A real solar powered fridge...not cheap though.

[opsec]

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS364&q=solar+fridge&oq=&gs_rfai=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=1218781283833389115&ei=Fy6oS5DXKYmysgOPhJHlAQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CBoQ8wIwAg#ps-sellers

All for the paltry sum of $1K.

Save on system costs with SunDanzer DCR165 5.8 cu.ft. Refrigerator. These highly efficient units with exceptionally low energy consumption require a smaller photovoltaic (PV) system for your refrigeration needs. SunDanzer units feature 4.33" (110 mm) of polyurethane insulation and coated steel cabinets. The brushless DC motor compressor operates on 12 or 24 VDC. A patented low-frost system reduces frost build-up for low maintenance.SunDanzer chest-style refrigerators and freezers are easy to clean using the drain hole at the bottom of the unit. With thick insulation and a refrigeration system optimized for solar, every SunDanzer solar refrigerator and freezer provides outstanding, economical and reliable operation. Each SunDanzer solar refrigerator is carefully tested before shipment, to ensure every customer will receive a great product that they can enjoy for years to come!

[opsec]

How much did that cost you?

[offdalip]

same as the sundanzer would've, $1000

[tigger]

It looks like the Engel is a lot smaller, 2.8 cubic feet versus 5.8 for the Sundanzer DCF165 (comparing both the $1000 units).

The power use on the Engel wasn't as clear (ranges given) but the Sundanzer might be more efficient overall due to being better insulated:
http://thistinyhouse.com/2009/comparing-solar-powered-mini-fridges/

But, if the goal is longevity or low startup power, it looks like the Engel wins.

[opsec]

If efficiency is the issue, I wonder if you could remove all the working parts from the chasis and pad the whole thing with lots of styrofoam. I don't know if that would actually solve anything, but if power demands are an issue, then every watt counts.

[offdalip]

Redo the calc's for Watt Hrs instead of Amp Hrs

[offdalip]

http://www.engel-usa.com/images/MT80F%20performance%20curve.gif


http://www.wholesalesolar.com/pdf.folder/appliance-pdf-folder/SunDanzerDCPowered.pdf

[Beeherder]

 

or you could look at the problem slightly differently. The Permaculture Activist magazine, article from Spring 2009, by Mr. Tom Chalko he describes converting a standard chest freezer into a highly efficient refrigerator. Seems like a very good idea to me and one heck of a lot cheaper than $1000. You could read the article at his website:

  http://www.mtbest.net/chest_fridge.html

this does not solve the problem of the freezer but does put the refrigerator in a whole new perspective for me. The single highest consumer of electricity in my home is the old refrigerator that came with the house. it goes this year, to the great old appliance graveyard in the sky, perhaps for a whole new way of food refrigeration.

[The Future]

that conversion is a very interesting solution.  thanks.   

[offdalip]

Remember, Most all refrigerator compressors have to be on a pretty much level flat and non moving platform to be able to operate well, some
don't operate at all if they are not flat or canted or off level too much