Solar Powered Refrigerators and Freezers: Energy Products Articles: Eco20/20

Solar Powered Refrigerators and Freezers

At one time the words sun and food used together brought back memories of potato salad gone rancid from sitting out on the table at the family picnic. In today's greener environment the heat of the sun is actually used to keep food cold. Solar powered refrigerators and freezers take energy efficient appliances to a new level and are used around the world.

Background

Taking a cue from the solar powered refrigeration developed for the International Space Station, NASA scientists began to create ways that this technology could be used on Earth. They reasoned that this cordless refrigeration would be useful to people around the world that had no access to electricity. In addition, cordless cooling would be beneficial for street vendors, remote vacation cabins and eco friendly resorts.

How They Work

Solar powered calculators and lighting has been used extensively over the last couple decades. Most people have enjoyed their convenience for many years. Solar powered appliances also work by converting the rays of sun into electricity. Solar powered refrigerators use a vapor compression system much like traditional refrigerators. The refrigerant gas is put under pressure and condenses into liquid after going from hot to cool. The liquid expands and vaporizes which absorbs heat, causing the coils to cool rapidly. Where the solar powered refrigerator differs is that it is plugged into a solar panel system which generates the electricity needed to run the appliance.

Costs

The price of solar panel system installation can be costly. However, owners of solar refrigerators, freezers and other appliances are quick to point out that once this expense is paid, the limitless free energy from the sun more than makes up for this expense. Owners report a savings of 70 to 75 percent off the cost of the average electric bill. Appliances are costly to a homeowner and are usually replaced several times from a lot of wear and continual usage. With proper maintenance, the solar powered appliances can last for decades at substantial savings over the long run.

Advantages

The many advantages to owning a solar powered refrigerator or freezer include minimal noise and less worry about running the appliance at all times. One popular feature is called the two in one factor, which allows a separate refrigerator and freezer to act as one appliance for a very low cost. These appliances come in a wide variety of styles, sizes and colors, making them fashionable additions to the green kitchen. Most of all, the energy saved by using these appliances are monumental over the life of the appliance.

Solar powered appliances are becoming popular for people wish not to install solar roof panels on their home. Refrigerators and freezers are among many solar powered appliances that are readily available. These include large and smaller appliances such as water heaters, pool heaters, air conditioners and Christmas lights just to name a few. With so many choices, saving energy is a possibility for more people who have a desire to help conserve the planet's resources.