The availability of vaccines, medicines, and perishable goods in remote or off-grid areas remains a formidablechallenge. Integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with refrigeration technology has emerged as a promisingsolution to address this critical need. This paper presents an autonomous solar-powered refrigerator prototype foroff-grid refrigeration in remote areas utilising renewable energy. The system comprises a 160 W photovoltaicmodule, a 12/24 V DC compressor refrigerator, a lead-acid battery, and a Maximum Power Point Tracking(MPPT) controller. Its main feature is complete autonomy from the electricity grid, thanks to its standaloneconfiguration. An experimental campaign evaluated the system’s behaviour in the laboratory for 24 h at differentset-point temperatures. A water-based Phase Change Material (PCM) was implemented to improve its autonomyin severe outdoor conditions. A further experimental campaign emulated the functioning of the prototype whilemanaging the temperature of a sample solution whose melting temperature was equal to – 21 ◦C to ensure itsliquid state during the tests. The target range for preserving the sample was defined at ± 1 ◦C. Several realconditions have been considered, such as higher cooling loads realised through 21 litres of additional thermalmass in the refrigerator and pick and place conditions for simulating the opening and closing of the door. Theresults demonstrate that the solar refrigerator prototype achieves complete autonomy from the electricity grid,paving the way for solutions for preserving perishable goods such as medicines and food in unelectrified areas.1.