Does a Solar Powered Air Conditioner Really Work?

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☀️ Does a Solar Powered Air Conditioner Really Work?

We require our air conditioning units most when the sun beats down on our homes and heats the indoor environment.

This heating happens due to the vast amounts of energy the sun gives, which are then transmitted through absorption and convection.

We are all familiar with this process, and those who live in hotter climates spend significant time and money on technology and house design that can minimize its effects.

With so much energy being absorbed by your building, it makes sense to harness it to cool the inside environment.

This may seem like a novel idea, but solar-powered air conditioning is a growing market that may soon rival electric-powered air conditioning.

But how do solar-powered air conditioners work, and how does it rank in terms of effectiveness and energy efficiency compared with a conventional air conditioner?

☀️ The Heavy Environmental Cost of Air Conditioning

Americans spend a phenomenal amount of money on cooling their homes every year.

Energy.gov estimates that as much as $11 billion of our hard-earned salaries goes toward powering air conditioners.

Given that around 87 percent of us have air conditioners in our homes, it should be no surprise that the average cost to run it comes to almost $300 per household a year.

This figure represents around 12 percent of the total domestic energy expenditure. 

Not only are air conditioning costs hurtful to our personal finances, but their high energy demands are also terrible for the environment.

The heavy energy use of air conditioning in the United States alone contributes an estimated 140 million tons of carbon dioxide annually.

At a time when working toward becoming carbon-neutral is at the forefront of domestic and international policy (this includes you as well, Canada…). 

The massive energy consumption required for the simple task of keeping us cool in our homes needs to be addressed sooner rather than later, and solar air conditioners could be the solution.

☀️ How Do Solar-Powered Air Conditioners Work?

There are several different solar air conditioners, although many of these are not yet available in consumer markets.

Nonetheless, three types have become common in residential buildings in the last few years:

🌄 Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Air Conditioners

These systems capture the sun’s solar energy using solar photovoltaic panels, usually mounted on a building’s roof.

The solar PV panels convert this solar energy into electricity to power all the constituent parts of a traditional split system.

The electricity that is not used is stored in a battery array for later use.

In addition, some hybrid air conditioner systems are connected to the electricity grid to provide an extra boost if the sun is not strong enough to charge the batteries.

🌄 Solar Thermal Systems

These systems employ a plate to capture solar energy from the sun’s rays.

This energy then directly works to turn an electric generator to power the compressor responsible for the refrigeration process in the air conditioning system.

Solar thermal systems use electricity from the grid to run the fans and the electric control panel.

However, this system is quickly falling out of fashion since they are less energy-efficient than solar photovoltaic systems.

🌄 Absorption Chillers

These systems use solar power from solar panels to drive the fan and compressor motor in systems that use evaporation and condensation to generate cool air.

Absorption chillers can run off batteries that solar panels have charged.

☀️ Are Solar-Powered Air Conditioning Systems Effective?

It may come as a surprise to you to learn that solar-powered air conditioning systems work just as well as conventional ones.

As long as you have enough sunlight (which will normally be the case since the system is only likely to be in use on a hot, sunny day anyway), a solar air conditioning system is equally effective at cooling an indoor space as a mains electric powered system.

In the rare event that you need to turn on the air conditioning on a cloudy day, solar air conditioner systems use a battery array for power.

The batteries in this array are charged with the excess energy collected by the solar panels on a hot day.

☀️ How Much Can I Save with a Solar AC System?

Installing a solar-powered air conditioning system requires a substantial initial outlay.

However, the cost of having solar panels, battery arrays, converters, and wiring set up at your home will eventually be offset by the considerable savings that you will make on energy bills.

The total amount that you will save will depend on several factors.

• First, the number, size, and energy-capturing capabilities of the solar panels will determine the proportion of an air conditioning system’s energy use met with solar power.  A hybrid solar system still has a grid connection.

• Second, the size and carrying capacity of the battery array is important. Battery technology has come a long way in the last few years and is advancing rapidly. In basic terms, the more energy your battery can store from solar power, the more it can be used to supplement your air conditioning system’s energy demands.

• Third, the amount that you use the air conditioner will obviously impact how much you can save. In hotter climates, you will need a system that is capable of running for longer. However, these requirements should be offset to a certain degree by the greater amount of sunlight that can be harvested. A hybrid solar system may not be needed.

Check out this Solar Panel Calculator from GoGreenSolar.com to calculate how many solar panels you need to power your AC or your entire home.

✅ Looking to Go Solar?

Looking to finally make that sustainable switch to solar power? 

GoGreenSolar is your new best friend!

GoGreenSolar is a US-based one-stop shop for residential solar products and installation.

GoGreenSolar helps US homeowners create custom configurations for their homes.

They also have many helpful calculators and resources online to help you with a DIY installation or with the help of licensed contractors. 

Not only does GoGreenSolar offer top-notch customer service, but they can also help you with all the requirements of going solar – permitting, rebates etc…

There’s even a 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit to help offset the costs of going green.

You can even request a free Solar Panel Analysis for your home. GET MY FREE LAYOUT DESIGN

☀️ Final Thoughts on Solar Powered Air Conditioners

Overall, solar power can contribute at least half of the energy required to run your air conditioning unit.

In some cases where a system has more panels and a larger battery, you will hardly have to use electricity from the grid at all.

An increasing number of people choose to adapt their homes to be as energy-efficient as possible.

If a large proportion of your domestic energy use comes from cooling your home, you should consider installing a solar-powered AC system or a solar-powered heat pump.

A cooling system such as this will shave a significant sum off your electricity bill and eventually pay for itself.

If you are seriously considering installing a solar-powered air conditioner and live in the Central and North Okanagan region, check out our Electrical services in Vernon or Kelowna.

We have the best local and independent Home Service Contractors in the area.

So whether you need an AC Technician or an Electrician, we have you covered, and we are only a phone call away.

Interested in learning more about your home HVAC and electrical systems? Check out our articles in the Phyxter Home Improvement Blog.