Appliance
How many solar panels to run a mini fridge?
A mini fridge uses about 598 Wh a day. At the U.S. average of 4.98 sun hours that takes about 160 W of panels and a 0.74 kWh battery for one day.
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| Value | |
|---|---|
| Model used | Danby DCR032C1WDB 3.2 cu ft compact refrigerator |
| Daily energy | 598 Wh |
| Basis | 24.9 W annual-average draw × 24 h |
| Panel watts (U.S. avg) | 160 W |
| Battery, 1 day | 0.74 kWh |
| Source | manufacturer / ENERGY STAR |
By state
| State | Panel watts |
|---|---|
| Arizona | 122 W |
| Colorado | 141 W |
| Wyoming | 149 W |
| Idaho | 153 W |
| Missouri | 159 W |
| South Dakota | 164 W |
| Montana | 168 W |
| New Jersey | 171 W |
| Maine | 175 W |
| Michigan | 178 W |
| Alaska | 252 W |
Questions
How many solar panels to run a mini fridge?
A mini fridge uses about 598 Wh a day. At the U.S. average of 4.98 sun hours that takes about 160 W of panels and a 0.74 kWh battery for one day.
Where does the daily energy come from?
24.9 W annual-average draw × 24 h. Danby lists 115 V, 66.4 W, and 218 kWh/year. Average draw is 218 × 1,000 ÷ 8,760 = 24.9 W. Duty cycle 0.375 is that average divided by 66.4 W, so it is an annual-average compressor fraction, not a hot-day measurement. Startup watts are not published.