Are you looking at buying a battery-powered portable solar freezer or fridge? Several brands offer different types of solar coolers, solar refrigerators, and solar freezers. With one, you can keep food and drinks fresh as you roam around and power it up with a solar panel right anywhere.
Here, we go with a list of the best solar fridges and coolers in our take on the Dometic, ICECO, Alpicool, BougeRV, and LionCooler solar coolers. These are some of the top vendors that have on sale some attractive solar-based cooling systems for off-grid and portable applications.
A solar refrigerator is basically a battery-powered portable refrigerator.
You can charge it directly with a solar panel. So, it becomes the best choice for outdoor enthusiasts like RVers and campers to store their food and beverage items fresh and healthy.
The key advantage of a solar freezer is that it makes you travel without ice. That is, with a reliable solar-based freezer or fridge, you no longer need to carry the hefty ice bags to keep your food fresh in the wild.
| Update: The leading power station maker EcoFlow has joined the fray of portable solar-based freezers with a product called Glacier. The EcoFlow Glacier was put on display at CES 2023. The machine is a two-compartment portable fridge with a built-in ice maker that can produce 18 ice cubes in just 12 minutes. The product is to hit the store sometime sooner this year. |
THE BEST-SELLER SOLAR FRIDGES AT A GLANCE
AcoPower LionCooler X50A Solar Cooler
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BougeRV 53Q Solar Car Refrigerator
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Alpicool CF55 Solar Refrigerator/Freezer
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Table of Contents
Best Solar-Powered Refrigerators and Coolers
Portability is indeed a key attraction of a solar freezer.
Outdoor enthusiasts have been long relying on ice-based coolers or other systems in their adventures. Thanks to the advancements in battery technology, electric coolers came into life in large varieties. Coupled with solar panels, these coolers are obviously ideal for off-grid applications.
Of course, there is an extensive variety of solar-powered portable coolers on the market. We have the best models from prominent vendors such as Dometic, ICECO, Alpicool, BougeRV, and LionCooler in our take on the best solar coolers for an easy outing.
1. AcoPower LionCooler X50A Solar Fridge
Key Features
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AcoPower LionCooler X50A Review
The first one on our list is from AcoPower, a key vendor of off-grid power systems.
Its line of LionCooler solar-ready fridges is very trendy and highly recommended for outdoor use. Here, we have the top-end model of its series called LionCooler X50A, a 50-liter quick-cooling fridge, which takes up only 20 minutes to reach 32°F.
The AcoPower fridge has three options for charging, including solar. The other options are an AC wall outlet and a carport. When it comes to solar charging, a 12V max 120W solar panel is an ideal option to power it up from the sun.
Well, a fully-charged AcoPower LionCooler can work for as many as 10 hours in a 0℃/32℉ temperature setting. That said, it simply comes out to be a highly dependable device for all outings, camping, and adventures. Its built-in LCD display doubles as a control unit and a monitor, too.
What’s more, its highly portable design is another attraction. It has got a cart-style profile, letting you easily move it with not much hassle. You can drag it on its six-in solid wheels on any terrain. The AcoPower cooler integrates Bluetooth connectivity, which will enable you to manage it on your phone or tablet remotely.
For the solar charger, the brand recommends its famous 90-watt folding solar charger (paid link). That is a 3-fold suitcase-style charger made of highly efficient SunPower mono solar cells, which can ensure a conversion rate of up to 25%.
By the way, this machine is available in other options like 15L, 30L, and 40L.
2. BougeRV 53-Quart Solar Car Refrigerator
Key Features
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BougeRV 53-Qt Fridge Review
Next, we have an incredible product from BougeRV, a growing vendor of RV parts, and a variety of renewable energy solutions.
As you see in the title, this is a 53-quart solar-chargeable car refrigerator. With its immense size, it can accommodate over 70 cans of 335 ml of Cola and 40 cans of 550 ml of drinking water.
