To be honest, I have no idea the cost differences between compressor and absorption refrigerators. One could get by with two AGM batteries with a compressor refrigerator which would essentially give you about one batteries' worth of use for everything else. It would probably require a little supplemental help with solar. Mind you it was erip that said, "...why would any manufacturer use an absorption fridge, auto ignite or piezo ignite, in this day and age, yet thats where we are." I didn't say it.