Solar refrigeration financial impact model
Produced with support from
What this model does: Estimates whether solar refrigeration makes financial sense for different business scales. It compares revenue uplift and cost savings against equipment payments to determine viability and affordability.
How to use it: Set your baseline monthly revenue to match the business scale you're analyzing. Adjust fridge prices, financing terms, and business economics. The model shows which fridge sizes are viable and affordable at each revenue level.
Equipment pricing
Small fridge (50-100L)
Medium fridge (150-250L)
Large freezer (350-500L)
Payment method
✓ Maintenance included (provider responsibility)
Pay full price upfront. Lowest total cost but highest barrier to entry. You handle maintenance.
Monthly payments
Small
Medium
Large
Business economics
$100
$800
Kiosk
$100-200
Small shop
$200-450
Market trader
$450+
USB charging
Operating factors
$0
✓ Included in PAYG rental (provider handles repairs)
Generator savings
Outcomes by fridge size
BEST ROI
Net monthly
Break-even
7-year value
ROI
Monthly cash flow
Equipment & financing
Price:
Total cost:
Monthly payment:
Business economics
Baseline revenue:
Baseline profit:
New revenue:
Monthly benefits
Profit increase:
USB charging:
Generator savings:
Total benefits:
Monthly costs
Payment:
Maintenance:
Total costs:
Methodology: Single baseline revenue applies to all fridge sizes to show viability at different business scales. Uplift bonuses: +10% (medium), +20% (large). PAYG rental period matches equipment lifespan (~7 years) with maintenance included. Consumer loans: you own the asset, handle maintenance. Affordability = payment ÷ baseline profit (>50% unaffordable, 30-50% stretched). ROI = annual net benefit ÷ upfront equipment cost.