Reduces Standard Energy Consumption
The islands of Hawaii are one of the states that have the most potential for solar power. Every island has an abundant amount of raw solar energy that isnt being utilized. Why is this?
There are a decent amount of residential homes and businesses alike that have already made the switch to solar or who at least use solar power to compensate for some of their standard power usages. However, there is still a large number of homes and businesses using standard means for commercial HVAC on Oahu. These people and businesses are not taking advantage of one of the islands largest resources. The sunny weather.
Some businesses might be worried about their making the switch for their and the overall cost. Right now solar panels cost less than ever before to buy and are even cheaper to pay for installation. Making the switch to our solar panels has never been easier and is the best decision for your business.
Since standard types of energy are imported to the islands the cost of such energy is 3 and sometimes as much as 4 times higher than the cost of the same energy used on the mainland. This makes solar energy the cheapest option in the long run.
This also means that residential and commercial properties on the islands of Hawaii can see their ROI from solar energy 3 to 4 times faster than businesses in other states. So what is the wait? Go ahead and contact Cool X Energy today for your free estimate!
Can Solar Panels Run An Air Conditioner
In general, running an air conditioner on soar power is a great way to help mitigate your monthyl electric bill. There are several ways that you can leverage the power of the sun to keep your house or building cool all day long.
But lets suppose you already have a conventional air conditioner set up in your home or building. In that case, whats the point of converting to a solar-powered AC system?
Well, solar-powered air conditioning is gaining popularity because it doesnt come with the same problems that conventional systems do, like:
- Expensive utility bills: It takes a lot of electricity to cool down a home or building with an air conditioner. Even though some places have lower energy costs than others, air conditioners continue to be one of the most significant contributors to high electricity bills.
- Power outages: Power grids experience interruptions from time to time, especially when the local weather becomes extremely hot. Unfortunately, you could find yourself without electricity to power your air conditioner, especially on extremely hot days.
- Greenhouse gas pollution: These days, people are becoming increasingly aware of their carbon footprint. Air conditioners demand lots of power from the local grid, which means power stations have to work harder to produce more energy. As a result, more greenhouse gasses are released into the atmosphere, damaging the environment even more.
- Solar Photovoltaic Air Conditioners
- Solar Thermal Systems
- Absorption Chillers
Solar Powered Air Conditioning Unit
Most people would like to have their homes cooled by the strength of sunlight which ironically causes heat. How to achieve energy efficient cooling of your abode by harnessing sunlight? I have successfully implemented a solar powered air conditioning unit for my living room which has been working great since June 2013 . Let me tell you how I have done it.Notes to keep in mind:What I have implemented is an off grid power system. My home generates its own power and can run without utility power. As a result my system is typically much more expensive than one that ties to the grid . I just prefer the option having of power should our utility fail or natural disaster strikes . I have fulfilled the electrical code requirements and power utility mandates for my area. Grid tie or feeding power back to our utility is both not currently possible and highly illegal in my country . This instructable is an overview of how I implemented my system and the cost absorbed by myself. If my implementation cannot meet your electrical code needs, utility mandates, budget constraints and design criteria then I cannot assist you on this. You need to conduct your necessary reseach for a safe design and I’m always happy to try my best in answering technical questions you may have.I published an instructable on how I solar powered my home with design calculations.
Read on and I hope you can find it interesting.
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Is Suntrac An Affordable Option For Me
You may be wondering how reliable your solar powered air conditioner will be. You might even wonder whether youll need to repair or replace it within a few years. In fact, SunTrac in Tucson offers a long and useful life to any homeowner who wants to benefit from it. Once it has been installed, your system should last for at least 15 years of dependable service. Your system will also require little or no maintenance. Its important to install your new system properly, so make sure to call an HVAC contractor who has been licensed to install SunTrac systems.
How Many Solar Panels Does It Take To Run An Air Conditioner
The number of solar panels you need to power the indoor unit determines how much power it has to cool the home. Typically, it depends on the exact solar-powered air conditioning unit you have.
