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Ever since the push towards renewable energy, we have been trying to expand its usage. Of all, solar power seems to be the most popular which we can harness. But there is some apprehension among people around using solar energy to power larger home appliances. One such device is your AC. While this just seems it may seem like an obvious question – is still a valid one! So, can we run an ACs on solar power? It We have a conclusive answer which will clear all your doubts regarding this question.
Can you run an AC on solar power?
The simple answer to this question is yes. You can most definitely run your AC on solar power. As long as you provide steady voltage and continuous current, you will have no problems. But there are a few things to keep in mind. There are multiple ways to run an AC on solar power.
How to run an AC on solar power
There are a few things to consider before running an AC using solar power. There are two broad ways of doing it, and both have their pros and cons.
1. Off-Grid: They are also known as DC-powered solar ACs. In this, the AC runs directly through the solar energy which is stored in a battery, and this battery powers the AC. This is called as ‘off-grid’ since the AC is not connected to the main power supply. The advantages of an off-grid setup are it is easy to install and maintain, it works fantastically well for remote locations and more. The biggest disadvantage of off-grid is that you won’t be able to use it if your solar solution is not working plus you need a hefty battery bank to run your AC all night.
ALSO READ: How long does an AC last and how to maximise its lifespan
2. On-Grid: They are also known as AC-powered solar air conditioners. You will require a device called inverter for it. The inverter will convert the DC from the solar panels into AC. The AC will use up the energy stored in a battery after passing through the inverter. The biggest advantage of this setup is that you can continue using your AC even if your solar solution is not working. You can give excessive energy produced back to the grid.
Some things to keep in mind
1. To install an on-grid system, you will require appropriate govt approval beforehand.
2. To run a 1.5-ton AC, you will require at least 10 solar panels each having a wattage of 250 watts.
3. To run a 1-ton AC, you will require at least 4-5 batteries of each 150mAh cell capacity.
4. To run a 1.5-ton AC just on solar panels, you will require a 2.5 or 3 kW power system.
Now that you know how to proceed when you want to run an AC on solar power, you may want to buy a new AC to get started. When buying a new air conditioner, always consider getting an extended warranty plan like the Croma ZipCare Protect plans to avoid costly repairs post-purchase due to manufacturing side defects.
How many solar panels do I need to power an AC?
The answer to this largely depends upon the variant and its tonnage you are using. Before you zero down on using solar power for your AC, it is recommended to calculate the hours of your usage.
Using an AC for four to six hours a day may require fewer solar panels when compared with someone who uses it for a longer time. This arrangement should also generally be reserved if you have frequent power outages in your area of residence and also live in a humidity-prone region.
How many solar panels does a 1-ton AC need?
For instance, if you’re using a 1-ton AC, you first need to determine how much electricity it consumes. While this would depend upon the brand of your air conditioner, an AC typically uses 200 to 1,500 watts of power.
To power this, you will need approximately six solar panels of 250 watts to generate enough electricity. Similarly, if you’re using a 1.5-ton or 3-ton AC, you will require 10 solar panels and 14 solar panels, respectively. That said, it is not generally advisable to run a 3-ton AC on solar power, and it is always a good idea to have grid-wired power as backup.
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Khevna Pandit
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