Experimental investigation and relevant analysis on a solar cell driven, thermoelectric refrigerator has been conducted. To make the device portable, daytime use and nighttime use of the refrigerator are treated in different ways. Solar cells are applied to power the refrigerator in the day. Storage battery, assisted by an a.c. rectifier, is used to provide electric energy in the night and in cloudy or rainy days. Experiment results demonstrate that the unit can maintain the temperature in the refrigerator at 5-10 degreesC, and have a COP about 0.3. It is expected that the refrigerator would be potential for cold storage of vaccine, foodstuffs and drink in remote area, or outdoor applications where electric power supply is absent. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.