Everything You Need to Know About Solar Powered Washing Machines

Washing machines are known to use a lot of electricity. Even an energy-efficient washing machine can still put a big strain on your energy bill, and doing so month after month can kick out quite a dime from your pocket simply to keep your clothes clean. Depending on how much solar energy your area receives, there may be a way to save. 

Solar washing machines may be the answer. They use less electricity, are very efficient, and are likely to significantly reduce your total power consumption with each wash cycle. Your dirty clothes will keep being a chore, but not a costly one. Considering that an average US household spends around 10% of their energy bill simply to keep their clothes dry, you may want to consider learning more about how to save with washing machines that use the power of sunshine instead of coal power. Let’s read on and learn more. 

What is a Solar Washing Machine?

A solar washing machine can be any washing machine that uses solar power in one way or another. As any solar system can either make hot water or electricity, it becomes clear how a solar system and a solar washing machine can help you save on your energy bill. They are very energy-efficient, can use solar panels energy, and usually use less water and laundry detergent, helping you save on multiple fronts. 

Washing machines with a hot water inlet, connected to a hot water tank powered by solar collectors, and turning sunlight into hot water, are the best example of how solar power can help you save money. Considering that a system like this also provides hot water for your shower, and your dishwasher, and even helps out your heating system, the benefits of solar power are difficult to overestimate. A small, portable washing machine can be connected to such a system, as well as a large household appliance that can wash a considerable number of cubic feet of laundry. 

On the other hand of the spectrum are washing machines connected to solar panels that produce electricity. An important thing to notice here is that they can draw electricity from any source, including the grid – they are, in fact, regular washing machines connected to a power outlet powered by solar power. In this case, it is how you power a washing machine that will deem it solar. This kind of configuration can be a bit more nuanced, so we will pay attention to it in more detail later on, especially concerning their energy efficiency and the washing programs you can use on them for that extra carbon emissions reduction. 

Lastly, simple, small, and super-portable models that you can take with you in your RV are the next best thing. Small, manual, or solar-powered, these washers can wash smaller loads, but can definitely help you reduce your power consumption and do more with less. They also use very little water but may lack some handy features – such as the spin cycle. 

Benefits of a Solar Washing Machine

With these three basic types of solar washing machines, it is easy to guess they offer a multitude of benefits to their owners. The clothes you get at the end of the wash with solar machines will be equally as clean but will help remove the nature-unfriendly component from the washing itself. Here are some of the biggest benefits of using a solar-powered washer: 

• They are easy to install, 
• They are environmentally friendly, 
• They are efficient, 
• They feature low-maintenance design, and 
• They help reduce your energy bills. 

Besides this, they are the perfect solution for all looking to reduce their energy consumption and for all those who live off the grid. Almost every model is an energy-efficient model, using less power and water for washing clothes. In addition to this, they connect to your regular power outlet, as most are powered by AC power – meaning most of the models will need a power inverter to connect to your solar panels. 

Easy Installation

Most models of solar-powered washing machines will feature easy installation. Most of them, in fact, install just as the regular washer does, meaning that they need: 

• A power outlet connection, 
• A water outlet connection (or two, depending on the model, as there are some models that can connect to both hot and cold water outlets), and 
• A gray water/wastewater outlet connection to send the dirty, sudsy water down the drain. 

On the other side of the spectrum are all the portable models which do not need installation at all. All they need is for you to pour in water and detergent, throw in your dirty laundry and wait for the magic to happen – they are powered either by means of a solar panel or manually powered, which should mean that all of these models can be used to help out the off-grid life. Depending on how much solar power you receive, they will be good to use in most settings and in most latitudes, unless you live in the northernmost parts of Alaska or Canada. 

Environmentally Friendly

Solar powered machines are energy efficient, meaning they will use less electricity than a traditional washing machine may. How much solar power it will draw depends on the load size and how many loads you do, but you can be certain that with each load, less CO2 will be released, due to lower dirty energy consumption. The best washing machine can draw up to 35% less energy than a standard washing machine. 

Since these machines are very efficient, they will also use less water. You may know that water is becoming a sparse resource and that any saving of water is a great measure to help you reduce how much water you actually use. So, a solar washer will use less water and energy when compared to a standard washing machine. 

