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When the power goes out, your biggest worry isn’t the lights—it’s the food spoiling in the fridge. But keeping a full-size kitchen refrigerator running requires serious power.
The most common question we get is: “What size solar generator for refrigerator backup do I need?”
Is a 1000W unit enough? Or do you need 3000W? In this 2026 guide, we break down the math, the surge watts, and the best models to keep your food frozen.
1. The Startup Surge: The Hidden Killer
Most people look at the stickers and ask what size solar generator for refrigerator startup is needed, but they often ignore the surge watts. This is a huge mistake.
- The Problem: When a fridge compressor kicks in, it needs a massive spike of power for 1-2 seconds. This is called “Surge Watts”.
- The Math: A fridge running at 200W might need 1200W just to start.
- The Rule: Your solar generator must have a surge rating higher than your fridge’s startup spike.
2. Kitchen Fridge vs. Car Fridge (12V)
Not all fridges are equal. Knowing the difference changes the size you need dramatically.
- Standard Kitchen Fridge (AC): Hungry beast. Needs 1500Wh+ for 24 hours backup.
- Portable Car Fridge (12V DC): Efficient sipper. Can run for days on a small 500Wh unit. (See our 500W Test Here).
3. Sizing Guide: What Size Solar Generator for Refrigerator Runtime?
We tested different sizes on a standard Energy Star refrigerator (20 cu. ft.).
- 1000Wh Generator (e.g., Jackery 1000):
- Runtime: ~10-12 Hours.
- Verdict: Good for short blackouts, but won’t last overnight if you open the door often.
- Reference: What Can a 1000Wh Power Station Run?.
- 2000Wh Generator (e.g., EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max):
- Runtime: ~20-24 Hours.
- Verdict: The ideal size for home backup. It gets you through a full day.
- 3000Wh+ Generator (e.g., BLUETTI AC300):
- Runtime: 2+ Days.
- Verdict: Serious off-grid living or long storms.
Need a Recommendation? For most homes, the EcoFlow DELTA 2 is the best balance of power and price.
4. Solar Charging: The Infinite Fridge
Batteries die eventually. Determining what size solar generator for refrigerator long-term use requires calculating solar input, not just battery capacity.
- The Strategy: You need enough solar input to refill the battery faster than the fridge drains it.
- Recommendation: Use at least 400W of solar panels for a kitchen fridge setup.
Solar Guide: Not sure which panels to buy? Read our sizing guide: How to Choose Portable Solar Panels.
5. Top 3 Solar Generators for Refrigerators
- EcoFlow DELTA Pro: The beast. Can run a fridge for days and expandable.
- Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus: Rugged and reliable for storms.
- BLUETTI AC200MAX: Great value for high capacity.
Conclusion
So, what size solar generator for refrigerator safety?
- Minimum: 1500Wh capacity with 2000W inverter surge.
- Ideal: 2000Wh+ capacity with 400W solar input.
Don’t risk your food with a small battery. Oversize your generator to handle the compressor surges safely.
FAQ
Q: Can a 500W generator run a refrigerator?
A: When asking what size solar generator for refrigerator use is safe, 500W is generally No. It might run a tiny dorm fridge, but a full-size kitchen fridge will trip the inverter due to the startup surge.
Q: How many watts does a refrigerator use per hour?
A: On average, a modern fridge uses 150-200 watts when the compressor is running. But remember, it cycles on and off (approx 30% duty cycle).
Q: Will the food spoil if the power is out for 4 hours?
A: Usually no. If you keep the door closed, a fridge stays cold for about 4 hours, and a full freezer for 48 hours.