Every thing you’ll want to learn about solar-powered air conditioners

At HVAC.com, our writers create options that put you accountable for your HVAC system. Our product critiques and suggestions are researched and backed by actual consumers and trade specialists, not dictated by our companions.

Photo voltaic-powered air conditioners simply make sense. In spite of everything, you’re more than likely to make use of your AC when the solar is thrashing down on your property.

This piece will evaluation the necessity for solar-powered air-con, how photo voltaic ACs work, and the way a lot you’ll be able to anticipate to avoid wasting on utilities.

The advantages of solar-powered air-con

In line with the U.S. Division of Power, three-quarters of American properties have air conditioners. The vitality utilized by energy vegetation to assist that many air conditioners produces 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide yearly. 

Carbon dioxide is taken into account a greenhouse gasoline. Greenhouse gasses contribute to international warming and trigger environmental and human well being points. 

Moreover, air conditioners account for about 6% of the vitality consumed within the U.S. Throughout the nation, People spend a cumulative $29 billion on AC-related electrical energy yearly.

Not solely can solar-powered air conditioners scale back greenhouse gasoline emissions, however they’ll additionally assist slash utility payments. 

And photo voltaic AC homeowners received’t have to fret when utilities make use of rolling blackouts on the most popular days to keep away from grid overuse. Their ACs work independently of the ability firm. 

How does a photo voltaic air conditioner work?

In easy phrases, photo voltaic ACs use photo voltaic panels to energy the air-con system.

Photo voltaic panels acquire vitality from the solar. They convert this vitality into energy. That energy both goes on to the air conditioner or to a battery the place it’s saved till the AC wants it.

Most photo voltaic AC programs are hybrid, that means they use conventional electrical energy sources along with solar energy. Hybrid programs are extra common in highly regarded environments the place it’s essential to run the AC at evening (when there’s no solar) to maintain snug.

For full off-the-grid air-con, there are solar-only programs. These are extra energy-efficient however don’t supply the identical flexibility as hybrid programs. 

Photo voltaic-powered central air vs. mini splits

Although solar-powered central air conditioners exist, most photo voltaic ACs are mini splits. Mini splits differ from central ACs as a result of they don’t require ductwork to function.

Conventional central ACs encompass an outside compressor that pushes air via evaporator and condenser coils to chill it. The tools distributes that air via your ductwork to the vents all through your property. A thermostat controls the temperature and performance of your entire system.

Mini splits encompass an outside compressor and a number of indoor evaporators. The compressor and evaporators join through electrical and refrigerant strains. Every evaporator has its personal thermostat and works independently to chill a zone of your property.

Mini splits are typically extra energy-efficient than central air conditioners. They’re inexpensive and less complicated to put in. Standard in Europe and different areas of the world, mini splits are gaining reputation within the U.S.

What number of photo voltaic panels to run an air conditioner?

The variety of panels required to run a photo voltaic AC varies. It relies on the solar-powered air conditioner you select and the way a lot you utilize it.

Most mini splits use 500-700 watts per hour per evaporator zone. Most residential photo voltaic panels make 250-400 watts per hour. Meaning most photo voltaic air conditioners require not less than two photo voltaic panels.

Central air-con capability is measured based mostly on tonnage. For each 600 sq. ft, you’ll want 1 ton to maintain it cool. So, a 2,000-square-foot dwelling requires not less than a 3.5-ton AC. We advocate 1,200 watts of photo voltaic paneling for every ton. A 2,000-square-foot dwelling would want 11-17 photo voltaic panels. 

Photo voltaic-powered mini cut up

Photo voltaic-powered central air conditioner

How efficient is photo voltaic air-con?

Photo voltaic air conditioners are as efficient as their conventional counterparts. They’ll preserve you simply as cool and cozy.

Hybrid programs make the most of electrical energy when your photo voltaic battery drains, so that you don’t have to fret about cloudy days or working the AC at evening.

Nonetheless, some solar-only ACs might not be capable of keep output with out the solar’s rays.

Photo voltaic air conditioner financial savings

Photo voltaic air conditioners often price greater than conventional cooling programs. However the upfront expense is price it to many due to the month-to-month vitality financial savings. We discovered that the funding in a photo voltaic AC typically pays for itself inside 10 years of buy.

Angi reviews the common home-owner spends $3,400 on a photo voltaic air conditioner. On the whole, they price $1,600-13,000. Mini splits are extra inexpensive, whereas solar-powered central air conditioners price extra. 

Along with the price of the unit, you’ll have to pay for set up. Angi says this ranges $1,500-3,500. 

Alternatively, a conventional air conditioner prices a median of $5,650 with an set up price of $500-2,500, in response to HomeAdvisor. A ductless mini cut up prices a median of $3,400-4,800 for a single-zone system, with set up charges of $300-1,500.

Switching to a solar-powered air conditioner can scale back your vitality payments by 40 p.c. The typical U.S. home-owner spends $115 monthly on electrical energy. You could possibly save about $46 a month by switching to a solar-powered dwelling air conditioner. 

Photo voltaic financial savings applications

Past the month-to-month utility financial savings, there are native and federal incentives that provide credit for utilizing photo voltaic vitality.

For instance, a photo voltaic air conditioner bought in 2022 could possibly be eligible for a 22 p.c tax credit score with the Federal Photo voltaic Funding program. The Power Star program additionally presents rebates of as much as a number of hundred {dollars} for energy-efficient HVAC tools. 

Finest solar-powered ACs

Most big-name HVAC manufacturers aren’t making photo voltaic merchandise but. Lennox’s SunSource line is the one one we’re at the moment conscious of. With Lennox’s status for cutting-edge expertise, we’re not shocked they’re on the forefront of photo voltaic AC. 

HotSpot Power makes solar-powered HVAC programs which might be price testing. The model hasn’t been round for lengthy, however it’s Higher Enterprise Bureau accredited with an A+ score.

Different photo voltaic AC producers embrace Carisol and GREE. Nonetheless, their presence within the U.S. is minimal at current. As such, we’re not sure what stage of set up and restore assist they provide to U.S. prospects. We’d maintain off on buying these manufacturers for now.

Nonetheless occupied with a solar-powered air conditioner? Join with one in all our HVAC specialists to debate the very best offers in your space.