Well, the refrigerator has a dual-compartment design. It helps you ensure cooling for the items like fruit, veggies, and dairy products in the small cooling compartment. And the large freezer compartment is fine for freezing food items, beverages, and water.
The 12V/24V BougeRV car refrigerator comes with advanced compressor refrigeration technology, which makes you achieve fast cooling in just 16 minutes from 77℉ to 32℉. The integrated LED display also acts as a touch control so that you can fully manage its operation quite easily.
It features various modes for perfect management of food items and beverages, including an Eco Mode and Max Mode respectively for 45W and 60W energy saving and fast cooling options.
As a 12/24W fridge, you can run it on a solar panel or solar power station, quite obviously. Also, it works on your car or other vehicle’s charging port or a regular 110~240V wall outlet.
Overall, you get one of the coolest and best solar-powered refrigerators with a lot of exciting features with the BougeRV product.
BougeRV offers a 20W high-efficiency solar charger for the refrigerator.
3. Dometic CoolFreeze CF80 Solar Cooler
Key Features
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Dometic CoolFreeze CF-80 Review
Here, we have Dometic, another leading vendor of portable solar refrigeration systems. Obviously, you get the Dometic solar coolers in multiple options, starting from a 10.5L model.
On this list, we have a midrange 88-liter variant, a 12/24V DC or 110V AC fridge that you can smoothly run on a powerful solar panel.
The Dometic refrigerator comes in a light and dark gray color and is made of durable high-impact polyethylene. That is how it becomes an excellent choice for outdoor uses. You can carry it in your trucks, trailers, and boats with no issue. Thanks to its large size, it can hold around 146 cans.
Other than the solar panel, you can power it up from an AC socket or a car charger, as well. The included compressors are also made of high-quality materials for long life.
For easy moving, it has got dual sturdy handles on both sides. Plus, it has a small screen to help you monitor its performance and vital system information. Above all, coming up in different sizes, you can simply identify the best solar-powered refrigerators for your needs and budget from the brand.
4. BougeRV 42-Quart Solar Car Refrigerator
Key Features
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BougeRV 42 Review
It is another impressive solar fridge from BougeRV. As you see in the title, it is a 42-quart variant with nearly the same advanced features as the above model. It comes up with a unique aluminum inner box for ensuring fast cooling to keep foods and beverages cool and fresh outdoors.
Well, the fridge will take only 15 minutes to cool down from 77° F to 32° F. Moreover, the cooler will be able to keep food items cold for a long time even after you turn them off, thanks to its quality engineering for maintaining the inside temperature.
With a size of 42 quarts (40L), the device is indeed a perfect choice to help you pack more into your outdoor adventures. You can store quite enough food items in two of its areas for freezing and refrigeration.
For charging it, you have it equipped with two power cables. They are meant to separately connect a 100-240V AC outlet and a 12/24V DC socket. Further, it obviously works with a small solar power system, which makes it an outstanding off-grid refrigeration solution.
Making it ideal for off-grid use, the machine integrates a USB Quick-Charge port to support your phone or other USB gadgets. An impressive LED panel with touchscreen support makes it more awesome for outdoor use. It also touts an ECO Mode for powering, a MAX Mode for quick cooling, and more.
5. BougeRV 30-Quart Solar Car Refrigerator
Key Features
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BougeRV 30 Quart Review
It is another cool solar-based portable cooler from BougeRV. As you see in the title, it is a small variant with a capacity of 30 quarts. The brand also avails a 23-quart variant of its solar coolers apart from the above 53Q and 42Q models.
The cooler touts a fast-cooling compressor refrigeration technology. It can quickly reach a temperature of 32℉ from 77℉ in 16 minutes, and -5℉ in below an hour. As you see, its compact size makes it suitable for any space in your camping tent, RV, and boat.
