Solar-powered refrigeration systems price data

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As part of its commitment to procurement transparency and accountability, UNICEF makes  the prices paid to suppliers for cold chain systems publicly available. This document provides detailed pricing information for complete solar direct-drive (SDD) refrigeration systems, which include freezers, refrigerators, and combined refrigerator and freezers.  

The prices are based on suppliers' tendered Free Carrier (FCA) containerized prices for sea shipment and established on long-term agreements (LTAs). The document includes the highest and lowest prices for each category and supplier.

Solar-powered refrigeration equipment runs on electricity generated by solar panels. In the SDD technology, solar panels supply power directly to the refrigerator or freezer, and batteries are therefore not required.  

Sustainable alternatives

UNICEF procures solar direct-drive refrigeration equipment primarily for the storage of vaccines used in areas without electricity or where there is less than eight hours of reliable electricity over a typical day. The WHO-PQS prequalified SDD systems meet the performance requirements with a solar radiation reference period of 3.5 kWh/m²/day and hot zone test temperatures of +43°C.

Solar direct-drive solutions are reliable, environmentally friendly and economically sustainable alternatives to conventional mains-powered fridges, as they do not require diesel backup generators as a contingency to power failures. Their overall operational costs are lower because they do not use power from fossil fuels or national grid systems, and do not have expenses associated with those sources such as monthly electricity bills, and fuel charges for diesel generators. 

UNICEF SD only procures WHO pre-qualified equipment, listed in the WHO PQS (Performance, Quality and Safety Standard Operating Procedure). 

The price data document was updated in December 2025.