off-grid solar for camp

[ArlyA]

We have a off-grid camp and looking to update its solar power. Over the summer we'd love to keep a small 12v or 120v ac fridge there. Just 10 led lights, phone and tool charging. Maybe
100 amp hour battery since just fridge use is the heaviest load. 3 panels -- 1200 watts on the ground. No ac, no well pump. The only reason we're looking at a 12volt system is the high energy loss with many inverters. LiFePO4 batteries?

What is your thoughts?

 

[MossRoad]

We have a off-grid camp and looking to update its solar power. Over the summer we'd love to keep a small 12v or 120v ac fridge there. Just 10 led lights, phone and tool charging. Maybe
100 amp hour battery since just fridge use is the heaviest load. 3 panels -- 1200 watts on the ground. No ac, no well pump. The only reason we're looking at a 12volt system is the high energy with inverters. LiFePO4 batteries?

What is your thoughts?

I think you only need a fridge in July, correct?

Just kidding.

Any leads on 12v fridges?

 

[ArlyA]

I think you only need a fridge in July, correct?

Just kidding.

Any leads on 12v fridges?

Yes and they seem to not have a heavy draw. I'd guess all campers have them.

 

[groundcover]

These look pretty good https://www.jackery.com/

 

[34Willys]

We have the jackery 1000 plus with one extra add on battery, and 4 200 watt panels.
Works well and on sunny days, recharges, maintains well.
We use it when we boondock and for power outages at home.
We considered the 2000 because of the 30A outlet, but it weighs 60+ lbs.

12VDC refers suck batteries dry quick. I don't know the amp draw, but our trailers we've had will draw down quick. They use resistance coil heat, so....
I think they were only meant for while driving down the road. We've killed our vehicle battery while eating a meal at a restaurant and forgetting to unplug from the car.

Now, the propane side of the fridge uses a very tiny flame to heat ammonia and absorbent rocks.
No compressor, no moving parts, no coils to keep clean, etc.

I don't like snow, but it's been fun seeing you really enjoying your new cabin.

Patrick

 

[ponytug]

I am a little unclear by what you mean by "high energy loss". Solar to 12VDC? 12VDC to 120VAC?

I would do the whole math around the particular model of fridge that you choose to get kWh of panels and storage and go from there.

For a fridge, I would take a long look at the AC/DC/Propane RV fridges to give you a backup in case you have a week of overcast midsummer. However, they are not high BTU fridges, and really expect to be cool and be loaded with cold food. 120VAC fridges run circles around them, but are not generally as efficient, though getting better. There are solar specific fridges, which are highly efficient and can take solar input directly, or on top of a battery bank.

I'd vote for LiFePo batteries.

What do you do for water at Camp Covington?

All the best, Peter

 

[ArlyA]

energy loss with many inverters is high going from 12 or 48v dc to 120 ac. We bring potable from home and use creek or snow for everything else.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Chinese knockoff 12VDC fridges have flooded the market a few years ago. You no longer need to pay $1200 for a Dometic 12v fridge. They look more like coolers than actual small fridges. The ones I had my eye on are called ICECO, seem like their price has gone up since I looked a few years ago. They do use the better compressor, so maybe that is why they are so high. But a good sized one can be had for $250-$400 that will serve you well. I have a cheap one at my off grid camp and my 400W of panels and 200 Ah of Lead acid batteries will keep it cold without issue.

400 watts of panels and 200 Ah LiFeP04 batteries will be totally sufficient for your needs>

 

[ArlyA]

A fellow helping us say this.

 

[BnRidge]

In our small rv we went with:
2- Litime lifepo4 100a
Litime 40a charger
Renology 700w inverter
120v fridge, draws 50w
Connections for future portable solar
Lp heat
Butane gasone 9kBtu stoves
System without solar lasts:
Electric 3-4 days
Lp 20lb 2-3weeks
Butane use hardly noticable
The inverter is 9w on standby
A friend has several power packs that would do the same for electric, but- they were more expensive, not configurable to mix and match for future upgrades, maintenance would be an issue if a component failed. For his purposes he also has other uses, like portable power for worksites, hayrides etc in addition to an rv.

 

[ponytug]

A fellow helping us say this.View attachment 5416945

His comments look good to me; I like his comment of using 3 panels to get the voltage up, and if you can, try to ensure minimal shading. I'd be surprised if LED lighting turned out to be that many watts, but no biggie.

Renology makes reasonable gear in my experience. Perhaps not quite as bulletproof as Victron, but if the equipment goes out on you, it seems as if it wouldn't be a huge deal for you at the Camp. It isn't like being on a sailboat mid-Pacific.

All the best, Peter

 

[ArlyA]

Here in a small fridge/freezer for $1600. What is your thoughts on a unit like this? Its draw seems reasonably low.
------------------------------------

SunStar 10CU Solar/DC/AC Refrigerator (White)


Designed specifically for off-the-grid or grid connected use, the SunStar 10CU Solar/DC/AC refrigerator is an industry leader in this mid-size model category, and 100% Made in the USA. Featuring dual voltage options + dual independent compressors + dual thermostat cooling system (one for the freezer, one for the refrigerator compartment) this upright refrigerator can be used for many applications and built with energy efficiency in mind! Featuring an industry leading 4" thick polyurethane wall insulation, this SunStar refrigerator is built to last.

