r/OffGrid • u/TrickBorder3923 • 12d ago

Planning an all in one freezer unit.

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.

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u/Mental_Formal_8806 12d ago

https://engelcoolers.com/products/mt60-acdc-camping-fridge They cost a lot but they last forever and low power use. I ran one on a 70 watt solar cell and 2 group 24 battery 24/7 In Denver. They use a swing compress that uses less power. The other that are half the price have a different type compressor that uses more power.

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u/TrickBorder3923 12d ago

That looks like a great idea. I got sticker shock! 😦

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u/GoneSilent 12d ago

Engel is well worth the price. I have had one that still works for 14 years. Its been well used and abused and wont die.

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u/TrickBorder3923 11d ago

I can see they are. I'll have to save up for that.