Most AC systems use 1,200 watts to run, so that means roughly five solar panels if its a window unit. Those who prefer central air conditioning need between 3,000 to 5,000 watts, pushing that number to 22 or so.
Also Check: How To Mount Solar Panels On Metal Roof
Are There Any Cases Where A Solar Air Conditioner Is A Good Choice
There are some scenarios where installing a solar air conditioner might work for you. One of these cases is if there is limited roof space.
If you dont have space to install a full residential solar panel system, a solar air conditioner is a great way to still take advantage of renewable energy, decrease your power consumption, and see energy savings on your utility bill.
When people have off-grid homes, they may want to consider having a separate solar air conditioning system. This way, off-grid homes can still enjoy the comfort of air conditioning, even without grid power.
You should contact a local HVAC company to install a solar cooling system to ensure it is properly installed and that the refrigerant is properly handled. However, in most cases, a residential solar PV installation is going to be a better long-term investment.
See how much solar can save you
Make Your Solar Powered Air Conditioners Smart
Saving energy with solar powered air conditioning is one step save even further with smart air conditioning!
Pair your mini-split, window, or portable air conditioner with a smart AC controller for home climate automation and greater savings. Smart AC controllers such as Cielo Breez can help you save up to 25% on electricity bills. Moreover, you can also control your solar-powered AC unit from anywhere using your phone, set weekly schedules, enable geofencing or set other intelligent triggers for your home cooling and heating!
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The Benefits Of Solar
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, three-quarters of American homes have air conditioners. The energy used by power plants to support that many air conditioners produces 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Carbon dioxide is considered a greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gasses contribute to global warming and cause environmental and human health issues.
Additionally, air conditioners account for about 6% of the energy consumed in the U.S. Across the country, Americans spend a cumulative $29 billion on AC-related electricity annually.
Not only can solar-powered air conditioners reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they can also help slash utility bills.
And solar AC owners wont have to worry when utilities employ rolling blackouts on the hottest days to avoid grid overuse. Their ACs work independently of the power company.
Connect me with an HVAC pro to talk about solar.
How Many Solar Panels To Run An Air Conditioner
The number of panels required to run a solar AC varies. It depends on the solar-powered air conditioner you choose and how much you use it.
Most mini splits use 500-700 watts per hour per evaporator zone. Most residential solar panels make 250-400 watts per hour. That means most solar air conditioners require at least two solar panels.
Central air conditioning capacity is measured based on tonnage. For every 600 square feet, youll need 1 ton to keep it cool. So, a 2,000-square-foot home requires at least a 3.5-ton AC. We recommend 1,200 watts of solar paneling for each ton. A 2,000-square-foot home would need 11-17 solar panels.
Solar-powered mini split
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Save On Utility Bills
Solar energy systems use the most abundant natural resource on the planet: free sunlight. When installing a solar system on your home, you can instantly reduce the amount of electricity you consume from the utility grid, which in turn can lower your monthly bills and help you avoid time-of-use and higher-tiered electricity rates.
For even more savings, a hybrid air conditioner that combines a furnace with a heat pump system for heating and cooling can further reduce your energy needs, as they typically run more efficiently than a traditional air conditioner.
How Does Suntrac Work
The SunTrac system works by taking the energy and heat from the sun and adding it to your air conditioning units refrigeration cycle. As a result, your ACs compressorthe heat pump that circulates refrigerant through your ACdoesnt have to work as hard in order to keep your system going. Thus, you save a significant amount of energy that would otherwise go toward running the compressor. Thanks to the extra energy provided by your SunTrac hybrid system, your solar powered AC will still be able to provide your building with effective cooling power.
Also Check: When Is Next Total Solar Eclipse
Is Solar Powered Conditioning Right For You Call Us
If you are considering the idea of installing a solar powered air conditioner in your home, call American Home Water and Air. We are your air conditioner experts near Scottsdale, Arizona, preparing our customers for the future. You may consider this as one of the best investments youve ever made to your home.
Solar power is growing in popularity. Its only a matter of time when more homes will go off the grid and enjoy the benefits of it all. Dont wait contact us at 602-993-0083, and well get started with the process.
