How Many Solar Panels Are Needed To Run An Air Conditioner?

To run a 12,000 BTU air conditioner in a medium-sized room (35-75 sq m), you would need approximately 12 solar panels to generate enough power. It would take around 1,000W to start the system and about 1,500W per hour to run it (assuming the solar panels are 250W each).

The number of solar panels needed to run an air conditioner is based on various factors and will differ on a case-by-case basis. So, let’s explore how to calculate the number of solar panels you need to run an air conditioner.

How To Calculate The Number Of Solar Panels Needed To Run An Air Conditioner

Let’s take a look at the key points to consider when calculating the number of solar panels required for air conditioners.

Air conditioner size

Larger air conditioners use more power and, therefore, require more solar panels to generate enough electricity to run them.

The most common air conditioner sizes are:

• 9,000 BTUs
• 12,000 BTUs
• 18,000 BTUs
• 24,000 BTUs

However, there are smaller AC units for smaller spaces and larger units for more commercial use.

British Thermal Units (BTUs) refers to the cooling capacity of the air conditioner.

As a rule of thumb:

• A 1-tonne AC unit can output 12,000 BTUs of cold air.
• A 1.5-tonne AC unit can output 18,000 BTUs of cold air.

Air conditioners are typically measured in either tonnes or BTUs. 1 tonne equals 12,000 BTU and is also roughly equivalent to 3,500W.

Sun exposure

The number of sunlight hours your solar panels get throughout the day will affect their electricity output. If you receive a lot of sunlight where you live, the solar panels can generate more electricity, and you would need fewer panels than an area with fewer sunlight hours.

Seasons also have an effect as there are fewer sunlight hours in winter.

Solar panel size

The wattage of the solar panels directly impacts how many panels are needed. If you have higher-wattage solar panels, they produce more power. Therefore, you may need fewer panels to run an air conditioner.

AC usage patterns

How much and how often you run an air conditioner will also affect how many solar panels are needed. The longer the air conditioning unit is used, the more power is required.

Formula for calculating the number of solar panels needed

Many factors affect how many solar panels are needed to ensure an air conditioner’s cooling capacity runs efficiently. However, for a rough estimate, you can use the following formula:

(AC wattage x daily usage in hours) / (solar panel wattage x peak sunlight hours) = Number of panels required

For example:

• (1,500W AC x 10 usage hours) / (250W solar panel x 5 sunlight hours) = 12 panels
• (1,500W AC x 10 usage hours) / (250W solar x 4 sunlight hours) = 15 panels

In the above example, even though all the other factors remain the same, the daylight hours differ, changing the number of solar panels required.

Factors That Influence Solar Panel Output Efficiency

Various factors affect solar panel output efficiency. Let’s consider the key influencers.

Sunlight hours

The amount of direct sunlight the solar panels are exposed to is crucial, as it affects the number of panels required and their energy production. Solar panels in areas with more sunlight can generate electricity more efficiently.

Shading

Even partial shading from trees or buildings throughout the day can reduce the efficiency of the solar panels. This affects how many solar panels are necessary to produce the energy required to power an air conditioning unit.

Angle and orientation

The angle and orientation of your panels affect how much solar power they can generate. Where you live (longitude and latitude) also plays a part in determining the correct angle, but a qualified solar panel system installer will be able to determine the correct positioning and direction for you.

System components

The quality of the inverter, the charge controller, the size of the batteries for energy storage, and the wiring configuration between panels all play a part in the efficiency of the solar panels. As a result, these system components can impact how much energy is lost or maintained.

Maintenance

Solar panels need regular maintenance to run efficiently. If dust and dirt get in the way of the sunlight, it can hamper the ability to create energy from sunlight. Regularly clean the panels for optimal performance.

FAQs

What if there’s not enough sunlight for my solar-powered air conditioner?

If there is not enough sunlight to create solar energy, you may need more panels to run your air conditioner. You could also install extra battery storage to accumulate excess power on sunny days. Alternatively, you may have to supplement the energy with electricity from the national grid.

Can I use fewer solar panels if I upgrade to a more efficient air conditioner?

Yes. If you upgrade your air conditioner to one with a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), you can reduce the power consumption the unit requires. This means you might need fewer solar panels to run your unit effectively.

What if I don’t have enough roof space for the estimated number of solar panels?

One option you could consider is installing solar panels with a higher wattage, which would require fewer panels to generate the same amount of power for your air conditioning system.

Final Thoughts

Remember that your air conditioner’s energy consumption is only one part of the equation. With proper planning, you will have enough electricity to run the air conditioning and your entire household with a solar panel system.

And if you’re still trying to figure out how many solar panels you need, contact us, at Eco Happy. We will gladly guide you and can even provide a free quote for your solar installation needs.