Efficient & Low Maintenance

This means that solar washers are very efficient. They will help you reduce both your electricity and your water bill. This may not sound like much, but consider the cumulative effect on your wallet – any kind of use reduction will likely help you save money. 

Energy-efficient washers, such as solar washers will help you save several hundred dollars every year when compared to regular or traditional washing machines. They will also help reduce your maintenance costs, as these models are very simple, with a few moving parts that do not break down as easily. Models intended for RV use can be even better, as their sturdier structure means that they will last you for many years. 

Reduced Energy Bills

All this energy and water efficiency translated to lower energy and water bills. As an average washer can use more than 3 kWh of electricity per load, this means that you will be spending around $0.42 less with each load. Considering that an average American family does 5-7 loads of laundry each week, this translates to around $131 of savings on your energy bill only every year. For extra savings, ditch the dryer, or use it only during the winter months – this way, you can save even more. 

Drawbacks of a Solar Washing Machine

However, not all is beneficial about solar washing machines. In fact, they have some drawbacks or cons to their use as well. Let’s consider a few of them: 

• They are costlier than regular washers, 
• Solar energy is not consistent, and you may have a hard time doing the laundry during the winter, and 
• Larger models require more space than conventional models. 

High Upfront Cost

The high upfront costs of solar washing machines may be off-putting to some. Most of these models cost more than $1,000, which may be too much for many. However, the higher price tag usually means higher energy savings and less maintenance work, as well as a sturdier model that is difficult to break and does not cost a fortune when the inevitable happens. Models like this are likely to pay themselves off after a period of time, usually after some 6-10 years. 

In our example, with a family of 4 members that do 5-7 loads of laundry, simply switching their power supply from the outlet to the solar cells on their or their RV’s roof means $130 in energy savings every year. As every utility company will tell you, this is a plausible scenario. In this case, a single $1,000 washing machine will have paid itself off in around 8 years. The payback period is even shorter when you count in all the gallons saved with each wash cycle. Even the best washing machines of conventional making cannot secure this sort of ROI. 

Solar Energy is not Consistent

Solar energy is not consistent, this is clear. Some sunny days turn into overcast days, the sun does not shine at night, and neither does it shine during the winter. However, the sun is an excellent power source, and you may be surprised at how easy it is to do your own laundry, even when the day is not as bright as you would like it to be. By being wise when choosing your washer model and securing the best that you can afford, even only one solar panel may be needed to produce more energy than your washer may need. 

In fact, solar washing machines use around 12 W of energy when receiving water, 120 W during the wash cycle, and around 300 W during the spin cycle. The more energy they use for these basic tasks, the less efficient they are, and the lower the likelihood that you have purchased a solar washing machine. Considering that most solar panels can produce around 300-350 W of electricity, they are enough to run a single washer. Some half-split solar cell models can produce upwards of 400 W, making more energy than you actually may need. 

Requires a Lot of Space

One of the biggest downsides of owning a solar washer is that some of these models may take up too much space in your RV or your laundry room. In fact, some more expensive models may have a separate space for the spin function, which may not work the best for many. These models are much wider and will take a lot of both floor and wall space that you could use otherwise. If space is a concern for you, smaller portable models may be a better option than other electric appliances, but again, this depends on how much energy your solar power system can produce and how much laundry you need to do every week to keep the laundry clean for your family. 

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Solar Washing Machine

Solar system-powered washing machines come in all sizes and with different specifications. Considering that everyone has different needs when it comes to their laundry, it is necessary to make sure your washing machine can do exactly the work you need when you need it. A family with two kids, for example, will need to do a lot of washing, and probably every day. A family of four will do a bit less washing, around 5 loads a week. 

Another thing to consider is where these washing machines will be installed. A washing machine placed in an off-grid setting will be different from a washing machine in an on-grid setting with added solar panels. In any case, dirty clothes in and clean clothes out. Let’s now consider the following factors that may help you decide to purchase a solar washer, rather than one of the traditional models: 

• Power requirements, 
• Water requirements, 
• Size and capacity, 
• Installation, 
• Cost, 
• Available water inlets, and 
• The loading type: front loader vs top loader. 

Power Requirements

An energy-efficient washing machine requires less power to run than traditional modes. To run a washing machine like this, you need much less electricity, and sometimes even a single panel. To make sure your machine can do its work, check the power label on the back side 

Here, you will see that some of these models need as little as 300 Watts to run. Once you have this number, you can decide to purchase a solar panel for it. If you do not already have a solar panel at hand, you should consider purchasing a panel that can produce more energy than you need to run a washing machine like your model. 

