Running your AC unit requires reliable electricity and access to enough clean, available air. If you’re looking to save costs on your electric bill and run your AC unit more efficiently, installing solar panels is a great option.
A solar power system can offset the cost of running an AC unit by offsetting the cost of buying electricity from the grid. In this article, we explain how many solar panels you need to run your air conditioner depending on its size and location.
How many solar panels need to offset the cost of running an AC unit?
The most important thing to know when sizing your solar system is how many solar panels you need to offset the cost of running an AC unit. For example, if you live in an area with sunny weather, the solar panels on your roof can produce more electricity than you use.
You can either sell the excess to the power grid or use it at night or on cloudy days. You’ll want to offset the cost of one unit of electricity. If you have a two-room condo or house, you’ll need two solar panels — one to run the AC, and the other to sell additional electricity.
Which location should you choose for your solar system?
You’ll need a rooftop that’s flat and unobstructed, with a view of the sky. You’ll also need to take into account your AC unit’s orientation and location. The best location for your solar system will depend on your roof’s orientation and the AC unit’s position on your roof.
Ideally, your solar panels will catch enough sunlight to generate power during peak sunlight hours, like early morning or late afternoon.
You’ll need to consider the location of your AC unit as well. Ideally, your AC unit will receive unobstructed and direct sunlight. You should also consider your AC unit’s orientation to the path of the sun. If your AC unit faces south or southwest, the panels should face southwest.
How large of a solar panel array do you need?
The size of your solar panel array will depend on two things: the size of your house and the amount of electricity you use. For example, in California, a homeowner with a condo needs a total solar panel system capacity of 1250W. In the Midwest, a household with a single-story house needs a system capacity of 1025W.
If you want to offset the cost of running your AC unit with solar panels, but you don’t want to run an entire solar panel system, you can also consider solar panels that produce a lower amount of electricity. For example, you can use a 600W solar panel and then use a battery backup to power your AC unit during cloudy weather or at night.
Installing a battery backup for peace of mind and security
If you live in an area that experiences cloudy or rainy weather, you’ll want to install a battery backup. An uninterrupted source of clean air is especially important if you have an elderly family member or member of your household who has a compromised immune system.
A battery backup system can help you run your AC unit during cloudy weather or on rainy days when the grid is unreliable. A battery backup system can provide you with a sense of security and peace of mind. If you live in an area that experiences cloudy or rainy weather a lot, you can get peace of mind and save money by installing a battery backup system on your solar panels.
Bottom line
Running your AC unit requires reliable electricity and access to enough clean, available air. If you’re looking to save costs on your electric bill and run your AC unit more efficiently, installing solar panels is a great option.
This article explains how many solar panels you need to run your AC unit depending on its size and location. You’ll want to choose a location with unobstructed sunlight and make sure your AC unit is oriented to receive unobstructed sunlight.
You’ll also need to consider your AC unit’s orientation.
