Fridge on or off

[Samiam1562]

We Just bought a DX3 34KD with 5 solar panels and Lion batteries. We store it outdoors. My question is given my set up should we leave the electricity on and the refrigerator on or shut it all down when in storage?

 

[Boat Bum]

Do you have a compelling reason to? I wouldn't, unless by storage you mean less than a week. Why tax yours systems during long periods off non-use?

 

[Phillbo]

I store mine with fridge off but solar charger on and a few 12v fans running inside.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I assume you mean LiFePo4 batteries. 5 solar panels of what size? And what battery capacity?

To answer your question that information is critical.

As an example, I have 6 solar panels, 2 batteries. My fridge runs 24/7 My freezer runs 12/7. There's no stress to the system, and the proof of that is it has been doing that for about 7 years without fail.

That is not saying you can do the same and get the same results.

This is why.

You may have 100 Watt panels, I have 250 watt panels.

You may have one 100 ah battery at 12 volts. I have 200 ah at 24 volts.

The conclusion is. If you're system is designed to limit stress when used. The system can be run in storage, or while you use the rig without effecting it's reliability or useful life. You can determine this by knowing what components you have when you search for answers.

 

[Rosy]

We Just bought a DX3 34KD with 5 solar panels and Lion batteries. We store it outdoors. My question is given my set up should we leave the electricity on and the refrigerator on or shut it all down when in storage?

What would be the intent of leaving the fridge on?

 

[Phillbo]

I would have to assume with 5 panels he can run the fridge with no issue.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I would have to assume with 5 panels he can run the fridge with no issue.

Don't let anyone tell you size doesn't matter. 150 Watt panels are typically what is known as a 12volt panel. 5 panels indicate parallel configuration. That tells me that cloudy days are no meaningful power days. Without substantial battery bank, monitoring batteries may flatline the way a BMS does at maximum discharge.

Ultimately, what your size is depends whether or not anything runs while stored. That was the question.