The BougeRV cooler has an eco-mode for energy-saving operation. In this mode, it will consume less than 45W for working. By the way, even if you run it on its maximum power, it won’t consume more than 1kwh a day, thanks to its intelligent cycle operation.
It has a low-noise operation, as well. With a noise as low as 45 dB, you can certainly keep it in your car, RV, or yacht and sleep with no interruptions. As a camping fridge, it features a shock-proof and durable design, as well, So, you can use it in the rough outdoors.
The cooler has a size of 22.68 x 12.60 x 15.5 in and it weighs 22.8lb.
6. Alpicool CF55 Portable Refrigerator and Freezer
Key Features
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Alpicool CF55 Review
Next to the AcoPower LionCooler series of solar freezers, we have another popular line of solar refrigerators from a famous brand called, Alpicool. Here, for this list, we have taken one of the top-end variants of the series. As the title says, it is a 55-liter portable freezer that you can run with a solar panel for cooling in the wild.
Of course, if you are looking at buying a portable freezer or cooler to keep foods fresh and cold in the wild, the Alpicool is certainly an incredible choice. Coming up in more sizes like 45-liter and 35-liter, you actually get a line-up of highly reliable portable solar coolers.
The Alpicool freezer has got a very practical and functional design.
With an LCD screen and digitized temperature adjustment, it is easy for you to manage the freezer. Plus, it also features a built-in LED light as well as an internal basket. The body of the appliance is so strong and durable that you can handle it neatly in the wild.
There are two solid handles on both sides for easier moving.
Also, its vibration-resistant design offers increased safety for the device on the go. For keeping the cooling for long hours, it uniquely highlights advanced sealing and high-dense and thick foam insulation among many other modern features.
7. AcoPower LionCooler X30A Solar Fridge
Key Features
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AcoPower LionCooler X30A Review
This is the base variant of AcoPower’s famous LionCooler solar fridges. As you see in the title, it is a 30-liter device with a 173Wh backup battery. It can work as both a freezer and cooler as you can adjust the temperature inside as per your requirements.
It will take only 20 minutes to reach a temperature of 32°F. Once paired with a PV panel, you get a really cool solar cooler or freezer for all your outdoor and off-grid needs. You no longer need to carry ice in your adventures to keep food and drinks fresh.
The AcoPower cooler comes with no constraints on power. You can charge it from a wall socket in four to five hours. And you have the solar and car socket options to charge it in outdoor situations. A solar panel of 12V, 80-120W is fine to charge from the sun.
The battery of the machine is easily replaceable. The brand offers one battery pack extra with the cooler. A fully charged battery can run the machine for up to 10 hours by setting the temperature at 0℃/32℉.
The cooler is indeed very much portable and you get it with strong and large wheels. So, you can carry it anywhere easily on its telescopic carry handle.
8. ICECO VL60 Dual-Zone Portable Refrigerator
Key Features
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ICECO VL60 Review
It is one of the market’s leading portable electric refrigerators. Though not having an option to directly charge from a solar panel, you can use it along with a solar power station like a Jackery Explorer or a Bluetti.
The 60L dual-zone portable refrigerator is a versatile system that you can use in any combination of a freezer and a refrigerator. It is also possible that you can turn off one zone if you have less to store and want to save power.
The ICECO fridge accommodates a reliable SECOP compressor that can offer you a cooling range from 0°F to 50°F, letting you store anything you want to keep fresh during your outdoor trips and travels.
The fridge has two powering options; a car and a wall outlet. Coming up with a DC cord and AC adapter, you can draw power for the device from a 12V/24V DC port and a 110-240V AC wall outlet.
If you want to go solar, you have no option other than to use a power station, which has a pretty storage capacity to run your fridge and other devices out in the wild.
ICECO offers this cooler in a 45L variant, as well.
