take a closer look and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best on a Budget: SetPower 12V Refrigerator, 37 Quart

Why pay more when there’s a budget friendly portable refrigerator on the market for you? This 37 quart fridge from SetPower might be just what you have been looking for, and it has almost all of the bells and whistles you need.

With battery protection, wheels, a handle, a detachable lid, and 30 degree tilt protection, this cooler is ready for whatever you need it for. Plug it into your car’s cigarette port or other location in your RV and let your solar panels cool your groceries.

With a cooling and freezing range from -4 degrees all the way to 64 degrees, you can keep your ice cream from melting. This fridge has your RV living space in mind as well: the wheels are detachable so that it won’t go rolling away, and there are flush latches for tying it down.

There’s a handy LED temperature control screen, and this cooler is also available in multiple sizes. Many reviewers mention it being rugged and capable of handling off-roading, which is no doubt great news for many boondockers and adventurers!

The instruction manual leaves a lot to be desired, but thankfully this fridge is easy to get going. And an added bonus: it cools down fast, and won’t overload your battery. It is quiet, has a powerful compressor, and it’s budget friendly. What could be better!?

You can get a better look at this fridge and check today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Most Compact: F40C4TMP 12V Car Fridge, 30 Quart

Looking for a small, sleek, and efficient cooler for your van conversion? Check out this fridge from F40C4TMP- at under 30 pounds, this 30 quart fridge and freezer combo may be the last piece of your RV renovation puzzle!

This little fridge is packed with features, but let’s start with the basics: it comes with a two year warranty so that you can feel comfortable in your purchase. It also comes with built-in battery protection so that you don’t have to worry about draining your car or RV batteries.

Not only can it fit up to 40 cans- the outside of it is compact as well. It has embedded handles, a sleek and flush magnetic door, and an easy to read LED display. Plus there’s a temperature memory function, meaning it will remember the last temperature you set and automatically go with that next time you turn it on.

While there’s no app control with this fridge, it does have a valuable eco mode- this will keep the fridge from going over 45 watts. The entire fridge itself never really goes over 60 watts, making it perfect for many solar applications.

It doesn’t have a separated freezer and fridge compartment, which may prove tricky for many RVers. Though it does come with some internal compartments, which may help keep your vegetables from freezing!

You can get a better look at this little fridge and check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Most Versatile: ICECO JP42 Pro, 3 in 1 Refrigerator

Not only is this portable fridge by ICECO efficient and stylish (available in three colors)- it’s 3 products in one. This 44 quart fridge can fit up to 66 cans, both as a fridge, a freezer, and as a cooler with thick and insulated walls and lid closure!

Capable of freezing down to 0 degrees, this fridge and freezer has three modes made to protect your car or RV battery. They range in strength and power usage, but none of them go over 12.5 volts. This keeps your battery from draining, no matter how long you’re camping for.

This cooler is also perfect for storing in odd locations or boondocking with- it can be tilted up to 40 degrees and still work, which is great for RVers. Many RVers struggle with traditional propane powered fridges, as these often struggle unless the rig is flat.

There are heavy duty and easy open rubber latches to keep all of your goodies inside the fridge. It also has cup holders on top of the cooler so that you can enjoy it as a table or other helpful surface. And the easy-to-use LED display is inconspicuous, on the side of the fridge.

There’s a five year warranty on this fridge, as well as an eco mode and convenient drainage spout. The main downside with this fridge is its weight and loudness as it cools down- but the eco mode remains very quiet!

You can check out all three colors and today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best Freezer Capabilities: Everchill RV Refrigerator, 12V Fridge

This particular fridge for solar power is a big one- it is almost a standard home fridge size, and would work best if you are replacing your old RV fridge. However, if you can fit this fridge in your rig, it might be your best bet for freezing. Why? Because it has a large and efficient freezer compartment!

With 11 cubic feet of cooling space, this fridge is ready for the entire family. It is made for boondocking, capable of going at least 40 hours on a single battery or solar panel. It is only a 12 volt refrigerator, so it is made to run on your RV’s battery power.

With five shelves, a crisper drawer, and in-door shelves for both the fridge and the freezer, you will feel like you haven’t even left home when you open this unit. Plus, this fridge and freezer combo can cool down and reach your desired set temperature in less than an hour!

