Refrigeration


EFFICIENT REFRIGERATORS

Refrigerators for solar electricity should be the most efficient, lowest energy consumption available. Super-efficient electric refrigerators and freezers designed with 3 to 5 inches of insulation use only one third the energy of most standard units. This catalog shows the best of those solar designed refrigerators. They are the very best choice for smaller power systems.

Standard freezers and refrigerators can use 3000 watt hours each day. A few better models like Maytag MTB1956 18 cu ft can be found that use under 1500 watt hours a day, and cost around $900. You need to add about 500 watts of solar modules in the best year round sunny weather to operate; more panels needed in less sunny areas. Total cost $900 refrigerator + $3,000 solar = $3,900 to use the best conventional units.  Check Website Refrigerators & Freezers : ENERGY STAR   for more information. 

Refrigerators that are specially designed for off-grid homes require fewer solar modules and less generator run time. All our refrigerators are rated in watt-hours power used per day. Watt-hours compare equally whether 12, 24, or 120 volt units. Divide watt-hours/day by your battery voltage, 12 or 24, to get amp-hours per day consumed.

GAS VERSUS ELECTRIC: A refrigerator’s need for power matches solar electric production — more power in summer and less in winter. Adding solar modules for electric refrigeration raises the up-front cost, whereas propane gas is paid over 15 + years. Long term comparison is close either way (if gas prices don't rise). WARNING: COMBINATION GAS-ELECTRIC refrigerators are usable only as gas powered, not as electric. An electric heater running nearly full time replaces the gas flame. They use much more power than any electric compressor, so they are not practical electric units.

SUNFROST products have 4 to 6 inch insulation, and the compressor is on top where it can’t put heat back into the box. The RF-16 model uses a total of  750 watt hours a day, about 300-400 watts of solar modules, depending on the climate.

NOVAKOOL products are smaller DC powered refrigerators made for RV & marine markets. With the same Danfoss compressor as the Sunfrost, these are smaller refrigerators but use about the same power. Adding 2 extra inches foam insulation to all surfaces except the door cuts that power use in half.

CROSLEY AC & SUNDANZER DC powered chest freezers are as well insulated and energy efficient as any available, using 200 to 800 watt hours/day, at better prices.


NEW FREEZER: 10 cu ft Energy Star Rated

CROSLEY CHEST FREEZER  120 VOLT AC LOW POWER CHEST FREEZER
Can convert into ultra-low power chest REFRIGERATOR

The CROSLEY chest freezer is 10.0 cubic feet. (Please note: the 12 cuft CROSLEY has been discontinued)

 Features includes 2 sliding baskets, defrost drain, white exterior color, door lock and interior light.
ONE year warranty on all parts and labor; 2-5 year parts and labor covered on sealed cooling system; 6-10 year coverage on compressor part.
Power draw: 95-135 watts

ENERGY STAR listed model has foam insulation in 2.625 inch walls and 2.375 inch lid. Backwoods Solar has finished testing this new 10 cuft model. Freezer temperature was set at a range of -2 to +10 degrees F. Room temperature was held at 66 degrees F. Power consumption was 500 watt-hours per day.

42" W x 25" D x 34." H  (weight: 120 lbs)

CANADIAN CUSTOMERS: Unfortunately our agreement with CROSLEY does NOT allow us to sell their product line, including this WCC10/E in Canada.

R-CROSLEY WCC10/E: 10 cubic foot Chest Freezer: Regularly  $590 with shipping INCLUDED in lower 48 states. Add this item to the shopping cart

Due to size, 30 day return privilege does not apply to this item.

 

External thermostat turns this Crosley freezer into a chest refrigerator, no modification to freezer is required. Energy consumed is roughly 325 watt-hrs per day with the same parameters as the freezer testing above. Temperature Range -30 to 100 Degrees Fahrenheit. Once installed, the Crosley's interior light and external operating LED only illuminate when the Crosley is drawing power.

R-4E047:     $90 Add this item to the shopping cart

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SUNDANZER
DC POWER- CHEST REFRIGERATORS & FREEZERS
INTERCHANGEABLE 12 OR 24 VOLT DC

Most Energy Efficient. 4.3" polyurethane insulation.

