Can you run central air on solar energy?

Answer 1

Air conditioners are by far the largest user of electricity. On hot summer days, extra generators need to be brought online to drive the many industrial, commercial and residential units that are used to make the indoor environment bearable. During the long, hot days of summer, the sun is usually shining bright and strong. A solar power air conditioner would be ideal to use the energy from the sun to help counteract its heat. Most central air conditioners run off of 220/240 V AC to drive a refrigerant through a heat exchanger and to operate a fan. These large units are used to cool entire homes up to 2200 ft2. On the other hand, room air conditioners run off of 110 V, usually cool up to 300 ft2 and can be easily powered from power generated from solar panels. Depending on the climate in which you live, the savings in power can easily pay for themselves in a few years.

Typical room air conditioners use about 1200 Watts but newer models are becoming much more energy efficient and consume around 600 Watts. Before powering the unit from solar power, find a unit that balances low power consumption with good air conditioning comfort. The lower the power consumption, the lower the number of solar panels you'll require. Once you've found a comfortable room air conditioner that uses as little power as necessary, determine the number of solar panels you require. [See: How many solar panels to make one kilowatt?] The solar panels will be generating direct current (DC) which will then be inverted to alternating current (AC). If you only need the unit to be running during daylight hours, then this system will probably be enough for you.