While this unit is certainly not portable, it is a perfect solution for those of you replacing your old or broken RV fridge. It is reportedly easy to install, with customer service readily available. Plus, it has a load of other features that you won’t find in any portable fridge choices.

With humidity control, water bottle shelves, locking doors for when your rig is in motion, and adjustable legs so that you can match your old fridge’s height, this fridge is just like being back at home. Except you get to hit the road and power it using your solar panels!

You can check out all the dimensions along with today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best for Solo Adventures: Whynter FM-65G 65 Quart Portable Refrigerator

If you are an adventurer at heart looking to boondock and travel with a reliable fridge, check out this sturdy option from Whynter. While it may weigh almost 60 pounds, this option is rugged and perfect for the brave solo boondocker.

With freezing capabilities of -6 degrees, you can bring just about anything with you. And 65 quarts is ample space for a party of one! You can adjust the interior of the fridge with removable baskets- this way, you can keep your vegetables and fruits from freezing.

With a fast freeze feature, this unit can get you where you need to go, and fast. This can be helpful when travelling alone, as you will have a lot to get set up on your own. Plus, this unit is able to plug into either AC or DC power, so that you have maximum flexibility with it!

This unit comes in a sleek light gray color with stainless steel latches and handles. The control panel is flush and located near the bottom of the unit, out of the way so that you won’t accidentally change anything about it.

Many users mention using this unit in their van conversion or RV, specifically for use while boondocking and with solar panels. This solar powered fridge is made for the RVer looking for adventure, whether with others or alone!

You can check out all the reviews along with the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best for Families: RecPro RV Refrigerator Stainless Steel | 10.7 Cubic Feet

Another great choice for replacing your existing RV fridge is this large unit from RecPro. RecPro is another big name in the RV game, just like Dometic. They are makers of many RV accessories, from heated tank pads to fridges, and this one may be perfect for you.

Stainless steel with a fridge and freezer compartment, this large unit is almost apartment or residential sized- perfect for the entire family’s food supplies and snacks! While it weighs over 100 pounds and isn’t portable, it is perfect for many RV applications, mainly due to its power.

This fridge needs 7 amps to start up, but it only uses 1 amp to run continuously, making it efficient and useful for many solar power systems. It runs quietly too, and will cool in less than an hour to whatever temperature you choose.

With locking doors, reversible door panels, and more than five shelves between the fridge and the freezer, you can have the best of all these solar power fridge options- so long as you can fit this beast inside of your rig!

With a 1 year warranty and service option from RecPro, you can feel confident in your purchase. This fridge also remains frost free, meaning the humidity is under control. Consistent defrosting and cleaning will be easy with this fridge! You can learn more and check today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Most Stylish: BODEGA 12 Volt Car Refrigerator, 27 Quart

Mobile app-enabled, available in three modern and stylish colors, and compact as all heck, this fridge from BODEGA may be perfect for those of you not bringing too many groceries along with you. It is only a 27 quart fridge, but that doesn’t mean it can’t tackle your needs!

This little fridge is packed with features: from -20-20 degrees Celsius cooling, an app control with battery protection, fast cooling, and real time voltage reporting, this fridge can give you all the information and assistance you need.

This fridge freezer combo has a convenient drainage hole as well as a well-lit LED control panel if you don’t wish to download the app. Plus, the handles lay flat against the unit and it even has an interior LED light so that you can see inside at any hour!

The manufacturers of this fridge offer a one month free trial to see if it works for you, then a subsequent year long warranty. It can be plugged into a car outlet, a standard outlet, and even a USB port for maximum versatility- plus the app will monitor all of it!

The exterior is cute- it can come in a stylish turquoise, lilac, or burnt orange color. Plus it’s powerful- on max cool, it can chill your fridge in 15 minutes. While it may not be large enough for every group, it certainly leaves an impression! You can check out all the three color choices along with today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best High Capacity: BODEGA 12 Volt Car Refrigerator, Up to 100 Quarts

If the other options haven’t seemed like enough storage for you and your family, then it could be worth checking out another pick from Bodega with up to 100 quarts of storage. You’re also able to make the most out of all that space with the option to convert the cooler into one big freezer, one larger fridge, or keep it split with a freezer on one side and a cooler on the other.

