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>