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If you’re looking to keep cool this summer, you may be looking for a new air conditioning unit. Whether you’re looking for a standalone AC unit or a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, choosing one of the best solar-powered AC units can help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money on utility bills.
In this article, we’ll go over the basics ofsolar energy AC units, including installation tips, the benefits of solar HVAC, information on the best solar-powered air conditioners on the market and frequently asked questions.
Air conditioners and HVAC systems remove heat from the air inside your home through cooling and recirculation, allowing hot air and moisture to be released outside. Solar AC units work similarly — without driving up your electricity bills in the summer.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, AC costs represent 12% of home energy costs in the U.S., ranging from 5% in very cold climates to 27% in hot-humid climates.
A residential cooling system can be used to lower the temperature of one or a few rooms in one’s house, or the whole house. Central air conditioning is used to cool the whole house, while a standalone AC unit is typically used for smaller spaces. According to the EIA, in 2015, about60% of U.S. households relied on central air conditioning, while 23% used an AC unit; about 5% of households relied on both central HVAC and a supplementary AC unit.
Conventional air conditioner systems cost over $29 billion annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. What’s more, the DOE says AC units and systems release about 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. This means that, despite their convenience, conventional AC units cause a good amount of air pollution, especially in hotter regions.
The good news is that you can cut both home energy costs and your carbon footprint by choosing a solar power system.
A solar AC unit is a good option for homeowners who don’t need a fullsolar panel installation, such as people with small roofs, who live in condos or who want solar-powered RV cooling. However, it may be more cost-effective for homeowners to install a whole-home solar AC system to get the best energy savings and a more substantial return on investment.
Interested in getting a full solar panel system installed for your home? Fill out the free, no-obligation form below to get a quote from a trusted solar installer in your area.
If you’re ready to make the switch to clean energy, you’re probably wondering how to narrow down the best solar-powered AC unit for your home. Before you look at specific products, it helps to understand the different types of solar technology on the market.
The three main types of solar-powered air conditioners are direct current (DC) solar air conditioners, alternating current (AC) solar air conditioners, and hybrid solar air conditioners.
Direct and alternating current refers to the way energy flows: DC only flows in one direction, while AC changes direction often. These currents are often used in different applications. Home energy grids use alternating current, while batteries use direct current.
Here’s how these types of currents work in solar-powered AC units:
Now that you know how these solar panels work to cool your home, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option:
AC UnitProsConsDC solar air conditioner– Can be used off-grid
– Do not require an inverter if used as a standalone system– Cannot be connected to home energy system without an inverter
– Requires a battery bank to store energy for cooling at night or in low-light settingsAC solar air conditioner– Works seamlessly with existing power grid– Always requires an inverterHybrid solar air conditioner– Can lead to higher cost savings without installing a whole home energy system
– Does not require a solar battery, as it can be supplemented with your grid power supply– Can limit the number of appliances you run at one time
types of solar panel systems5 Best Solar-Powered AC Units
Currently, the following HVAC manufacturers andtop solar companies make the best solar-powered air conditioner units and systems on the market:
Whether you want to go entirely off-grid or invest in a smaller solar air unit, SolAir World has some of the best solar-powered AC solutions available. The company offers hybrid solar air conditioners as well as 100% off-grid systems. In addition to solar air conditioners, SolAir World also sells solar panels, solar refrigerators, ceiling fans and batteries.
GREE makes a variety of conventional air conditioning solutions, including a Solar Hybrid Hi Wall Inverter Air Conditioner. This heat pump is easy to set up and use, but you’ll need to buy solar panels separately from the AC unit, as GREE only manufactures the air conditioners. This means you can choose thebest solar panels for your budget and energy needs. And, because it’s a hybrid unit, it will pull grid power at night or on cloudy days, no battery bank required.
The LEZETi Hybrid Solar AC is manufactured by Thomas Edison Solar. Although it’s a hybrid air conditioner, it runs directly on DC power from a solar panel. This means you don’t need an inverter or charge controller, and the unit has a high efficiency because the power doesn’t have to be converted to alternating current. You also don’t need a backup battery, as the unit is hooked up to your main electricity source for low-light use.
Lennox, a leading air conditioner and HVAC manufacturer, also offers high-quality solar-ready AC units. The air conditioner and heat pump models in the Dave Lennox Signature® Collection are all equipped for solar hook-up. These are some of the most energy-efficient models the company makes, and by pairing them with one of themost efficient solar panels, Lennox says you can decrease your overall utility bills by up to 50%.
About Solar air conditioner
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Solar air conditioner have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Solar air conditioner for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Solar air conditioner featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