You can see just how big this cooler is next to the kiddo here: 

The temperature is set with an app which is ideal if you’re looking for a specific temperature and you can take the freezer down to -4 F. It only takes about 20 minutes or so to cool down so by the time you get to the store you’re ready to use the freezer.

But keep in mind that this freezer is big. You can see it in the back of my hatchback here: 

This cooler also comes with several power options, including solar. You can get it going with a wall power adapter, a car/cigarette adapter and a solar adapter.

However, you will need to purchase the solar adapter separately. It’s been great for us so far and definitely a good choice for folks with kids that need to bring along a few extras. For solo travelers or couples on shorter trips, one of the smaller options is probably a better choice.

You can read more reviews and check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

FAQs About Solar Powered Fridges and RVs

Still have questions about what the best RV fridge for solar power is? Before we get to the products, let’s answer some common questions first!

Do I Need an RV Fridge that Runs On Solar Power?

No, you don’t necessarily need a fridge that runs on solar power. However, if you have solar panels set up on your RV, there’s no reason not to upgrade. Having the ability to go completely off-grid can be freeing, and fridges are often something that holds RVers back.

You may have a powerful enough converter that can change your standard fridge’s AC power into lesser DC power, meaning you can run all of your RV off of your batteries. However, this significantly limits your power consumption if you don’t have the ability to recharge your batteries.

That’s why having a fridge that runs on solar power can be valuable, especially if you have a full fridge of food. You’ll want to keep things cool, especially if you are travelling from one destination to the next.

Are Solar Power Fridges Better?

Solar power fridges aren’t necessarily better. But they can suit your lifestyle and RV circumstances better than standard fridges sometimes! This is definitely the case if you boondock frequently and want to get off the grid often.

Solar power fridges are smaller than RV fridges on average, but many of them are portable. Complete with wheels and a handle, you can transport these glorified ice chests anywhere you want! That’s another huge perk to these appliances.

How Much Power Do I Need for My Solar Power Fridge?

It will depend on the fridge that you eventually purchase. Some portable fridges use as little as half an amp per hour; others have a much larger draw, closer to 5 amps or more. It depends on what the fridge and freezer are capable of.

You will need to consider a reliable and high output battery for running your RV off-grid. Unless you have recently purchased a much more luxurious rig, getting your power system sorted should be a priority. It’s easier than you think, once you get the hang of it!

What are Some Good Brands of RV Solar Power Fridges?

There are many brands of RV solar power fridges on the market today. However, some names remain popular and reliable. Some of the good brands are:

• Dometic

• RecPro

• Whynter

• Bodega
• ICECO

There are many more brands, and many more on this list, but those are some of the top recommended brands available currently. You may even recognize Dometic and RecPro from our other RV product lists, such as the most efficient air conditioners for your RV!

What is the Most Energy Efficient Fridge for Solar Power?

The most energy efficient fridge for solar power depends on what you are looking for and how large of a fridge you need. Keeping an eye out for fridges that cool down quickly and use only a few amps at a time while running is a good idea. 

From this list, some of the most energy efficient solar power fridges include brands like Dometic, ICECO, and RecPro. You’ll want to check out the running amps and how often your fridge is turning on and off- this is a good idea for figuring out efficiency.

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Run My RV Fridge?

It will depend on the overall wattage of the panels and how many watts your RV fridge needs to both start up and run consistently. However, the average wattage needed for portable fridges is roughly 200-400, depending.

That means you should consider at least three solar panels in order to maintain power to your fridge for a camping trip. And this is just the fridge alone- you will need more powerful panels and even more of them in order to power the rest of your RV. 

But most RV manufacturers can help you out with this. It can be difficult to determine just how many you might need, especially if your needs fluctuate. You can always consider purchasing a generator to help you power your rig, especially some of the best generators for your RV air conditioner!

Conclusion

Purchasing an RV fridge for solar power is a wonderful choice if you love to dry camp or get off the grid. Plus, you can bring most of these portable fridges to your next tailgate or party and use it for years to come, both in and out of your rig!