Life off the grid requires a few adjustments in lifestyle and habits for most people. One of the most crucial is called "load shifting," which is simply running large loads only when there is extra power coming in that can't be stored, thanks to a fully charged battery bank. Unfortunately, some very critical loads can't be shifted. Refrigerators and freezers are two of the worst offenders-they turn themselves on and off based on internal temperature, without any regard to the status of your battery bank or incoming power. In the world of off-grid living, the answer to "Which refrigerator is the right one?" is almost always, "It depends." What's the most efficient power source-120 VAC or low-voltage DC? What sizes and models are available? What's the most efficient arrangement of doors, compressors, and compartments? Is propane a better option? Here are a few points to consider before you buy.
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