Solar-Powered Cold Storage systems provide decentralized refrigeration for fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish, and other perishable items using energy from photovoltaic solar panels. These systems are particularly valuable in areas with unreliable electricity access, helping smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, and vendors reduce post-harvest losses and extend product shelf life.
Units typically include insulated chambers, battery backup or thermal storage, and temperature regulation features. Some models integrate pay-as-you-store services or mobile platforms to enhance accessibility.
These systems support food security, economic resilience, and climate-smart agriculture by reducing waste, increasing income, and enabling producers to access wider markets. Deployed at household, cooperative, or market levels, they are promoted by NGOs, startups, and development programs across the Global South.