This is because some power will get lost during the energy generation process. Purchasing a solar panel that produces 400 Watts of power will result in less power being produced because there will always be some losses, just as there are in any solar panel, and in any solar power system. The inverter will lose some of that power as well. In addition to this, you always want to purchase an inverter that can handle at least 2x the power output of your solar panel. This way, you will have the peace of mind that the system will last for years to come. 

If you happen to have a battery bank or a solar battery, you will also need a charge controller. This is a great setup, since it will enable you access to solar energy even when you do not have the full sun, but will result in some more losses. A power bank will always decrease how cost-effective your solar power system is, so this is something you may want to take into consideration. 

Water Requirements

Yet another thing to consider is the water requirements. Every washing machine has its own water requirements, and choosing models that can wash more clothes with less water is always a sane decision to make. Models like this will certainly use less power than some traditional washers, but they will make your laundry day a breeze and will allow you to wash the same amount of clothes in less time, and with less solar energy used. 

The thing is that most people, when they think about water, simply think of the price they have to pay for this water. In reality, and in many off-grid settings, increasing the water use to run a washing machine will result in higher energy costs as well. How? Well, there are two ways: 

First of all, in off-grid settings, you need to get the water into the washer. Unless you’ve been blessed with a natural spring at a higher elevation than your home, you will have to install a water pump, which can draw a substantial amount of electricity to get the water into your home. The more water your washer uses, the more power you will need to pump the water. 

Secondly, once the water is in the washer (and this applies to both on- and off-grid settings), the washer will have to use more power or more solar power to heat up the water and to keep it at a high temperature. This way, you will use more watts, irrelevant of how many watts you would regularly do. If you want to conserve water, you should know that you will also be conserving power and reducing your carbon footprint at the same time. 

Size & Capacity

The size and capacity of your washer are other important things you should consider. How many solar panels you need to power your washing machine will also depend on the size and load size of your washer. In general, you want washers that can do a load as big as possible with the least amount of electricity used. However, what you should also consider is how much space you have, as some solar washers can be oversized, being up to 50% wider than some modern washing machines. 

However, off-grid washing machines, especially portable washing machines, can also be much smaller than other appliances used to handle laundry. These washers will easily be put away under your sink, or into your bathroom, and they are intended for outdoor use, RV use, or shorter periods spent off-grid. 

Installation

The installation requirements to run a washing machine like this are also important to consider. Some models are super easy to install, as they use AC power and can easily be plugged into your existing power outlet. Once the power is handled, you should also consider the water inlet(s). 

Most washers on the market have a single water inlet, for cold water. However, if you purchase a high-end washer, you will maybe have two water inlets – one for hot and one for cold water. This type of washing machine will be able to save you even more energy, as it can draw hot water from any source – including solar collectors during the summer, and your woodstove or other heat sources during winter time. They are perfect for off-grid applications. 

On the other hand, there are portable washing machines, which do not need installation at all. Some of these models can use very little electricity and are perfect for RV use and off-grid applications. Most of them are hand-filled and hand-operated. One of the biggest perks of this kind of washing machine is that they use very little to no electricity and one of the biggest cons is that they can only wash small loads, and have no spin cycle. Some find that their rinse cycle is not good enough either. 

Cost

Depending on the model, solar washers can be very expensive or very cheap. Hand-operated models are on the cheaper side of the spectrum. Solar washers are proper, very efficient models, are on the more expensive side, and can easily cost upwards of $1,000. They pay off over their lifetime, but the high price tag may be off-putting to many. Nevertheless, most off-grid washing machine models are extremely useful and can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint even with on-grid use. 

Hot vs Cold Water

Many very efficient models have specially textured inside of the drum so that they can wash very efficiently even in cold water. Most of these models also have hand wash options and are easy to operate. Some of the efficient washers also have hot water inlets, enabling you to save more as you can use hot water from any source you want. 

As these washers should be connected to solar panels, they can be a bit costly to install, especially if you do not already have solar panels. However, solar panels will keep producing electricity even when you are not using your off-grid washing machine so you will be able to save a lot on your energy and water bills even when the washer is not in use. 