9. Engel Portable Refrigerator Freezer
Key Features
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Engel MT80F-U1 Review
Here is yet another cool solar-ready portable freezer. It is from a company called Engel and is an 80L top-opening freezer. The AC/DC fridge also supports solar panels and it can offer cooling from 32℉ to 0℃ with variable control. You can easily carry the freezer in your truck, trailer, camper, boat, etc.
It equips an efficient compressor. That draws only lower amps and is one of the most vibration-resistant units of the kind on the market. By the way, like all similar products on our list, the Engel works on battery power of 12V/24V DC or an AC socket, making it nice for outdoors and in homes.
The Engel freezer is capable of selecting the voltage between AC and DC automatically. You can use an ideal 80-watt solar panel to recharge it under the sun. In the product package, you get AC and DC cables, carrying handles, mounting screws, and more.
Having a solid coated steel outer case, you can use it in rough outdoor conditions with no worry at all. The built-in heavy-duty removable handles help you carry it anywhere quite conveniently. The product is undoubtedly an ideal pick for different types of people like campers, hunters, fishers, emergency preppers, and more.
10. Whynter FM-85G 85-Quart Portable Refrigerator
Key Features
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Whynter FM-85G Review
Next, we have a product from Whynter. As its name suggests, it is an 85-quart (80-liter) portable fridge that works on both 110V AC sockets and 12V DC outlets. A solar panel of 100W and a 12V battery are ideal to run in the wild. With its size, it can accommodate 120 cans, and its temperature is adjustable from 8°F to 50°F.
Well, you can plug in the freezer to both AC and DC power sources at the same time. It works primarily on AC, and secondly on DC. On the move, you can run it on your car’s port or any 12V battery. The product package contains an AC and DC power cord, two removable wire baskets, and more.
Plus, the portable freezer highlights a sturdy and durable outer case. That is made of coated steel to ensure durability for use in rough outdoor conditions. Also, it integrates stainless-steel carrying side handles for easier moving. Thus, you can easily take it into your camper, trailer, boat, and more.
Its maker Whynter also offers the product in many other sizes and capacities. With that, you can surely get one of the best solar-powered refrigerators on the market at a cheaper price. All its products are indeed portable and cost-effective cooling solutions for your recreational and other requirements.
11. GoSun Chill Solar Cooler
Key Features
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GoSun Chill Review
GoSun Chill is a famous solar cooler from GoSun, a key vendor of portable power solutions like solar stoves and solar chargers. It is a 40L solar cooler that needs no ice to keep foods and drinks fresh and cold. Along with GoSun’s folding solar charger or solar table, you get a great way to keep the quality of your foods in the wild.
The GoSun cooler is made of good-quality materials. Its closed-cell is built with polyurethane foam and the inside compressor is a DC brushless one that runs on 12V/24V and draws 35-45 watts. Apart from solar panels, you can also run it on AC power or a carport.
As you see, the GoSun Chill bundle contains GoSun’s SolarTable 60 and PowerBank. If you are looking for a solar cooler for an outdoor event, it is indeed a cool choice. The 60W collapsible table is a superb way to power up the ice-free cooler. It is made with tempered glass as the top of the table that you can use as a regular table.
The cooler can stay cooler for up to 14 hours at 80°F. The included 144Wh power bank has got three USB ports and a 200-lumen light. So, you get a complete package of the solar fridge, solar table, and power bank for unlimited off-grid power as well as portable cooling. GoSun sells the cooler in other outdoor-friendly bundles, too.
FAQs
1. Can You Run A Refrigerator on Solar Power?
Solar power is enough to run a fridge, but you will need large battery packs to store power for running a full-fledged fridge. If you are looking at a small freezer or cooler for portable use, the market has a lot of models with solar powering options.
Of course, those machines come with the required battery packs. The solar panel is only used to charge the batteries during the day, and you will get cooling all the time as they are low-powered fridges and coolers.
Dometic, ICECO, Alpicool, BougeRV, and LionCooler Solar Coolers
As you see, these are the top brands in the market for solar-based coolers and fridges. All the brands certainly have on sale multiple variants of products mainly based on their sizes and capacities.
