With so many options available online, finding the right portable solar generator capacity (watt-hours) to run your essential appliances when there is a power outage can be overwhelming!
For example, if you want the fridge to run for the duration of an outage so that your food and drinks do not spoil, which battery capacity (watt-hours) should you select?
If this is your dilemma, then read on. Here you’ll find a calculator to to help you quickly find the right capacity generator to use or how much runtime you can expect with a solar generator!
Portable Solar Generator Battery Capacity (watt-hours) Calculator
To use this calculator, you need:
- the power consumption of the fridge (watts). You can find this in the technical specifications section of the user manual or on the fridge’s back panel.
- how long you plan to run the fridge. The times assume the fridge is running continuously. In practice, the fridge can keep the contents for longer as it cycles on and off and does not usually run continuously.
Using the Calculator:
Example 1: What Portable solar generator capacity should you use to run a 50-watt 12V car fridge continuously for 8 hours?
Using the calculator above, a 50-watt 12V car fridge, running continuously for 8 hours will require at least 471 watt-hours.
Example 2: What Portable solar generator capacity should you use to run a 200-watt 12V car fridge continuously for 8 hours?
A 200-watt fridge, running continuously for 8 hours will require at least 1,882 watt-hours.
Related Questions
1. Can a Portable Solar Generator Run a Fridge (AC vs. DC Fridge)?
Yes, provided for an AC fridge, the portable solar generator’s continuous power consumption and surge power draw rating are large enough to supply the fridge’s corresponding power needs.
Check the portable solar generator’s AC output capacity in watts for this.
For a DC fridge (no inverter is needed), confirm that the DC outlets can handle the fridge’s power consumption (watts).
For example, if the fridge cable will be plugged into the car outlet port, consult the fridge’s user manual for the maximum power it can supply and confirm that the fridge’s below that before you plug it in.
Beyond that, the portable solar generator battery capacity (watt-hours) should be large enough to last the duration you’d want the fridge to run for.
2. How Long a Fridge Runs For?
It depends, there’s no one answer, but you can use the calculator below to estimate the runtime. Assuming the portable solar generator can meet the fridge’s power requirements then the fridge’s runtime will depend on:
- the battery capacity (watt-hours). The larger it is the longer the fridge will run.
- the power consumption (watts) of the fridge. For instance, a 12V car fridge will run for longer compared to a mini or full-size fridge.
- How long the fridge compressor runs for. Warmer fridge contents, frequent opening and closing of the fridge door, or even a higher ambient temperature all increase the on-cycle time of the fridge.
*Note: The estimated appliance run-time assumes it is running continuously. In practice, the fridge will cycle on a off as explained above, so it will likely run for longer keeping the contents at the desired temperature.
The actual runtime can be as much as double.
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