Refrigeration options

[holmek]

12 volt DC refrigeration systems seem to be inordinately expensive. Can an electrical guru please advise me on the advisability of installing an AC refrigerator run off a solar panel and inverter. Many thanks.

[Sailmonkey]

Sailorchic already does this. It works for her.

https://www.google.com/search?q=crui...&client=safari

[Fitzbev]

Originally Posted by holmek

12 volt DC refrigeration systems seem to be inordinately expensive. Can an electrical guru please advise me on the advisability of installing an AC refrigerator run off a solar panel and inverter. Many thanks.

So, I'm new to this and have been asking myself the same question when I see Trawlers with A/C refers. Do you run the gen all the time or is it running off an inverter? I can't believe you would run the gen continuously. Also, limiting boat searchs to only those with a dual voltage RV frig would really limit the number of canidates. Following.....

[holmek]

I am (ignorantly) concerned with voltage losses and adequate start-up current.

[Stu Jackson]

Did you two read the link provided by sailmonkey?

holmek, your last question is like "I don't know anything about speed, distance and time, please teach me about navigation..." I recommend a couple of good books. Or this:
Electrical Systems 101 Electrical Systems 101

[Stenn]

Actually Holmek, you are not "ignorantly concerned" with (voltage) losses snd adequate start-up current, valid concerns. It's not that current won't be there by a DC system, but it's amazing how fast some things like compressors or microwave ovens can dissipate battery power.

As for losses, even good, new, full-sine-wave inverters are only 80-90% conversion-efficient, so another valid awareness.

But, as Stu, SailorM and SailorChic document, yes, it works, you just have to know your limits...plus, you can always fire up the engine before you kill your batteries.