Remember in my guide on how to install solar energy systems on your own we discussed how to save on energy. One of the things that we said was to use products that are purely designed for solar energy. By this, i mean that we use products and house appliances that can consume less power. The following review is for a solar powered refrigerator that consumes very little power and is designed mostly for solar energy systems.
The Review
Product name: Sun-star 6 Cu.Ft. Solar-Powered Refrigerator
Brand Name: Sun-star
Operating voltage: 12/24 volts
Price: $1150
Ratings: 9 out of 10
Product description
Sun-star offers a variety of DC powered Solar Refrigerators and Freezers including both upright and chest style.
The Sun-star Solar refrigerator is one of the most efficient units on the market. Featuring a coated steel interior and a double gasket, it saves energy by sealing the tightest seal possible and has no cold loss and low frost build-up. Sun-star Solar units also feature a cooling fan for a faster cool-down and longer compressor life.Sun Star Appliances take a minimal amount of energy from the panel and from the battery pack- they can even work with your existing one!
These large-capacity, solar-powered, super-efficient appliances include 4.5 inches of polyurethane insulation. Features include a Full Range thermostat for refrigerating or freezing, 12 or 24-volt self-sensing input voltage, Drain Hole, Coated Steel Interior, Double Gasket Seals for low frost build-up and a Cooling Fan for faster cool-down times and longer compressor life.
Product Features
- Top Refrigerator / Bottom Freezer
- Unique Neutral Gray Style
- Automatic Interior LED Lights
- Adjustable Shelving In Refrigerator Compartment
- Drawers Included In Freezer Compartment
- New Compact Design
Technical Details
- Brand Name: Sun-star
- Model Info: C4P6SR
- Item Weight: 89.2 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 20 x 21 x 56.5 inches
- Origin: Imported (China)
- Item model number: C4P6SR
- Capacity: 6 cubic_feet
- Colour: Grey
Conclusion
The Sun Star Solar Refrigerator is a highly efficient refrigeration system with remarkably low energy consumption that needs smaller photo voltaic system. A proven, environmentally friendly solution for your refrigeration needs.
I recommend this type of appliances 100% for off-grid houses. Good luck.
So, what are your thoughts on this? Leave a comment below! 🙂
I wish you the best!
Ephraim
Solar PV Technichian and team member on:
Hi Ephraim,
Last year we bought the 6CF SunStar refrigerator for our off the grid weekender cabin at 9500′ elevation in the central rockies of Colorado. We bought it from Appliance Warehouse in another state, it was delivered from the mid-west, and my understanding was, it was manufactured by the Amish in the USA, but I see on your site it comes from China? I had even talked to an employee by phone in Indiana from where it was shipped and supposedly manufactured.
We had, at the time, an 85 W solar panel with charge controller & inverter.
The sales person said to hook it up to our battery, one I bought from Battery Giant a few years ago, that we charge with the 85 W panel.. It seemed to work alright, but I decided to get a 110 W panel with inverter, charge controller, and bought an AGM deep cycle battery from Windy Nation in CA. The battery never seemed to fully charge, and the light on the inverter never made it into the green. Windy Nation said maybe it got too cold, temps at the cabin can be close to zero in the winter, but that never seemed to affect the other battery we have. They didn’t seem to be overly helpful.
I took the Windy Nation battery home and had it charged overnight at an auto supply store last November, but it never did reach full charge, apparently, and, once re-installed, the green light in the inverter never lit. This week I took it back to have it re-tested and charged, but it had a bad cell.
So, I have some questions: Amazon sells Sunstar 6CF fridges. Their product description says a 220W panel is recommended. It also says the addition of an inverter is not necessary since it is a DC appliance, and energy from the panel goes right into the fridge, thus eliminating the waste by converting to AC, all of which was not noted in the fridge instructions, to my knowledge.
My plan was to get another battery and try the 110 W panel again, hoping the problem lies with the battery, but I need a suggestion for the best type of battery for the SunStar. I can get another 110 W panel and tie it in, if that is what is needed, Also, if the inverter is not required, I assume the lines from the panel go to the charge controller, then right into the battery with the fridge connected to the battery. I do not want to cause any damage to the fridge or other parts, if I eliminate the inverter.
Both panels & kits were bought from Northern Tool at different times, and the 85 W panel was intended for small appliance battery charging, a light or two, etc. I felt that the 110 W panel would be a stand alone source only for the fridge.
We really like the SunStar and like it’s features and technology, but need the battery and charging system to be reliable.
Any help or advice you could give le would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Art