Answer to Question #315486 in Mechanical Engineering for LUBABALO

Question

As a consulting engineer, you are tasked to advise on an installation of solar panels for the purpose of supplying a household that contains 1 double-door fridge, 1 x 150 L deep freezer, 1 x 65” TV, 1 x desktop computer (with 2 screens), 1 x combo internet rooter-modem and 1 water-pump used to supply a water tank (2 occupants). The above appliances should be able to operate off-grid. Please advise on what it would cost and payback period (Desired storage autonomy 36 hrs).

Answer 1

As a general rule, 100 watt solar panel can run a refrigerator for a short time only and would also need a battery. 100 watts of solar panels can generate on average 400 watt-hours of energy per day. A refrigerator with combined freezer needs 2000 watt-hours/day