Is it possible to run an AC on solar power?

If you live in a place where heatwaves are common, AC becomes something that you can’t live without. In Pakistan, it has become more of a necessity than a luxury. With electricity bills and hot summers rising, people are looking for affordable ways to stay cool.

The best solution for this problem is switching to solar cooling. The term ‘solar cooling’ is becoming increasingly popular as more people convert to solar energy. Before we learn more about it, let’s look at some of the popular queries regarding solar panels and cooling appliances.

Can solar panels run AC?

One of the most common solar-related questions these days is, Can solar panels run AC? The answer is quite simple. Yes, you can run an AC on solar panels but it cannot be powered directly. This means you can’t run AC which requires alternating current (AC) from the electricity generated by solar panels which is in direct current (DC). 

To run your AC on solar panels, you will need a solar inverter to convert DC power into AC power.

Can I run AC with solar panels without a battery?

Yes, it is possible to run AC with solar panels without a battery. For that, you have to install a grid-tied solar system. Learn more about different types of solar systems by clicking on this article.

This system connects your solar panels directly to your home’s electrical system which is already connected to the grid. So what it does is, use the electricity generated by solar panels to power your home during the daytime, and if it generates excess energy during that time, it sends it to the grid where you receive credit for it through net metering. Find out the net metering price in Pakistan.

On cloudy days or at night, when solar power can’t meet demand, the grid takes over to supply electricity. 

How many solar panels do you need for a 1.5-ton AC?

Before determining how many solar panels are needed for an AC, we first need to know about your AC’s daily kWh usage. To find out about the daily kWh usage of your 1.5-ton AC. 

A 1.5-ton non-inverter AC consumes 2000W of power, and it needs 1.5-2kW of power per hour to operate. A 2kw solar system will be suitable for this specific energy requirement. If you going to use 575W solar panels then you will need 3-4 solar panels to run your AC for an hour effectively.

This detailed estimated overview for a 1.5-ton AC (non-inverter) below can help you find the best solar system based on your energy requirement per day.

Solar Cooling

Solar cooling is an innovative solution for staying cool while saving energy. It is actually a method that uses energy from the sun to run refrigerators and ACs. This system helps reduce your reliance on the grid and lower electricity bill costs. This technology is growing in popularity, especially in regions where cooling is a year-round need, and electricity costs are a burden.

There are two main types of solar cooling systems:

1. PV Solar Systems: Using solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, which powers the AC unit.
2. Solar Thermal Cooling: This system uses solar energy to heat a fluid, which is then used to drive an absorption chiller to cool the air.

Solar thermal cooling is more complex and less common, photovoltaic solar cooling is the best option for homeowners looking to cut down on energy bills and lower their environmental impact. With the right setup, you can use solar energy to cool your home efficiently, making solar cooling a smart investment for the future.

Conclusion

In Pakistan, determining how many solar panels you’ll need for an air conditioner depends on its operating hours. Keep in mind that you can’t run an AC directly on solar panels without an inverter and battery system.

Go green with Feroze Power (Pvt) Ltd in Pakistan

Contact Feroze Power today for more information on solar system costs in Pakistan. Our experts are dedicated to assisting you in achieving the best solar and sustainable outcomes. Take charge of your energy bills and support Pakistan’s shift towards sustainable green energy solutions.