A frost-free cycle adds a huge electric heating element every couple days to waste even more power. Conservation Solutions Plug these appliances into switched power strips and turn them on only when needed. Yes, this means you must get off your butt to turn the TV on and off, and your VCR will never show the correct time. But you'll save lots of power. Use either a propane refrigerator or a special energy-efficient refrigerator designed for remote power systems, such as the SunFrost or VestFrost.
Chest freezers are also available in both propane and efficient electric.
The initial cost increase will pay for itself quickly if you use batteries for energy storage. Halogen lights are only slightly better, but last much longer. Despite what the power company says in their advertisements, electricity is a very poor, inefficient way to make heat if your home is not on the grid. This goes for electric stoves, heaters, coffee makers, air conditioners, water heaters, crock pots, deep fryers, etc. None of these should be included in an alternatively-powered home.