Thick insulation, top opening, and a refrigeration system optimized for solar makes the SunDanzer refrigerators and freezers the ultimate low energy user. SunDanzer cabinets are commercially produced by Electrolux of Sweden, one of the world's leading refrigeration unit manufacturers. SunDanzer chest-style refrigerators and freezers are easy to clean using the drain hole at the bottom. Interior light in all models!!

Exceptionally low energy consumption direct from house battery, no inverter. Brushless DC compressor by Danfoss, is same as used in all other solar refrigerators in our catalog; operating on 12 or 24 volt DC direct from your battery bank. No inverter required.  One year warranty.

We can also provide a DC Thermostat kit that can turn one of these DC refrigerator units into a DC freezer or a DC freezer into a DC refrigerator.

R-SUNDANZER THERMOSTAT KIT: $40.00 + $8.00 shipping Add this item to the shopping cart

Model Description Size Watt-hours used on 70/90 degree day Price  
R165 5.8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator 37"W x 26"D x 35"H 100/240 $930 Add this item to the shopping cart
F165 5.8 Cu. Ft. Freezer 37"W x 26"D x 35"H 340/600 $930 Add this item to the shopping cart
R225 8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator 47"W x 26"D x 35"H 140/300 $1025 Add this item to the shopping cart
F225 8 Cu. Ft. Freezer 47"W x 26"D x 35"H 500/800 $1025 Add this item to the shopping cart

Call for truck freight quote.
This will be added to the above price when the order is processed.

Due to size, 30 day return privilege does not apply to this item.


SUNFROST REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS

 Sunfrost  runs on 40-80 watts instead of the usual 250 watts. Super insulated with 3 to 4 inches of foam everywhere, and 1 or 2 top mounted Danfoss compressors, no heat goes back into the box. With no radiator on the back, it goes flat to the wall, no clearance behind is necessary. Door hinge clearance is necessary in front as pictured. Height varies with the model but all are 34.5 " wide, 28 "deep. Ask for a diagram of dimensions and door opening clearance.

All models are available in 12 or 24 volt DC, or 110 volt AC. A full line Sunfrost brochure is available on request.

Since the mechanism is all on top, the lowest shelf is near the floor. Owners usually buy or build a raised base, as pictured with the RF-16 model, for easy access to lower shelves.

Sunfrost offers a matching 2 drawer, 13" high cabinet (pictured below with the RF-16 & 19) for $315.00 in white- Add this item to the shopping cart
A 24 inch base (pictured below with the RF-12) for smaller units is $360.00 in white- Add this item to the shopping cart

Color and wood finish is extra.

The cabinet is well finished in a wide choice of Formica.  2 year warranty.

Please read shipping information below.

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SUNFROST RF-12: 2 door Refrigerator - Freezer, 2 cu. foot freezer and 8 cu ft. Refrigerator. Total height is 49.5". Uses only 360 to 590 Watt Hrs/day in room temperatures of 70° to 90° F, and depending on setting of temperature inside the Sunfrost.

R- SUN RF12: SUNFROST RF-12 Refrigerator/ Freezer:   $2159 Add this item to the shopping cart

SUNFROST R-10  Refrigerator only
1 door, 43.5" high. 200-325 Watt Hrs/day. Inside volume 9.1 cubic feet. Very low power use. Makes a good companion to Crosley chest freezer.
R- SUN R10:  $1,695

Add this item to the shopping cart
SUNFROST F-10  Freezer only
1 door, 43.5" high. 715-910 Watt-Hrs/day. Inside volume 9.1 cubic feet.
R- SUN F10:  $1,800
Add this item to the shopping cart

SUNFROST RF-16  Two door unit has 3.9 cu ft freezer and 10 cubic foot refrigerator. Two compressors and thermostat adjustments, one for each section. Height 62.5". Uses 585 - 845 watt hours per day.
R- SUN RF16:  $2,955

Add this item to the shopping cart
SUNFROST 19

 

