What Solar Set Up Do I Need to Run a 12V Fridge on a Boat with No Shore Power?

Updated 08/07/2026 | Published 08/05/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Norcold Polar Full RV Refrigerator w Freezer - 8.2 Cu Ft - 12V - Stainless Steel - Right Hand Doors

(39)

$1627.01

Rich Solar Alpha 2 Pro Lithium Battery - Bluetooth - 200 Amp Hour

(1)

$959.99

Rich Solar RV Solar Charging Kit w/ 2 Panels - 12V - 400 Watts

(4)

$642.32

Question:

Hi. We have a houseboat at the lake with no access to shore power. I want to ad a 12v refrigerator that I can run with a battery and a solar panel charger. Based upon your experience, what would you recommend? I’ve been looking at those simple plug in solar panels but not quite sure. Thanks very much.

asked by: David K

Expert Reply:

Hi David,

To power a 12V fridge like the Norcold Power Full RV Refrigerator w/Freezer part # NC73FR on your boat, you'll want a solar system starting around 400 watts of solar and a 200 to 300Ah lithium battery bank. This should give you enough energy reserve overnight and during cloudy days to power the fridge. I'd also suggest using an MPPRT solar controller as opposed to a trickle/plug-in charger.

Luckily we have kit that exactly fits these needs, the Rich Solar RV Solar Charging Kit w/2 Panels part # RS97VR. This kit has two 200 watt rated solar panels that are 58-11/16" long x 26-13/16" wide x 1-3/16" thick, so you'll want to measure on your boat where you plan to install these to make sure you have enough space. The 40-amp MPPT controller will help make your system more efficient by adjusting to changes in sunlight, temperature, and battery conditions and convert excess panel voltage into additional charging current. This sends more of the panel's available energy to the battery during the day.

Lithium batteries are higher cost up front, but I'd recommend using lithium over and AGM lead-acid battery because it charges faster, charges more efficiently, maintains voltage better, and typically last more charge cycles. If you have the space, I recommend using two 200Ah batteries that are wired in parallel so that it still works for a 12V system but increases your capacity to 400Ah total to give you more storage than a single 300Ah battery. The Rich Solar Alpha 2 Pro Lithium Battery part # RS84VR would be perfect for that set up. It has a built-in BMS guard to prevent overcharging, excess current, and unsafe temperatures, and also works with a Bluetooth monitoring system so you can see the battery's charge level and performance from your phone without having to get into the compartment where they're installed.

How long are you wanting to run the fridge in one trip?