25-08 - Flipbook - Page 72
Mi n i str i es
3. Propane Fridges
A propane refrigerator is powered by propane and can keep food
cold and frozen but may require additional maintenance and venting. These are common in off-grid homes, as some also give you the
option to power them with electricity.
Installing a propane refrigerator will cost anywhere from $500 to over
$2,000 depending on the size and model you choose. They come in
a wide variety of sizes and give you the choice of just a fridge or
one that also includes a freezer.
Propane fridges are very energy efficient and only use about 50 to
100 gallons per year, which equates to an average of $150. The
benefit of these off-grid refrigerators is that they are not reliant on
things like solar or wind power to work 3 as long as you have a propane tank it will run.
The downside to these is that they do not work as well in colder temperatures and require a significant upfront cost. You also have to
factor in propane storage, which can add additional complications.
4. Solar-Powered Refrigerators
Another off-grid refrigerator option is a solar-powered fridge. As you
may have guessed, these use solar power to operate and are very
energy efficient 3 you only need about 5kW per month.
They come in a full range of sizes and you can find one that offers
both refrigerating and freezing capabilities.
Solar-powered refrigerators can become very expensive though
and have a price range between $1,000 and $2,500. While these
may cost you more upfront, they are very cost-efficient moving forward.
If you choose this option, it is recommended that you have a comprehensive solar system installed with a battery back up 3 and, of
course, plenty of sunlight!
The main drawback to using a fridge that is reliant on solar power is
that if the sun doesn9t shine, your food won9t be kept cold. Similarly,
maintenance can be complicated and expensive.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, you have many options to choose from when it
comes to off-grid refrigeration. When deciding which option is right
for you, be sure to consider how much food you need to store, and
the amount and type of energy that you have available to power it.
