A DC Solar Refrigerator For Emergencies

Power outages have made a dramatic comeback, with headline power cuts in the US, India earlier, and post Covid, raising the issue of keeping vaccines cool too.

US based EcoSolarCool’s new solar-powered, portable refrigerator seeks to solve this issue with its DC powered refrigerator. Being DC powered, it offers the advantage of being able to be charged using solar power directly too.

The firm launched the 3.4 cu ft portable DC refrigerator ESCR1XPR for sale worldwide this week. At $795 (Rs 59,000), the refrigerator is pricey, and comes with a 2 year warranty.  The cost might limit its use to only developed markets and specialised use in sectors like healthcare, if at all.

The portable fridge includes and runs on a rechargeable lithium battery that can last for at least 12 hours. It can be charged with solar power, but also through DC power from a car, truck, or home socket.

The EcoSolarCool ESCR1XPR portable DC refrigerator has many use cases, be it small homes, or at any off-the-grid house. While normal refrigerators that run on 120 volts in the US, this runs  runs on 12, 24, and 120 volts. It is 3.4 cu ft (95L) and cools down to -0.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

“EcoSolarCool is very excited about having this new portable choice available,” Shelby Sansone, a spokesperson said. “The more solar refrigerators we are able to offer the better. We want all potential customers to have a product that can be affordable and a good fit for their needs especially in an emergency.”

EcoSolarCool is a global brand that manufactures highly efficient solar refrigerators and solar freezer products ranging in sizes from 3.4 to 15.9 cubic feet. We design products that provide independence, reduce greenhouse gas pollution, and could even increase property value.

Experts in the off grid space have repeatedly highlighted the need to have more DC power appliances, for solar to make a bigger impact on energy deprived communities, and to hasten the energy transition to electricity. One hopes efforts like Ecosolarcool’s refrigerator will be joined by many more such appliances that can actually make a bigger impact in the developing world, especially in Africa and Asia.