12/24 V or 48 V DC refrigeration for solar homes, cabins, farms and shops. No inverter and very low energy use, so you need fewer panels and a smaller battery. Designed in Tucson since 1999.
12/24 V or 48 V DCNo inverter needed
2-year limited warrantyParts and support from Tucson
Ships to US addressesBy FedEx · built in 3 days
Free solar sizing helpCalculator or ask our team
5.6 cu ft (160 L) chest fridge or freezer
14 cu ft (400 L) chest fridge or freezer, on wheels
Energy use measured at 32 °C (90 °F). “From” solar = SunDanzer’s catalog minimum system; use the sizing calculator for a system with cloudy-day margin. Online orders ship to US addresses only.
| Specification | DC160 | DC400 | DCRF450 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 5.6 cu ft (160 L) chest fridge or freezer | 14 cu ft (400 L) chest fridge or freezer, on wheels | — |
| Capacity | 160 L (5.6 cu ft) | 400 L (14 cu ft) | 283 L fridge + 142 L freezer (10 + 5 cu ft) |
| Energy as a fridge | 150 Wh/day at 32 °C (90 °F) | 450 Wh/day at 32 °C (90 °F) | — |
| Energy as a freezer | 430 Wh/day at 32 °C (90 °F) | 800 Wh/day at 32 °C (90 °F) | — |
| Energy (fridge + freezer) | — | — | 990 Wh/day at 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Minimum system as a fridge* | 100 W solar, 26 Ah battery | 225 W solar, 70 Ah battery | — |
| Minimum system as a freezer* | 220 W solar, 70 Ah battery | 400 W solar, 125 Ah battery | — |
| Minimum system* | — | — | 445 W solar, 140 Ah battery |
| Fridge temperature | −1 to 9 °C (30–48 °F) | −1 to 9 °C (30–48 °F) | 0 to 7 °C (32–44 °F) |
| Freezer temperature | −21 to −2 °C (−6 to 29 °F) | −21 to −2 °C (−6 to 29 °F) | −22 to −10 °C (−8 to 14 °F) |
| Voltage | 10–31 VDC (12/24 V) or 40–75 VDC (48 V version) | 10–31 VDC (12/24 V) or 40–75 VDC (48 V version) | 10–31 VDC (12/24 V) or 40–75 VDC (48 V version) |
| Compressor | Secop DC, brushless | Secop DC, brushless | Two independent DC compressors |
| Insulation | 110 mm (4.3 in) polyurethane | 80 mm (3.15 in) polyurethane | 50% thicker than standard |
| Outside dimensions | 37 × 26.25 × 34.25 in (940 × 667 × 870 mm) | 63.5 × 28.75 × 36.875 in (1613 × 730 × 937 mm) | 30.75 W × 28.5 D × 74.75 H in (781 × 724 × 1899 mm) |
| Shipping weight | 135 lb with box and pallet (61 kg) | 248 lb with box and pallet (112 kg) | 265 lb with box and pallet (120 kg) |
| Inside | 3 baskets, LED light, drain | 5 baskets, sliding glass inner cover, LED light, drain | 3 adjustable shelves, lower basket, LED light |
| Price | $1,099.00 | Original price was: $1,499.00.$1,399.00Current price is: $1,399.00. | $1,599.00 |
| Details | View DC160 → | View DC400 → | View DCRF450 → |
Energy use at 32 °C (90 °F) ambient. *SunDanzer catalog minimum, based on using 100% of the battery. Real systems need margin for cloudy days, hot rooms and door openings: use the sizing calculator.
Chest models are a fridge or a freezer, not both at the same time: you choose with the dual thermostat and can switch any time. Not sure? Ask our team →
Our free calculator uses your location’s winter sun, battery type and days of backup to recommend panels, battery and charge controller. It also checks a system you already have, and shows how much smaller your system could be than with another brand’s fridge.
From the sizing calculator with its default settings (winter sun, 12 V, lithium battery). Estimates only; your climate, shading and use change the answer.
One dial for fridge mode, one for freezer mode, both on the same compressor. Use the fridge dial for the lowest energy use, or the freezer dial when you need deep cold.
The fridge thermostat runs the compressor at minimum speed for maximum efficiency. The freezer thermostat runs it faster for more cooling capacity.
If one thermostat fails, the other can still run the compressor. With a single wide-range thermostat, one failure stops the unit.
A dedicated fridge thermostat keeps the swing between on and off small, so food stays at the temperature you set.
On the DC160 and DC400. The DCRF450 goes further, with a separate compressor and thermostat for each compartment.
Compare the whole system, not just the fridge price. A fridge that uses less power needs fewer panels, a smaller battery and has less to go wrong.
No inverter to buy, power or replace. Connect to your 12, 24 or 48 V battery bank.
No fan power draw, no dust-clogged blades, no bearings or fan wiring to fail.
Chest models use a brushless Secop DC compressor and up to 110 mm of insulation, so the compressor runs less.
Manual defrost means no heaters or timers using power. Replacement parts are sold online.
Every unit is built to order in Tucson, AZ and ships by FedEx after a 3-day manufacturing lead time. Shipping is calculated at checkout. US addresses only.
Two years from purchase against defects in workmanship and materials. We repair or replace defective parts and pay return shipping within the continental US. Full terms are in the user manual.
Let the unit stand upright for 2 hours, connect it to your 12 or 24 V battery with the supplied cord and a fuse, then let it cool for 4 hours before loading food.
Outside the US, or buying 10+ units? International & dealer orders →
No. The DC160 and DC400 are a fridge or a freezer, set with the dual thermostat, and you can switch whenever you like. For both at once, choose the DCRF450 or two chest units.
Match your battery bank. The standard unit runs on 12 or 24 V and picks the voltage automatically (10–31 VDC). The 48 V version runs on 40–75 VDC.
Yes, with a 24 V DC power supply: 150 W for the DC160, or 200 W for the DC400 and DCRF450. Never connect the fridge directly to AC power.
Let it stand upright for 2 hours so the compressor oil settles (12 hours if it was on its side), then switch it on and let it cool for 4 hours before adding food.
Automatic defrost needs heaters, timers and sensors that use energy and add parts that can fail. Manual defrost keeps the unit efficient and simple.
Online orders ship to US addresses. For other countries, see International & dealers.
