Does a Solar Powered Air Conditioner Really Work? 

solar powered air conditioner

We need solar powered air conditioner when the sun heats the room temperature. Those who live in the eastern part of the world spend a significant amount of technology on home design. It is important to keep a cool temperature inside the room. Solar powered air conditioning is the best option that saves electricity costs by reducing coal energy consumption. It is the main competitor of electric-powered air conditioning in the market, which will soon be replaced by solar powered AC systems. As it is a new technology, people have many questions about how it works. Why should you use it? I’m going to answer all these questions today.  

The Heavy Environmental Cost of Air Conditioning

In the USA, UK, Australia, and India, people spend a lot of money on cooling their residential and commercial premises. A chunk of our hard-earned salary goes to the cooling system. On average, it is around $200 to $300 per household. 

It is not only tough to spend such an amount on the system, but it is also not environmentally friendly. However, you can solve these issues by switching to a solar-powered air conditioner. When Governments are trying to reduce the usage of coal energy and carbon footprint, this issue needs to be addressed sooner or later. I think solar AC can be the best solution.  

How Does a Solar Powered Air Conditioner Work? 

There are different kinds of solar air conditioners on the market. Many of them are not available to us, some of them are in the research and development stage. The three main types of air conditioners are: 

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Air Conditioners 

It uses the sun’s energy to produce electricity for the system using photovoltaic cells. The panel should be installed on the rooftop of a premise. It converts the light of the sun into electricity which can be stored in the battery for later use. Some hybrid systems can be connected with on-grid systems to supply power in the absence of sunlight.  

Solar Thermal Systems 

It uses a solar panel to capture the sun ray and supply solar power directly to the compressor, which runs the refrigeration process in the machine. However, thermal air conditioners use on-grid electricity to run the electric control panel. That is why it is not so popular in the market. 

Solar Evaporation Air Conditioners 

It uses solar power to run fans and compressors, which produce cool air. However, it uses more power, which is why the batteries can be dried out quickly. It needs a lot of improvement to make it user-friendly. 

Are Solar-Powered Air Conditioning Systems Effective? 

Solar-powered air conditioning is very effective in your home and small businesses if you have a good power backup. For large businesses and commercial premises, you can switch to hydropower supply to save electricity costs. 

It is interesting to note that the AC system is used on sunny days, so there will be no issue with the absence of sunlight for the system. Besides that, it also runs in a hybrid model that uses an on-grid power supply to boost the system.  

If you compare the cooling capacity and value, solar-powered air conditioning is equally effective as an electric-powered AC. 

However, if you need to turn on AC on cloudy days, there you need a battery backup to supply power to the system. 

How Much Can I Save with a Solar AC System? 

Many people think installing a solar-powered AC is a huge investment, but they forget to analyze how much they can save in the long run. 

Indeed, installing the full setup, including panels, battery converter, and wires, demands a capital investment. However, you need to analyze the following things to understand how much you can save by installing a solar-powered AC.

Size and Number of Solar Panels 

Solar panels are the costliest equipment for the solar product, but the initial investment depends on the size and number of solar panels and their energy-capturing capabilities. Please remember that if you buy a hybrid system, it may use a power supply that may not save as much as a fully solar-powered system. 

Size and Capacity of Batteries

Panels produce electricity to save it in batteries, so it is important to get high-capacity batteries to run the system for a long time. Solar products and EVs are the future, so manufacturers focus more on battery technology, and it has been growing rapidly. 

Usage of the System 

The amount you will say also depends on the use of the air conditioner. In a hotter climate, you have to use the system for a long-time, but you do not need to use it in the wintertime. If you live in the eastern part of the world, you do not need a hybrid solar system. You can rely on a fully solar-powered air conditioner to save the maximum amount in the long run. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a solar-powered air conditioner really work?

Yes, a solar-powered air conditioner does work! It harnesses the energy from the sun to power the cooling process, making it an eco-friendly and energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioners.

How does a solar-powered air conditioner work?

A solar-powered air conditioner uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity powers the air conditioner’s compressor and fan, allowing it to cool the air inside your space.

Can a solar-powered air conditioner cool a whole house?

It depends on the size of the solar-powered air conditioner and the size of your house. Some solar-powered air conditioners are designed to cool specific rooms or zones, while others are capable of cooling larger areas. It’s essential to choose the right size and capacity to ensure effective cooling.

Is a solar-powered air conditioner cost-effective?

In the long run, a solar-powered air conditioner can be cost-effective. Although the upfront installation costs may be higher compared to traditional air conditioners, the savings on electricity bills over time can make up for it.

Can a solar-powered air conditioner work at night or on cloudy days?

Solar-powered air conditioners generally require sunlight to operate efficiently. However, you can install backup battery systems or connected to the electrical grid (for hybrid model) to ensure continuous cooling during nighttime or cloudy days. Yes, it may not meet your expectation if you rely on solar power on cloudy days because solar AC needs more energy than regular solar lamps.

Are solar-powered air conditioners suitable for all climates?

Solar-powered air conditioners can work effectively in various climates. However, their performance may vary based on factors like sunlight availability, temperature, and humidity levels. You should consult with a professional to determine the best option for your specific climate and cooling needs.

Final Thought 

After analyzing all the pros and cons, I think solar-powered air conditioners are suitable for residential and small businesses but not effective on commercial premises. 

In a previous article, I discussed the cheapest way of generating electricity. I have told you to use hydropower supply to run commercial premises and save the maximum amount on your electricity bill. 

The best way is to use the maximum number of solar panels and batteries by switching completely from the on-grid power supply.  

If you are going to buy a solar power AC system for residential or commercial premises, please consult with an expert to calculate how many solar panels and batteries you need to run the system on your premises.  

If you have queries, please comment below. I will answer it as soon as possible. Please follow my website to get updates on soar air conditioners. 

Matt Hardy

Aim for Solar is an online platform for solar products. Matt has extensive experience in solar industries with an online certificate affiliated to The State University of New York. He aims to encourage others to enjoy the blessing of solar products. Read unbiased product reviews and other blogs. Please feel free to contact us at support@aimforsolar.com

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Javier Bostock

    Your blog posts brighten my day like sunbeams. I value the positive energy you bring.

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