Front Load vs Top Load

Another important distinction to make is between front-load and top-load washers. Although both kinds of washers do their job and they do it well, they will cost different amounts of money to purchase and will cost differently to operate. Let’s consider the following. 

Top loaders are the most common kind of washing machine in the US. These models are very easy to use, especially for the elderly, as they do not have to bend over to grab the load and can easily put a new load of dirty clothes into the washer. However, there are several downsides to these washers, including high water and energy use and a low RPM spin cycle. 

Here are the advantages of using a top loader washer: 

1. Top loader washers are generally less expensive than front loader washers, making them an affordable option for many households.
2. They typically have a faster wash cycle than front loader washers, allowing you to get your laundry done quicker.
3. You can add laundry mid-cycle, which can be useful if you forgot to add a certain garment or item.
4. You don’t have to bend down as much to load and unload the washer, making them easier to use for people with mobility issues.
5. Many top-loader washers have a larger capacity than front-loader washers, allowing you to wash large loads of laundry at once.
6. Top loader washers use gravity to distribute water and detergent evenly throughout the load, resulting in a more thorough clean.
7. Top loader washers typically have a shorter spin cycle, resulting in less wrinkled clothes.
8. They generally require less maintenance and repairs than front-loader washers.
9. They tend to be more energy efficient than older models of top loader washers, helping you save money on your energy bill.
10. Many top loader washers have a simple and intuitive control panel, making them easy to operate.

Here are some disadvantages of a top loader washers:

1. Top loader washers use more water and detergent than front loader washers, resulting in higher water and energy bills over time.
2. They can be less gentle on clothes, causing more wear and tear over time.
3. The agitator in top loader washers can sometimes cause clothes to become tangled, resulting in uneven cleaning and damaged garments.
4. They can be quite noisy, especially during the spin cycle.
5. Top loader washers are typically larger and take up more floor space than front loader washers.
6. They can be more difficult to load and unload for people with back or shoulder problems.
7. Some top loader washers can have balance issues, resulting in loud and disruptive vibrations during the spin cycle.
8. They can be less efficient at removing stains and dirt from clothes than front loader washers.
9. Top loader washers tend to have shorter lifespans than front loader washers, requiring more frequent replacements.
10. They are often less energy-efficient than front loader washers, resulting in higher energy bills over time.

Front loaders, on the other hand, feature a door on the front panel of the washer and a drum that is vertically placed. This means that they are a bit more difficult to load and unload, especially if they are placed straight on the floor. However, they are more energy efficient, use less water, and can help you save a lot of money in the long run. 

Here are some common advantages of using a front-load washer:

1. More water and energy-efficient than top loaders.
2. Better cleaning performance due to the tumbling action that pulls clothes through the water and detergent.
3. Can handle larger loads of laundry.
4. Higher spin speeds result in drier clothes, which can save time and energy in the dryer.
5. Uses less water per cycle, which means less water usage and potentially lower water bills.
6. Front loaders are generally quieter than top loaders.
7. Many models are stackable, which can save space in smaller laundry rooms.
8. Uses less detergent than top loaders, saving money on detergent costs over time.
9. Front loaders are typically gentler on clothes, resulting in less wear and tear on fabrics.
10. Front loaders come in a range of sizes, making it easier to find the right one for your needs.

And here are some disadvantages of using a front-load washer:

1. Front loaders are typically more expensive than top loaders.
2. Can be prone to mold and mildew buildup due to their design, requiring more maintenance.
3. Can be difficult to add clothes mid-cycle.
4. Can vibrate more than top loaders, requiring more stable installation.
5. Some models can be prone to leaking, especially if not installed properly.
6. Cycle times are generally longer than top loaders.
7. Front loaders require bending over to load and unload, which may not be ideal for everyone.
8. Can be more complicated to operate than top loaders, requiring more buttons and settings.
9. Not all front loaders have a bleach dispenser, which can make it harder to use bleach when needed.
10. Some front loaders are prone to odor buildup, requiring regular cleaning to avoid unpleasant smells.

Energy Saving Tips for Solar Powered Washing Machines

Irrelevant of what kind of a washer you may use, even if it is run purely by solar power, you will understand that being thrifty with how you use it can still make your regular device a green device, especially if you are thinking about overall energy use in trying to determine how many solar panels your home may need. Here are some energy-saving tips that you can easily implement to save money every time you do your laundry. 

