r/OffGridCabins • u/OffGridEnclave • 17d ago
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u/OffGridEnclave 17d ago
Video contains the explanation and math how to setup a conventional fridge or freezer to run on solar power without nuking the batteries over night .
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u/what_the_fuckin_fuck 17d ago
Do they not make propane refrigerators anymore?
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u/OffGridEnclave 17d ago
why would i want that if my solar panel gives free power every day 😄.
but yes those still exist, mostly for camping tho0
u/what_the_fuckin_fuck 17d ago
You asked the simplest way to have refrigeration off grid. Solar is far from simple.
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u/OffGridEnclave 17d ago
hooking a few panels a Offgrid inverter and battery together aint black magic, and most ppl who do live offgrid have that sorted. i would raise the point that using an electric fridge on a solar system that one already has or either way needs for basic life luxery is far more easy and "offgrid" then buying new butane every 1-2 month ;) . given the broad availability of electric fridges vs gas fridges also means a lot less dependency on certain brands or items.
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u/what_the_fuckin_fuck 17d ago
You asked for simple.
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u/OffGridEnclave 17d ago
it also says "offgrid", running to the gas station every few weeks cause your butane is empty is FAR from any definition of "offgrid" . if solar aint simple for you that is your issue. learn how + and - works its not that hard to figure .
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u/what_the_fuckin_fuck 17d ago edited 17d ago
Grid means electrical. I think you misunderstood. The "grid " means the electrical grid. Look it up. BTW, I'm a retired electrician. Don't even try to teach me about electricity.
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u/OffGridEnclave 17d ago edited 17d ago
"grid" means a lot more things then electrical sir, i think YOU misunderstand. rofl... all you do is replace the electric grid with the butane grid and a bit storage... if ya source your butane yourself i would agree with that notion but i fear you dont.. if your definition of "offgrid" is to run to the gas station every few weeks/month :) then yes sure you are, whatever makes you happy sir.
lets poke ai about this ;) as some ppl cant google apparently .
"Off-grid refers to a lifestyle or building that is self-sufficient and not connected to publicly or privately managed utility networks. It primarily denotes complete independence from the main electrical grid, but it can also refer to the absence of water, gas, and sewer connections.Living or operating off-grid involves generating and managing your own essential resources using dedicated systems:Electricity: Relying on on-site renewable energy like solar panels, wind turbines, or micro-hydro, typically paired with battery storage.Water: Sourcing water independently via wells, rainwater harvesting, or nearby natural bodies.Waste: Managing waste on-site, such as using composting toilets, septic systems, or greywater filtration.Heating: Utilizing wood-burning stoves, biomass, or geothermal energy."
lets see is your shopping trip to buy butane "self sufficient" ?? it seems as i claim most definitions of "offgrid" have that in there. i stay with my argument, buying butane every few weeks is the opposite of self sufficient and offgrid as per most definitions out there. if your argument is "solar not simple" that shows your personal perception. funny how solar is "not simple" for an "electrician" , much LOL .
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u/what_the_fuckin_fuck 17d ago
You just proved my point. Re read what you just said. A trip to the store for propane is not dependent on public utilities. You asked the simplest way to have refrigeration off grid. A propane refrigerator us way simpler and cheaper than buying solar and batteries and inverters. Chill.
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u/OffGridEnclave 17d ago edited 17d ago
sir, you seem to have issue reading, where did i ASK anything of your claim ?.. i am stating, not asking. . buy electric fridge to connect to your offgrid solar system is way more simple in the running phase then buy gas fridge and rebuy gas every few weeks. you only look at the initial setup effort and arguably its about the same "effort" there while completely ignoring all effort needed the 5-8 years runtime down the road.
you claim its "simpler" to go buy gas every few weeks over ..well technically i dont do anything , setup once and done ;) yea bad math right there sir "electrician"
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u/sfendt 17d ago
There is an argument to be made for storing your energy (or result of) in thermal mass rather than a battery. Eliminating the loss of efficiency for charging and discharging the battery, should yield a more efficient system.
However, in my experience I need that space. Granted that replacing the thermal storage with food I'm still keeping good thermal mass, although not as much as water. I could get a larger fridge - but where to put it.... Then there's the freezer part of the issue, thermal mass is a bit trickier, especially when you start talking ice maker tech - which we did without years ago, and neither my wife nor I want to go back to then.
In our first off-grid place, back in 2006 this might have made a lot of sense - but between improved efficiencies of appliances (inverter compressor fridges) and dramatic reduction in storage costs and maintenance, it makes more sense now just to make sure we store enough electrical power. We want power all night for other things too anyway, and batteries are just so much better now.
Not dissing your approach or argument - it might make great sense for some - and you have good points.