Dashboard solar for fridge?

[plh]

you pretty much need 100 watts of solar to keep a "fridge" battery topped off and happy. You might get some cell phones, ipads and evening LEDs going too with this setup. Not too much else.

 

[dstock]

Hey dstock, thanks for the input! No downer at all, the panel was *FREE*, so I'm only out $75 for the controller and wiring (which is can be repurposed). Not bad, eh?. I can always get a different panel if I see the need. It would be a 5 minute job (to install the connectors). Plus, we're not in the habit to camp in one place for many multiple days, so the solar panel will not be expected to carry the entire load. This is just a last minute throw-it-together experiment - that worked. How well remains to be seen. I just want it to help keep the battery topped off.

Free is always good, totally understand!!!

However....even for just one full day and night when the temps are in the 90's, that panel is not going to keep up with a fridge and more than likely you will hit the low voltage cut off on the fridge. As you said though, you got a good solar controller and swapping out the panel will be very easy.

 

[Yarjammer]

I have an ARB 37qt and some LEDs (<1a/hr draw). My 90watt Overland Solar setup is running on the ragged edge when the mercury is north of 95*F and I'm opening it twice an hour for cold beverages and replacing with ones that have been kept in a cooler under the vehicle. This is taking into account moving the panels 2-3 times during the day to maintain the best angle to the sun. In normal summer temps (75-90*F) it works like a champ with no worries.

As far as security goes- I keep mine locked to my wheel via a 3/8" cable. It isn't going to prevent anyone with cable cutters at the ready, but its enough to keep people honest.