Solar refrigeration is the best method of utilization of solar energy due to the in-phase relationship between the availability of the solar radiation and the refrigeration requirements. Zeolites with their water content and ion-exchange capability can be used as the material for solar refrigeration. This study aims at further enhancement in the adsorption refrigeration capacity of zeolite by salt hydrate encapsulation. Ion-exchanged and salt hydrate encapsulated zeolites are prepared and characterized for their application as potential candidates in solar refrigeration. A sorption machine has been constructed with the salt-encapsulated zeolite and the results highlight the enhanced suitability of the salt-encapsulated zeolites for solar refrigeration. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.