If you are learning the ins and outs of cooling systems, you may wonder how to make a solar-powered air conditioner. Even the best air conditioners, after all, use a whole bunch of energy during those summer months and solar power is just what the doctor ordered. Is this even possible and how would you do it? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Air conditioners use a whole lot of power, so many consumers look for solar energy options.
- Use a portable solar panel or a roof-bound panel to provide power to the AC, so long as you have a battery bank and charge controller.
- You can also build a simple ice chest AC using a large block of ice and a fan.
Why a Solar-Powered Air Conditioner?
The main reason to attempt to build a solar-powered air conditioner is to save money on utility bills. You use the AC during the hottest and brightest months, after all, so you may as well get some use out of that ever-present sun. Besides learning how to make your current AC more efficient, using solar power is the best way to reduce those energy costs.
Insider Tip
You can save on AC-related energy bills by simply turning the unit off when it is not needed to cool your home.
How to Make a Solar-Powered Air Conditioner
There are a few ways to get there, like when you are learning how to make a portable air conditioner or figuring out how to make an air conditioner with a fan. It can be done! Here are a few of the best methods for approximating a solar-powered AC unit.
Method 1 – Use Portable Solar Panels
Portable solar panels are a good option for powering a standard window-mounted air conditioner.
- First of all, not every portable solar panel is powerful enough to successfully juice an air conditioning unit.
- Make sure the AC unit requires decreased power when compared to other units or make sure the solar panel boasts sufficient wattage.
- Once that is done, simply plug the solar panel into its affiliated generator and allow it to soak up the sun per instructions.
- Plug the air conditioner into the same generator and reap your reward. You should have several hours of use.
Method 2 – Plug Into Large Solar Panels
Large homebound solar panel setups can run multiple appliances at once, including air conditioners.
- You’ll need to have a pre-existing solar panel setup, otherwise use the above method.
- Allow the panels to charge for a day.
- Plug the air conditioner into the generator and it should receive adequate power.
Method 3 – Make an Ice Chest AC
While not technically a solar-powered AC, ice chest models have become all the rage to save on those energy bills.
- Place a large block of ice in an ice chest and position a fan to blow over the ice and into the room.
- Plug the fan into a solar panel for a completely free option.
F.A.Q.S
Can you run an air conditioner on solar power?
You can use solar energy to power an AC, but it depends on the energy needs of the window air conditioner and the energy output of your photovoltaic panels.
What affects solar panel output?
The sun level impacts solar air conditioners, but so does the level of grid power available and the battery storage available.
How much does it cost to run a portable AC?
The cost of running a portable air conditioner varies depending on a number of factors such as the type of air conditioner it is, the battery power, and the overall energy demand.
STAT: From just 0.34 GW in 2008, U.S. solar power capacity has grown to an estimated 97.2 gigawatts (GW) today. (source)
