All You Need to Know About Solar Air Conditioners

One of the most common and best sources of renewable energy today is solar energy. It’s one of the best ways to reduce carbon emissions.

Unlike other forms of renewable energies, solar energy has various applications, one of which is a solar air conditioner. 

A solar air conditioner uses solar energy to function. In an era of sustainability, solar AC is a revolutionary invention. Solar ACs contribute to a sustainable environment and significantly lowers energy bills. 

It can potentially accelerate the growth of solar energy and maximise the efficiency of solar power. 

Intrigued? Sure, you must be!

Let us learn more about solar ACs: how they work, what are their types, what are the pros and cons, and much more!

How Does a Solar Air Conditioner Work?

Like a solar panel, a solar AC uses sunlight as a source of energy to function. It takes solar energy to collect direct current energy and convert it into alternating current to provide cool air. 

A solar panel is necessary for the functioning of solar air conditioners. The solar panel captures the sun’s energy and transforms this into electrical energy. This energy is then stored in a battery for direct use. 

This stored energy is referred to as DC power. A solar AC uses this power either directly or converts it into alternating current to function. 

Fact check – A solar air conditioner mainly uses solar energy to operate; however, it can also work using grid energy. 

Why Do You Need a Solar Air Conditioner? 

Do you know that similar to a solar panel system, a solar air conditioner is an excellent environment-friendly alternative?

As of 2020, solar energy accounts for only 2.4% of total electricity use. Thus, if you switch to using a solar air conditioner, you’ll facilitate the reduction of CO2 emissions (and your electricity bills!). 

It is correct that a solar AC can be a hefty investment. However, its various benefits will certainly outperform its initial high purchasing cost. 

Let us check the amazing benefits of using solar AC: 

• In the modern era where carbon emissions are making the air poisonous, solar AC comes as a wonderful invention. How? Well, it lowers the emission of greenhouse gases. 

• It reduces your expenses and allows you to save money to make up for the initial purchase and installation costs. 

• It diminishes the overall energy demand due to the shifting peak load. 

What are the Various Types of Solar Air Conditioners?

After the benefits come choosing the right type of solar air conditioner. In order to do that, you need to know the types that are available in the market.

A solar AC is available in many options, based on the air conditioner’s power mode. 

• AC Powered solar air conditioners
• DC Powered solar air conditioners 
• Hybrid solar air conditioners

AC Powered Solar Air Conditioners

Alternating Current solar air conditioner is the most well-known kind of solar energy air conditioner. 

An inverter facilitates the functioning of these air conditioners. This air conditioner uses the stored solar energy after the energy has passed through the inverter.  

You can run these air conditioners with solar panels and grid energy. You don’t need to install any extra equipment (such as a battery) as these air conditioners can run just on alternating current. 

They can run as standard air conditioners by tying up to the grid energy, and you can transfer the surplus electricity back to the grid. 

DC Powered Solar Air Conditioners

A DC-powered solar air conditioner is also a conventional kind of solar-powered air conditioner. It uses solar and photovoltaic panels to collect solar energy and transform it into electrical energy. 

Solar energy charges the batteries of these air conditioners. They can entirely run off-grid or directly off a solar panel. 

If you want to opt for complete off-grid living, DC-powered solar air conditioners are the ideal option for you. These don’t require much extra equipment to run, thus saving you extra costs. 

DC-powered solar air conditioners are convenient to install and maintain. However, one major disadvantage is that you need a heavy battery bank to supply power for night operation. 

Hybrid Solar Air Conditioners 

A hybrid solar air conditioner runs on both AC and DC powers simultaneously. You can directly connect these solar air conditioners to the grid and solar panels. 

These units, thus, use the necessary power source according to the power load and the time of the day. 

The total costs are also relatively minor because you don’t need any extra equipment like an inverter for the functioning of this unit. 

These air conditioners are incredibly flexible and can easily switch between grid and solar energy. 

One disadvantage of hybrid solar air conditioners is that they cannot function at night if you haven’t charged the batteries and installed them off-grid. 

How Much Do Solar Air Conditioners Cost?

There is no fixed cost of a solar AC as it differs based on the number of solar panels, air conditioner type, and other components. 

Furthermore, installing a solar panel system in your home would be more economical as it would cover air conditioning. 

Generally, solar-powered air conditioners can cost around $2000 (₹1,59,791) pre-installation. The total costs, including installation, can go up to around $5000 (₹3,99,477). 

However, you need to check with the manufacturer to find out the actual cost. Prices keep fluctuating in the solar market. 

Conclusion 

Solar-powered ACs are undoubtedly a revolutionary invention. Powering through solar energy is gradually becoming remarkably convenient. 

Thus, if you’re looking for a smart air conditioner that reduces your expenses and circulates cool air while simultaneously aiding in sustainable development, a solar-powered air conditioner is the best choice!

FAQs

Q. Does a solar AC release CO2?

No, since solar ACs use solar energy (clean energy) to operate, they do not emit CO2 or any other harmful gas into the environment. 

Q. Do I need to panel my whole roof to install a solar AC?

No, you don’t need to panel your whole roof to install a solar AC. 

Q. How can I know how many solar panels I would require for my solar-powered AC?

For this, you need to see how many watts of electricity your solar panels produce and what is the efficiency of your solar air conditioner.