A solar-powered fridge full of ice cold beer is not just a dream.
Are your neighbors drinking gasoline-chilled beer.
Wouldn't that beer taste even better if it were chilled by the sun?
Here are six simple steps:
1-Take one small fridge: Choose one that is well insulated with a good door seal .Today's fridges from the appliance store are built more efficient than ten years ago an average consumption of 1 kWh per day. (Most likely double in the summer). High tech fridges that use about half the power are available.
2-Carefully blend a battery-inverter system: Golf Cart batteries seem to be the most cost-effective. These 6 volt batteries are used in pairs to give 12 volts; 2 or 3 pairs should do. A bank of 6 large 2 volt cells offer greater capacity and longer life. An inverter should be sized to twice the largest load, therefore,a 1 kW unit minimum. This will also be able to provide energy for lighting, stereo, TV, cell-charger and various other small loads.
3-Place fridge in a cool, shady well- ventilated place: A porch on the north side, or the basement. Remove the light bulb and set the thermostat to chill, not coldest. Install a switch in a convenient location to shut of your chiller. The beer chiller can only run when there is enough sunlight. This should not be confused with a continuous refrigeration system which often requires the starting of the fossil fueler.
4-Top off with a rack of solar panels: 400 watts would be a place to start (more is better). B.C. offers an average of 5 hours per day of usable energy in the summer on a clear day. The panels are stationary and operate at peek output when the sunlight is direct.
5-Connect together: Properly sized wire, fuses and charge controller. Installed according to the Canadian Electrical Code. A properly grounded service is mandatory.
6-Load the fridge with a one day supply: Remove packaging, and arrange bottles and cans so that they are well spaced and easy to find. Wait for a sunny day. If the panels are facing southeast then the chill could be on for lunch. Open door with a deliberate but not to rapid action, pick your bottle and close immediately. This system will not tolerate open door gazing. High load activities will put demand on your batteries and reduce your chance of a good chill. The reality is that your chiller will reduce the charge on the batteries and a close watch should be kept on the state of charge so that the batteries are not damaged.
This setup that you have built is now a very effective small home electric system
The golden rule for most setups is :
Sunny Day-Chilled Beer.
Cool Day-Cool Beer.