SUNFROST R-19 Giant 16 cu. ft. Sunfrost is ALL REFRIGERATOR. 65" high. Two doors, one compressor. Uses 390 to 650 Watt Hours / day.
R- SUN R19:  $2,789

Add this item to the shopping cart
SUNFROST RF-19 8 cubic foot refrigerator & 8 cubic foot freezer, 2 doors. 65" high. Two separate thermostats and compressors. 800 to 1066 Watt Hrs/day.
R-SUN RF19:  $3,100
Add this item to the shopping cart
SUNFROST F-19 Giant Sunfrost is ALL FREEZER; 16 cu ft. Two doors, two thermostats, and two compressors. Uses 1300-1700 Watt Hours / day. 65" high.
R-SUN F19:  $3,130
Add this item to the shopping cart

For more details, ask for Sunfrost brochure and dimension plan sheet.

TO ORDER A SUNFROST

ADD $60 CRATING to each unit unless picked up at factory--- Add this item to the shopping cart

Call for freight quote to your zip code area. FREIGHT is by truck, COD, or prepaid. SALES TAX is charged by factory for all CALIFORNIA destinations.

PLEASE SPECIFY EACH OF THE FOLLOWING  (in special requests box of shopping cart, Backwoods will adjust pricing when the order is processed)

DOOR HINGE, which side when looking at the front of door.  
COLOR. WHITE FORMICA is standard. All other Formica or Nevamar colors are $150 extra. Add this item to the shopping cart
Ask to borrow a color chart. Genuine wood veneer is available for $150 extra. Some custom colors or wood veneers may cost more. Add this item to the shopping cart
VOLTAGE. 12DC, 24DC, or 120AC.
FOR 120 V AC, DEDUCT $70, single compressor models; or DEDUCT $140 from 2 compressor models.
 

Each unit is made to order. Allow 6-8 weeks for production of your order.
A full line Sunfrost brochure is available on request.

Call for truck freight quote. This will be added to the above price when the order is processed.
Due to size, 30 day return privilege does not apply to this item


NOVAKOOL R-4500(pictured below) PLUS 25 other DC Models available 
Powered by either 12 or 24 volt DC interchangeable

Best buy in a small refrigerator for solar power, favored in our catalog for 20 years. Nova Kool offers 26 DC and another 24 AC/DC models. Made to build into RV or marine cabinets, the R4500 cutout is 28.75 high x 20.25 wide and 22 inch outside depth.. Galvanized metal exterior with white ABS door. You can slide paneling or formica, or even use a square of carpet on the door for durability and insulation. Well finished interior with 2 shelves, and vegetable crisper. Internal freezer 11" x 12" x 5" high keeps ice cream and makes 2 full size ice cube trays included.  One year warranty, two years on parts.

Running power has been reduced with new dual voltage Danfoss compressors and a new refrigerant. Single door models consume about 35 watts when compressor is running: under 3 amps 12 volt, 1.5 on 24 volt. Two door models will consume up to 60 watts. Running time varies with temperature, but is about 30% duty cycle on a 70 degree day. Buyer glues extra 2" foam insulation to the whole box to cut per day run time in half. As supplied the R4500 uses 480 watt hours / day, but with added insulation, just 240 watt hours a day on a 70 degree day. The new Danfoss BD35F compressor uses R134A (CF3-CH2F) gas for atmospheric protection. Interchangeable for use on 12 or 24 volt. Reliable refrigerator.

R-4500:  4.3 cu ft. refrigerator with freezer box:  $885 Add this item to the shopping cart

Shipping for R4500 models by truck freight  from Canada:  $100 in 48 states.

Freight in general is $125.00 for single door models and $175.00 for two door models, Call for a freight quote.

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Due to size, 30 day return privilege does not apply to this item



DOMETIC (formerly SERVEL) PROPANE REFRIGERATOR-FREEZER
with Free Shipping The 2008 models do NOT have the pictured door handles. Recessed cut outs below the freezer door and above the refrigerator door are used instead.

DOMETIC RGE 400 GAS REFRIGERATOR-FREEZER

Door is reversible so two units can be side by side to make a 16 cubic foot refrigerator.