Highlights

• 100% Made in the USA
• Designed specifically for off-the-grid or grid connected use
• Dual voltage 12/24vDC or 115vAC
• Connect both power sources simultaneously
• Only multi-voltage dual compressor upright solar / DC model in North America
• Super-efficient: 55-watt typical power draw
• Extra thick 4" polyurethane wall insulation
• Exclusive Keota dual compressor system
• Independent compartment temperature control
• Bottom unit can be used for refrigeration or freezer

Features

• Available in White, Black, or Black + Stainless Steel Doors
• Automatic 12v or 24v DC operation + 115vAC option
• Automatic defrost (top compartment only)
• Interior LED lights in both compartments
• Adjustable shelving
• Reversible door
• Wheel casters for easy moving
• Front adjustable levelling legs
• Fault LED for easy troubleshooting
• 2 Year Performance Warranty

Energy Consumption - Ambient Temperature 77F (25C)

• Top compartment 188Wh/24hr
• Bottom compartment 314Wh/24hr
• Typical power draw: 55-watt (12vDC 4.3A / 24vDC 2.2A)

Specifications

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 23.5 x 60 x 26.25
• Top Compartment: 6.6CU
• Bottom Compartment: 3.2CU
• Weight: 148lbs
• Refrigerant: R600A

 

[ArlyA]

For propane we use 2, 40lb tanks which last us a nice while to power the stove and a wall heater which is used to help warm the place when we show up. Any larger tanks are practical for us to move.. After the cabin is warmed, the wall unit is shut off. I see propane fridges FS on marketplace who switched to electric ones at their off-grid location.

 

[techman]

My solution for some heat in our garden shed is 2 x 230 watt solar panels (used, $35 each), an MTTP solar charger from Amazon and a 12volt 100ah LiFe battery. It runs a low cost diesel heater. For your needs sub a small 12 volt RV fridge for the heater. You need to calculate from the power draw of the fridge to see if you might need to add another battery or solar panel. If your fridge needs are not for too large also look at the portable coolers that work on 12 volts. Make sure it is a compression refrigeration unit. You can get a 50 qt size on amazon for about $ 200 and it will run off the battery/solar panel system.

 

[ponytug]

Here in a small fridge/freezer for $1600. What is your thoughts on a unit like this?
------------------------------------
View attachment 5417287
SunStar 10CU Solar/DC/AC Refrigerator (White)


Designed specifically for off-the-grid or grid connected use, the SunStar 10CU Solar/DC/AC refrigerator is an industry leader in this mid-size model category, and 100% Made in the USA. Featuring dual voltage options + dual independent compressors + dual thermostat cooling system (one for the freezer, one for the refrigerator compartment) this upright refrigerator can be used for many applications and built with energy efficiency in mind! Featuring an industry leading 4" thick polyurethane wall insulation, this SunStar refrigerator is built to last.

Highlights

• 100% Made in the USA
• Designed specifically for off-the-grid or grid connected use
• Dual voltage 12/24vDC or 115vAC
• Connect both power sources simultaneously
• Only multi-voltage dual compressor upright solar / DC model in North America
• Super-efficient: 55-watt typical power draw
• Extra thick 4" polyurethane wall insulation
• Exclusive Keota dual compressor system
• Independent compartment temperature control
• Bottom unit can be used for refrigeration or freezer

Features

• Available in White, Black, or Black + Stainless Steel Doors
• Automatic 12v or 24v DC operation + 115vAC option
• Automatic defrost (top compartment only)
• Interior LED lights in both compartments
• Adjustable shelving
• Reversible door
• Wheel casters for easy moving
• Front adjustable levelling legs
• Fault LED for easy troubleshooting
• 2 Year Performance Warranty

Energy Consumption - Ambient Temperature 77F (25C)

• Top compartment 188Wh/24hr
• Bottom compartment 314Wh/24hr
• Typical power draw: 55-watt (12vDC 4.3A / 24vDC 2.2A)

Specifications

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 23.5 x 60 x 26.25
• Top Compartment: 6.6CU
• Bottom Compartment: 3.2CU
• Weight: 148lbs
• Refrigerant: R600A

Amongst the offgrid community, Sunstar has a well deserved reputation from what I hear. The only thing that I have seen that was more energy efficient was a chest freezer that someone rewired a PLC to run at 40F as a refrigerator. We seriously considered getting a Sunstar here just for the energy efficiency at one point.

If you have the height, I would mount it up a little, otherwise the freezer is at an awkward height for most folks. (Cinder blocks?)

I think that the big advantage of electric over propane refrigerators is that the electric have much stronger cooling abilities, so they do better with the "Friday night loading" common for weekenders. I've used both, and they both keep food cool. It is just that the AC versions can cool food much faster. Rather like owning a VW bug; it will get you from A to B, but it is never really going to haul a horse trailer, or get you there quickly.

All the best,

Peter

 

[ArlyA]

Silly question. How to charge my Makita 18volt battery's, a inverter to make 120v ac??

 

[sandman2234]

Silly question. How to charge my Makita 18volt battery's, a inverter to make 120v ac??

If your trying to charge your tool batteries, a simple inverter should do the trick. They are available online, or at most truckstops. I favor the truckstops simply because I get 4 points per gallon of the diesel I pump to spend, so it makes the price attractive. You can stop by and look just to see what they have for sale.
Remember one thing, most inverters have a draw that depletes the battery based on how big the inverter is. If time isn't of importance, get a small one, but if time is a factor, increase the size.
I have several in the 1500 to 2000 watt range, that almost never get run, because they have to be hard wired to the batteries, which is a pain if you change trucks very often (or power sources).
My tractor trailer has a lot of drain due to GPS tracking along with a refrigerator. It has been sitting in the driveway for almost a month with everything running. The APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) senses when the batteries are getting low and fires up and charges the batteries. Happens about 3 times a day.
David from jax