Dometic
It is a global supplier of high-end solutions for comfortable mobile living. With a wide and global consumer base in the communities of campers, RVers, boat owners, and outdoor enthusiasts, the brand offers many quality products to meet their needs outdoors.
The Dometic product lineup ideally covers the verticals of Climate and Comfort, Food and Beverage, Hygiene and Sanitation, Power and Control, and Safety and Security, with each segment having a range of top-class products.
When it comes to portable solar coolers, the brand offers more than 100 variants with a few having solar powering options. We have included the brand’s 80L Coolfreeze CF80 solar cooler on our list above.
ICECO
ICECO is one of the biggest names in the manufacturing of electric, outdoor-friendly coolers and freezers.
In different line-ups, the brand features an awesome collection of portable fridges, but they are not chargeable directly from a solar panel.
The brand sells a 250Wh mobile backup battery pack to help you collect solar power in the wild and charge some of its small electric freezers. The exclusive power bank is compatible with its T12 and GO20 coolers, while you will need more powerful third-party solar power stations to run the bigger ICECO coolers.
The ICECO T12 is a mini 12V smart fridge with a capacity of 12.8 quarts. It is a very lightweight fridge that works on 12/24V DC and 110V power sources.
The ICECO GO20 is another compact mini fridge with a capacity of 20 quarts. It is a dual-zone fridge that you can also run comfortably on the ICECO power bank or any other solar-based power station.
We have ICECO’s VL60 Dual-Zone Portable Refrigerator on our list above.
Alpicool
It is a brand exclusively for making portable coolers and refrigerators for outdoor living. Alpicool features nearly 50 different models of coolers with various sizes and capacities.
We have included the brand’s 55L Alpicool CF55 cooler on our list. It is a perfect choice for keeping your food and beverages fresh in your boats, RVs, cars, houseboats, and more as it maintains a temperature of -4°F to 68°F.
BougeRV
BougeRV is a leading supplier of a range of sustainable products such as portable solar panels, solar kits, charge controllers, and RV racks other than a big collection of solar coolers and fridges.
We have already covered the best solar kits of BougeRV in another article and compared its solar kits with those of Renogy, the leading player in the market of solar panels and accessories.
When it comes to solar coolers, BougeRV showcases nearly twenty high-quality products, starting from an 8L one to a 55L unit. Thanks to the higher popularity of the BougeRV solar coolers, we have included three models of the brand on our list.
They are BougeRV 53-Quart Solar Car Refrigerator, BougeRV 42-Quart Solar Car Refrigerator, and BougeRV 30-Quart Solar Car Refrigerator. Check out the models above and see if any of them fits your needs and budget.
AcoPower LiONCooler
LiONCooler is AcoPower’s brand of battery-based solar fridges.
AcoPower has been in the solar and off-grid market for a long time with a variety of products. Its LiONCooler series showcases multiple solar freezers in various sizes and capacities.
We have the brand’s 50L LiONCooler X50A solar fridge and 30L LiONCooler X30A on our list of the best solar freezers above. They are indeed some of the best of their kind and are ideal solutions for RVers, campers, truckers, fishers, and overlanders for off-grid living.
Final Thoughts
That has been our take on the Dometic, ICECO, Alpicool, BougeRV, and LionCooler solar coolers. We have covered all the best-seller models of the brands in our article in detail. Hence, you can easily find the best solar-powered refrigerators and coolers for your outdoor or home needs. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Vahid Vee is a full-time blogger who is highly passionate about off-grid and sustainable power systems and is an expert at researching and exploring new topics, checking facts, and presenting things in simple language. As an avid observer of the global off-grid power and battery market, he is really excited to share with you the latest trends, fresh products, and other developments in the markets. #Contact Email @ veevahid@gmail.com – LinkedIn – Full blog profile.