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.
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How Much Does Solar Air Conditioning Cost
For most homes, the complete system starts at about $6,000 but can exceed $10,000 based on size and where you live.
A rough cost breakdown looks like this:
- Solar air conditioner: $1,000 $2,700
- They are $250 $350 each with two or three needed for the AC.
- Wiring: $50 $200 based on panel location
- Inverter/Batteries/Charge controller: $1,800 $3,500 based on specific needs of your system.
Total Equipment Cost: $3,300 to $7,500
Pro Installation Cost: $1,500 $3,500
Total Solar Air Conditioning Cost: $4,300 to $11,000 for most brands.
Acdc12c: Frequently Asked Questions
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Why We Need Solar Powered Air Conditioners
The need for solar-powered air conditioners is vital considering how according to energy.gov, three-quarters of homes in the US use air conditioning which consumes about 6% of total electricity usage costing $29 billion annually and releasing 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide! Switching to solar powered energy-efficient air conditioning can help decrease the load from the environment and save considerable amounts of money.
Currently, as of 2020, solar energy only accounts for 2.4% of total electricity use. Switching towards solar powered central air conditioning or installing solar powered window or portable air conditioners can be a great step towards fighting the current climate crisis.
Solar Air Conditioning Cooling & Heating Augmentation
Solar augmentation also allows offsetting of higher daytime electricity rates and reduces the amount of early evening catch-up required by the normal system. The ACDC12C hybrid solar air conditioner allows you to add comfort without adding energy cost, and can sharply cut your daytime heating and cooling bills.
Get up to 100% of your daytime cooling free from the sun. Plug-N-Play solar connections make installation simple. Over SEER 22 on normal AC power. Calculated SEER equivalent net of DC power is > SEER 75. Requires min. 4x solar PV panels.
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Solar Powered Heat Pumps: Renewable Cooling And Heating
Most homes and commercial buildings use electricity to power their air conditioners, while space heating systems use natural gas or other fossil fuels. However, by combining solar panels with a high-efficiency heat pump, your building can use solar power for both heating and cooling. Heat pumps are based on the same technology as air conditioners, but the system configuration is reversed to achieve a heating effect.
Some heat pump models can only provide heating, but others have a reversible design and can be used as air conditioners during summer. This means you can use a single device for your heating and cooling needs, instead of having a separate air conditioner and furnace. Also, since a heat pump runs with electricity, it can take advantage of solar power all year long.
The recommendations given above for solar power air conditioning also apply here. You should look for the most efficient heat pump available, ideally an ENERGY STAR unit, since this will let you cover its consumption with less solar panels. Also, staying connected to the grid lets you use a smaller solar battery system, since you can always switch to grid power as backup.
There are two main types of heat pumps, and both operate with electricity. Air-source heat pumps or ASHPs normally consume 2-4 times less power than a resistance heater, while geothermal or ground-source heat pumps consume 4-6 times less power, making them the most efficient technology available.
How Solar Powered Air Conditioners Work
Just like refrigerators, air conditioners expel heat to the exterior so that the overall temperature can be reduced. This process is what makes the unit consume so much energy, and this energy comes from the outlet that is powered by the electrical grid. This is where a solar powered air conditioner excels over the traditional type. It uses the same mechanism for cooling except that its energy comes from the sun.
The way it does this is through solar panels or through solar thermal systems. The panels in a solar PV system absorb light particles or photons from the sun, convert those particles into electricity, and use that direct current to charge the battery. The battery then keeps the machine functional even during the night.
A solar thermal system absorbs the heat, instead of light, from the sun. This energy aids the compressor of the air conditioning unit to facilitate the refrigeration process. However, this type of system still uses electricity from the grid. However, since the compressor is drawing energy from the heat of the sun, the energy consumption is less than a regular air conditioning unit.
There is also another type of system called an absorption chiller that utilizes solar power to operate the machines fan and motor. This involves both a heating and cooling process and enables the water to evaporate and condensate to generate cooler air. This type of solar air conditioning can operate on solar power.
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