Refrigerating appliances are among the most desirable but expensive appliances that small enterprises and households aspire to own once electricity becomes available and incomes rise beyond subsistence. While research indicates a large market opportunity for off-grid refrigerating appliances, observed market penetration is still very low with annual sales roughly estimated at ~12-31 thousand units, compared to about 200 million grid-connected units worldwide. One reason for this is user hesitancy due to concerns about product failure, and a lack of after-sales service and maintenance.

These Model Quality and Performance Guidelines for Off-Grid Refrigerating Appliances provide voluntary guidance intended to inform market transformation efforts in developing and emerging economies that support the adoption of new off-grid refrigerating appliances with recommended parameters for quality assurance, energy efficiency, and use of refrigerants and foam-blowing agents with a lower global warming potential (GWP) than typical legacy refrigerants. The guidance covers refrigerating appliances commonly used in residential and light commercial applications (not including walk-in cold rooms) in off-grid locations.

The publication annex provides additional context about the rationale and methodologies underpinning the Model Quality and Performance Guidelines for Off-Grid Refrigerating Appliances.