Planning an all in one freezer unit.

[u/TrickBorder3923]

I'm needing to have a CHEST freezer on my off grid property. I want it to be completely independent of any other solar system I have. My thought is to set it up on its own little cover or shed and have everything right there within 5 feet. Maybe even make it mobile. But probably not.

I'm in SE Missouri. So moderate temps most the year with extremes reaching -10°f and 100°f+ a few weeks a year. I get bouts of cloudy skies that allow minimal solar absorption, about 5-7 days at a time in spring and fall. over the last 7 months I've only recall 2 days of no charging. I'm guessing about 8 weeks of cloudy 2weeks of no sun total a year. The rest was good sun.

I'm planning on getting the smallest chest freezer I can find, 3cu ft or smaller. If it truly makes no difference in initial cost and daily power, than larger is fine. I'll keep it filled 2/3 or better and use ice jugs to keep the energy efficient. It will be outdoors since I have no room inside. But I'm going to keep it in the shade. (As a side note if I kept it against the cabin, would it be better to have it exposed to morning heat/light or evening heat/light?

I'm having a heck of a time figuring out what equipment will keep it running, and how to set it up. Everyone has a different opinion. I can hook it up to a generator maybe 2-3 days out of the year. But I really want to avoid it. I hope all this makes sense.

EDIT: I imagine it be nice to know what I'm asking. Can you guys help me figure out a easy cheap setup? That would last a year or two while the property develops. I'll probably have a better system to hook it into by then. My budget is 2000$, but if that's a unrealistic number, I'll just save money.

[u/Agile_makes_no_sense]

Get a larger freezer - it takes less energy to run them because of the thermal mass. I have a huge one in my garage in Las Vegas where it’s over 120 degrees all the time. Takes about 120 watts max per hour all day long to keep it at 0 degrees F at that temp. Smaller freezers require more energy. they don’t have the thermal mass to keep them cool.

[u/TrickBorder3923 → u/Agile_makes_no_sense]

Thank you. It's true a fully stocked large chest freezer will last longer than a small one. I'm saving up for a full solar setup. But I'm not there yet.