Time proven 2 door refrigerator freezer combination, 8.0 cubic foot total. Refrigerator section is 6.4 cubic feet, and top freezer section is 1.6 cubic feet. Door openings are reversible. Battery lighted interior. Piezo lighter and temperature adjustment on front without opening door.

Better insulation in this model gives average gas usage 1/4 gallon propane in 24 hours, much less than older gas units. Can maintain 6 degree freezer and 39 degree refrigerator with 110 degree F outside. Overall dimensions are 63-1/2" high, 23" wide, 26-1/2 " deep.

Dometic is made by Electrolux, the worlds largest appliance manufacturer. The white model is immediately available. Also available in a biscuit color but may not be in stock. 1 year warranty. Extended 5 year warranty can be purchased from the factory for $90.

R-DOMETIC 400W: White RGE 400:    $1,430

Add this item to the shopping cart

R-DOMETIC 400B: Biscuit RGE 400:  $1,430

Add this item to the shopping cart

These are standard for Propane, for Natural gas add:  $200 Add this item to the shopping cart

FREE Shipping truck freight within 48 states

Due to size, 30 day return privilege does not apply to this item


CRYSTAL COLD    Larger Propane Refrigerator 

Largest gas refrigerator. Textured white or bisque molded 2 door steel cabinet with reversible doors. Two Adjustable glass shelves in the fridge and one in the freezer. Clear double crisper and cover. Front push button igniter. Sits on casters. The built-in interior light requires 4 D batteries (not included).

Recommended clearances:
2" sides and back; 8" top

1 year warranty, 
extended length warranty available from factory. An additional 3 years for $65.00

15 Cubic Foot GAS REFRIGERATOR-FREEZER
Dimensions 63.5 high x 28.5" wide x 34.5" deep. Freezer 4.2 cu ft, refrigerator 10.0 cu ft. On average, uses 0.29 gallons propane per 24 hours.  298 pounds shipping weight.

R-CRYSTAL COLD15:  white and propane:   $1995 Add this item to the shopping cart
R-CRYSTAL COLD15:  bisque and propane:   $1995 Add this item to the shopping cart
R-CRYSTAL COLD15: white and natural gas:  $2045 Add this item to the shopping cart
R-CRYSTAL COLD15: bisque and natural gas: $2045 Add this item to the shopping cart

18 Cubic Foot GAS REFRIGERATOR-FREEZER
Dimensions 65" high x 28.5" wide x 34.5" deep. Freezer 4.2 cu ft., refrigerator is 13.0 cu ft. On average, uses 0.35 gallons propane per 24 hours. Weight 324 pounds.

R-CRYSTAL COLD18:  white and propane:   $2125 Add this item to the shopping cart
R-CRYSTAL COLD18:  bisque and propane:   $2125 Add this item to the shopping cart
R-CRYSTAL COLD18: white and natural gas:  $2175  Add this item to the shopping cart
R-CRYSTAL COLD18:  bisque and natural gas: $2175 Add this item to the shopping cart


NEW in 2007: The 10 cuft BLIZZARD

Engineered to meet the heat of the desert Southwest, this propane chest freezer is one of the largest made in the USA.  One year warranty

45" H x 43.5" W x 33" D; Weight: 220 lbs
Only available in white

Sits on casters for easy moving; Top mounted controls; Stainless steel burner; Push button Igniter with Flame indicator.

Fuel Consumption: On average, 0.31 gallons per day

R-CRYSTALCOLD10:  propane:   $2,080 Add this item to the shopping cart
R-CRYSTALCOLD10:  natural gas:  $2,130  Add this item to the shopping cart

Call for truck freight quote. This will be added to the above price when the order is processed.
Due to size, 30 day return privilege does not apply to these items.

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Hours: Mon. thru Fri.
8 to 5 Pacific Time.
Visiting Hours: M-F 1:00-4:00 PM  
Phone: 208-263-4290
24 Hr. Fax: 208-265-4788
Email: info@backwoodssolar.com
Backwoods Solar Electric Systems
1589 Rapid Lightning Creek Rd
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 USA