“Questions and Answers: Solar Power and Your Air Conditioner”

Introduction

If time has caught up with you, and you were still planning to “BEAT THE HEAT”, by still installing your air-conditioner in 2023, never fear as this blog may just help you answer a few important questions you haven’t thought about yet.

I must also mention, that many of the questions, answers and information in this blog may be very logical to some, but foreign to others, but I hope we will be able to provide you with an insight and useful information when you are ready to finally install your aircon.

AC (Alternating Current) versus DC (Direct Current)

It is imperative that we start off understanding the difference between the two electric currents, before we delve deeper into the article.

Using the air-conditioner as an example, coupled to solar panels. Your solar panels generate DC (direct current power) and the air conditioner in your home utilizes (alternating current power). In simple terms, Eskom supplies AC current, and a solar PV installation uses DC current. (This is also why people talk about an inverter, as you will need an inverter to convert the power from AC to DC.

There are many other technicality one can discuss in relation to the two types of power, but for simplicity we want to keep this as simple as possible.

Do you get Solar Aircons in South Africa?

The simple answer is yes. Midea South Africa for example has just launched the new Breezles E air conditioner which is completely compatible with a solar installation, and it is excellent Quality and value for money. Midea and other suppliers have already installed thousands worldwide, as these air conditioners are going to continue to make a HUGE difference in the lowering of energy consumption in homes and businesses around the world!

Can I Run My Air Conditioner with Solar Panels?

Yes, you can power an A/C system or supplement your power supply with solar panels. We have also included a diagram on the right, listing a few benefits of solar. By mentioning Yes, How and listing a few important benefits of solar will not only answer your questions, but also provide possible answers to follow up questions as well.

The size of the unit and other factors will determine the number of panels required to power the system. Using the energy from a rooftop or ground-fixed solar array to power your AC can provide you with seasonal or even year-round energy savings (depending on where you live) while reducing your carbon footprint.

How to Run an AC Unit with Solar Panels?

To run an AC unit with solar panels, you’ll need an inverter, battery, and of course, solar panels. Because solar panels generate DC (direct current power), and your home air conditioner utilizes AC (alternating current) power, you’ll need an inverter to convert this energy. From there, you can decide whether you want to power your AC through solar, using an on-grid or off-grid system. Or, install an entirely solar-powered air conditioner.

Here the differences between these options are explained:

  • On-grid system. For this option, panels and an inverter will be installed alongside your existing AC unit. Your panels will be connected to the grid, and therefore a battery is not needed for storage. However, if the power is out, your system will be too. With this option, you can choose to operate your AC during the day with solar energy from your array and then turn off your air conditioner at night, when it’s cooler. Or, use a backup battery to continue powering at night.
  • Off-grid system. For this option, panels, an inverter, and a battery will be installed alongside your existing AC unit. Because this system isn’t connected to the grid, your battery will store additional power produced from your solar panels for use at night or on days when you have less direct sunlight.
  • Solar-powered air conditioners. There are a few varieties including 1) DC (direct current), 2) AC (alternating current), and 3) hybrid. DC units are ideal for off-grid, as they’re directly-wired to your panels and can utilize battery operation—however if you plan to use your AC at night, an inverter and battery will be necessary. An AC unit will utilize an inverter to convert from DC to AC power and can be run with grid power if solar generation is low. A hybrid AC can be toggled back and forth to be run by the solar array (if the panels are producing well, like on a clear sunny day) and the grid (if they’re not).

Do solar panels work with moonlight?

Believe it or not, this is actually a very common question asked by many people, I thought it quite appropriate to include it in this article. Given that moonlight is just sunlight reflected off the moon, you’ll be relieved to learn that yes, solar panels can operate with moonlight. Your solar panels will, however, create very little power at night, even if the moon is shining directly on them with no clouds in the sky.

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Run an AC Unit?

In order to run your AC on solar panels alone, you need to ensure they produce that same total amount of wattage. An average estimate would be to divide your AC wattage by the solar panel wattage you intend to use. Using the average household AC wattage of 3,500 watts, and a standard solar panel wattage, this formula would look something like 3,500 (w) / 250 w (panels) = 14 panels.

Despite the labeled wattage of the panels, in real life, variables include how much energy your solar panels can produce due to climate, area placement, type, model, electrical connection, and more.

Conclusion:

As you can see above, we have tried to provide answers and insight into the use of solar air conditioning. It is also just not possible to answer the thousands of different questions people may have, and that is exactly why it is important to establish trust, honesty and loyalty with your air conditioning partner, so that you can be guided properly according to your needs. It also goes without saying, that the role of a qualified electrician or solar electrician, is imperative, in measuring your exact electricity usage, and your requirement to run your air conditioner of solar. (Remember, running an inverter or non-inverter will require different energy inputs)

Should you require any help with solar and the running of air conditioning system, SOS Air Conditioning Systems together with a qualified electrician would be more than happy to help! (We only a phone call away)

Let SOS help you “BEAT THE HEAT” this summer!

 

Email:  info@sosairconsystems.co.za

Website:  www.sosairconsystems.co.za