Choose an Energy Efficient Washer

Choosing an energy-efficient washer will cost more but will save money in the long run. All off-grid washing machines are energy efficient, but even among these models, there are a lot of differences. In general, if you need to wash several loads or have a higher need for washing your laundry, you may want to look at energy use per load and consider the load size that the washer can accept – only this way will you be able to know exactly how much power your washer will use per pound of laundry you do, which is the best possible approach. 

Schedule Your Laundry

Scheduling your laundry is another way to save money. If you have a Time of Use energy plan or free electricity during some periods of the day, you can definitely save by doing your laundry during these periods of the day. Additionally, you may also want to consider running your dryer at this time, especially if you have no clothesline. 

However, with off-grid washing machines, you should consider the period of the day when there is the most sunshine. This will provide you with a good opportunity to do your laundry using the power of the sun, and will not be putting extra strain on your solar battery, extending its useful life and saving you even more in the long run. In a case like this, only leftover energy will be sent to the battery, instead of constantly draining it and recharging it. 

Use Eco-Friendly Detergents

Using eco-friendly detergents has multiple benefits for your clothes, the washer, and your environment. Eco-friendly detergents enable you to do your laundry in very cold to warm water, so that you may not need to actually use the hot water cycle. This will save you a lot of energy and money, all while still getting the laundry that is as clean as before. In addition to this, 

If you live off the grid and have no access to sewer lines, you will be able to divert the runoff water from your septic tank, especially if you use organic eco-friendly detergents. This way, you can use the runoff water to water your orchard or ornamental garden and will be able to enjoy greenery for much longer into the season. 

Soak Your Clothes First

Pre-soaking your clothes will help break down some of the dirt and will make the job much easier for your washer. In fact, putting some elbow grease into it and pre-washing the clothes will also help a lot. In most cases, your washer will be able to do the job in less time and with less energy used, and you will be able to do your laundry in lower-temperature water. 

Reduce Rinse Cycles

Most washers use a lot of water during the rinse cycle. This means that a lot of water gets wasted as 2-3 rinse cycles are usually enough. Seek for models that allow you to choose the number of rinse cycles, and beware that reducing them too much is not advisable for people who have contact dermatitis, babies, or people with contact allergies. 

Always Switch Off & Unplug

Many washer models, including off-grid washing machine options, have displays that show some basic data when machines are not in use, such as date and time. This vampire load can be detrimental to your saving efforts, especially if you have many such devices. To prevent vampire load, always switch off and unplug your washer. 

Some of The Best Solar Washing Machines Today!

1. Toread Compact Twin Tub 

Toread Compact Twin Tub features 2 drums: one for washing and one for spinning the washed clothes. This machine is designed specifically with new families in mind. It features a drain pump and is only 33 lbs heavy. It can wash 14.4 lbs of clothes and dry 6.6 lbs at once. This is a good solution for off-grid applications and larger RVs. 

It can do a full load in 15 minutes with a 5-minute separate spin cycle. It has 3 washing programs and is a water-saving model. With a great price of $199, it is also one of the best and most affordable models out there. It is very portable and does not need permanent fixing. 

2. 10 L Portable Washing Machine 

The collapsible, bucket-type washer is a great option for all who would like to have a very compact washer in their hand. The washer has no spin cycle, but rather a powerful agitator that can easily wash smaller and more delicate items. It is the best solution for families with newborns, especially if you are looking for an eco-friendly way to wash or even pre-wash your baby’s clothes. The model is collapsible and takes up as little as 2.2 inches of space when stored. 

3. Black + Decker Small Portable Washer

Black + Decker washer is a portable solution that has 3 water levels and a delay start option. It can wash 0.9 cubic feet of clothes in one go and features a rust-resistant drum that is great for washing smaller clothing items. Unlike other models, it features a transparent lid and a slick design. It has an auto-unbalance sensor and is highly portable. 

FAQs

Conclusion

Every off-grid washing machine will save you water and money in the long run. However, if you want to take the game to the next level and avoid doing only small loads of laundry, or are looking for ways to do more with fewer solar panels, purchasing a solar energy-powered washer and using it wisely will help you save a lot. Use solar energy to your advantage and secure safe and independent access to energy for the upcoming generations. 

Updated on 06-14-23