Conventional cooling systems, mounted in confined spaces on the side or below the refrigerator, will run considerably hotter, lowering compressor life. The evaporator in the RFVB is protected by a fiberglass liner and cannot be punctured while defrosting, a common problem in many manual defrost refrigerators. The low energy consumption of the RFVB allows the use of a smaller and more reliable battery for the funds expended. In a photovoltaic refrigerator system, the battery bank is the component with the shortest expected life. A battery may last from 2 to 15 years, depending on the quality of the battery and how it is used and maintained.
Battery life is extended by decreasing the degree to which the batteries are discharged.
Not only is the need for a fuel supply eliminated, but the unit operates more reliably than kerosene powered refrigerators. The refrigerator is typically powered by a photovoltaic charged battery bank. This reliable power source is dependent only on sunlight, which is in abundance in most developing nations. Alternatively, the system's batteries may also be charged by wind, hydro power, or a small generator. If portability is important, the refrigerator may be run by car or truck batteries.