The duration a solar generator can power a refrigerator depends on several factors, including:
- Refrigerator Power Consumption: Measured in watts (W), most modern refrigerators consume between 100W and 800W, depending on size, efficiency, and whether the fridge is running continuously or cycling on and off.
- Solar Generator Capacity: The capacity of the generator is measured in watt-hours (Wh). Common solar generators have capacities ranging from 300Wh to over 2000Wh.
- Power Efficiency and Losses: Some energy is lost during conversion, especially when using an inverter.
Estimation
To calculate how long a solar generator will power your refrigerator, you can use this formula:Duration (hours)=Solar Generator Capacity (Wh)Refrigerator Power Consumption (W)\text{Duration (hours)} = \frac{\text{Solar Generator Capacity (Wh)}}{\text{Refrigerator Power Consumption (W)}}Duration (hours)=Refrigerator Power Consumption (W)Solar Generator Capacity (Wh)
For example:
- If your refrigerator consumes 150W on average, and you have a 1000Wh solar generator:
Duration=1000Wh150W≈6.67 hours\text{Duration} = \frac{1000Wh}{150W} \approx 6.67 \text{ hours}Duration=150W1000Wh≈6.67 hours
This is an approximation since the refrigerator doesn’t run continuously, and solar generators can recharge during the day if paired with solar panels.
Average Ranges:
- A 1000Wh solar generator could power a 150W refrigerator for about 6 to 8 hours.
- A 2000Wh solar generator could power the same fridge for 12 to 16 hours.
Using solar panels can help extend this duration by recharging the generator during daylight.