Solar Panels for Air Conditioners – Quick Guide
With the increase in summer peak temperatures and duration in Pakistan, air conditioning has become a necessity rather than a luxury. But running your AC in hot summers means scary electricity bills at the end of each month.
Investing in solar energy is indeed a smart move, but before you spend money on solar panels, you need to know exactly how many panels will keep your AC running properly. We will guide you in detail in this blog post.
How Many Solar Panels Are Needed to Power Your Air Conditioner?
Before we dive into solar panels, let’s understand how much power your AC actually uses. Modern inverter ACs use significantly less power than traditional ones – here’s a quick comparison:
Air Conditioners’ Power Requirements
Air conditioners in Pakistan come in various sizes and types, each with distinct power requirements. Let’s understand how much power your AC actually uses. Modern inverter ACs use significantly less power than traditional ones – here’s a quick comparison:
| AC Capacity | Non Inverter AC Power Usage | Inverter AC Power Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Ton | 1800W | 1200W |
| 1.5 Ton | 2400W | 1600W |
| 2 Ton | 3000W | 2000W |
Understanding Solar Panel Output
Currently, the most common solar panels in Pakistan are 580 watts. However, this capacity of the panel is normally not achieved in actual operating conditions. A solar panel typically delivers about 70% of its capacity. The remaining power is lost due to various factors:
- System Losses occur in the inverter, wiring, and due to resistance
- Dirt, dust, shading, or suboptimal orientation and tilt reduce panel performance
- Temperature Losses as high temperatures reduce panel efficiency slightly
- Sunlight Variation as peak sunlight conditions don’t occur throughout the day
A 580-watt panel will typically provide about an average 406 watts (580 x 0.7). During optimal times, output might reach 450-500 watts, while in less favorable conditions, it could drop to 100-300 watts.
Required Number of Solar Panels
Based on the above factors, here’s how many panels you’ll need for different AC capacities:
| AC Capacity & Type | Power Usage (Watts) | No. of 580 Watts Solar Panels Required (Assuming 70% Output Efficiency) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Ton Non-inverter AC | 1800 | 5 |
| 1 Ton Inverter AC | 1200 | 3 |
| 1.5 Ton Non-inverter AC | 2000 | 5 |
| 1.5 Ton Inverter AC | 1600 | 4 |
| 2 Ton Non-inverter AC | 3000 | 8 |
| 2 Ton Inverter AC | 2400 | 6 |
It’s recommended to always add one extra panel to your calculated requirement for system reliability and to account for any performance variations. Also, use a suitable battery bank to cater any solar power fluctuations.
The Bottom Line
To summarize, running your AC on solar power requires different numbers of panels based on your AC type and capacity. Inverter ACs are more energy-efficient, requiring fewer panels: just 3 panels for 1 ton, 4 panels for 1.5 ton, and 6 panels for 2 ton units. While these numbers serve as a general guide, your specific needs might vary. Consider factors like other electrical appliances at your home, on grid or off grid system, and future expansion plans when making your final decision. For a more accurate estimate of your energy requirements, try our Energy Calculator.