The average refrigerator freezer uses 1,429 watts / day. Or, about 60 watts per hour to run.
Appliance power consumption often varies by the size, age, features, frequency of use and surrounding environment and refrigerators are no exception.
WattWise Calculator has already done the hard part. But in case you like crunching numbers , below is an explanation of what to consider when purchasing a generator for your refrgerator.
Example: How to Calculate a Refrigerator’s Daily & Hourly Average Wattage
For example, a 27.7 cubic ft. GE refrigerator’s estimated yearly electricity use is 724 kWh, so let’s use that data and find out the refrigerator’s daily and hourly power consumption.
- Multiple kWh by 1,000 to get Watts.
724 kWh x 1,000 W/kW = 724,000 Wh
- Next, divide watts (W) by 365 days, to get watts per day.
742,000 W / 365 days = 1,984 W/day
This is the average amount of electricity used per day.
- Last, divide watts/day (W/day) by 24 hours, to get watts/hour (W/h).
(1,984 W/day) / (24 hours/day) = 82.6 W/hour
This is the average amount of electricity used per hour.
How Many Starting Watts Does a Refrigerator Use?
Refrigerators require between 350 to 1,200 starting watts. Exactly how much depends on the size and efficiency of the compressor in the refrigerator.
Starting watts are sometimes referred to as surge watts but the technical term is locked rotor amps (LRA or LRa).
Locked rotor amps are the amount of power required to start the moving parts of a motor when it is first turned on. Once the compressor is running under normal operation, which usually takes less than a second or two, the power needed to run the compressor drops below the starting watt requirements.
What Size Solar Generator to Run a Refrigerator?
When preparing to select a solar power generator to support your refrigerator during a power outage, it is important to meticulously evaluate your needs based on the following critical factors:
- The hourly power consumption of your refrigerator measured in watts (Wh).
- The total duration you aim to keep your refrigerator running.
- The starting or surge watts required by your refrigerator’s compressor to kickstart.
So, let’s do a quick math. Your average fridge needs about 84 watts every hour. You want it to stay on for 6 hours, so you’ll need:
84 watts/hour x 6 hours = 506 watt-hours (Wh)
That means you’re on the hunt for a portable power station that can handle at least 506 Wh. But wait, there’s more. Fridges can be a bit needy when they first start up. Let’s say yours needs 1,140 watts just to get rolling. Your power station needs to cover that without breaking a sweat.
Will the Summit or Safari Work for Your Refrigerator?
Let’s talk about how the Lion Summit (530 Watts) and Lion Safari (3000W/6000W) stack up when faced with this chilly challenge, using two kinds of refrigerators as our examples.
For the light starter: One fridge requires just 440 watts to get started. It’s like the warm-up of fridges.
For the heavyweight: The other fridge is a bit more of a diva, demanding 1040 watts just to grace us with its cooling presence.
The Lion Summit is kind of like your reliable compact car — great for the basics. It’s perfect for the fridge with the 440-watt appetizer. But when it comes to the fridge that wants 1040 watts upfront, well, it’s a bit of a stretch.
The Lion Safari, on the other hand, is your heavy-duty truck. With a breathtaking 3000 watts of continuous power and a peak at 6000 watts, it’s more than ready to tackle either fridge. Whether your fridge starts with a light jog or a sprint, the Safari has got your back, providing peace of mind with heaps of power to spare.
So, if you’re planning ahead for that dreaded outage, picking the right solar generator will ensure your food stays cold, and you stay happy. Whether you’ve got a lightweight or a heavyweight fridge, there’s a solar generator ready to meet your needs. Just keep those three key factors in mind, and you’ll be well-equipped to keep the cool going, no matter what.
