Solar AC Feasibility Calculator

Calculate solar panel requirements to run your AC. Get panel count, system size, and cost estimates.

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AC & Location Details

Enter your AC and solar conditions

Ton
W
hrs
W
hrs

Solar System Required

To power your AC with solar

Solar Powered Air Conditioning

Running your AC on solar power can significantly reduce or eliminate electricity costs during peak summer months. Understanding the system requirements helps you plan a feasible solar installation.

Solar System Sizing for AC

To run your AC on solar, you need enough panels to generate your daily consumption:

  • Calculate daily kWh: AC wattage × hours ÷ 1000
  • Account for losses: Add 20-25% for inverter and system losses
  • Divide by sun hours: Peak sun hours vary by location (4-6 hours typically)
  • Example: 1.5 kW AC × 8 hours = 12 kWh ÷ 5 sun hours = 2.4 kW minimum

Typical Requirements by AC Size

Approximate solar system sizes for different AC units (8 hours daily use):

  • 0.75 Ton (0.8 kW): 1.5-2 kW system, 4-5 panels (400W)
  • 1.0 Ton (1.1 kW): 2-2.5 kW system, 5-6 panels
  • 1.5 Ton (1.5 kW): 3-4 kW system, 8-10 panels
  • 2.0 Ton (2.2 kW): 4-5 kW system, 10-12 panels

System Components

A complete solar AC system includes:

  • Solar panels: Sized to meet daily energy needs
  • Inverter: Converts DC to AC power (sized for AC startup surge)
  • Batteries (optional): Store energy for evening/night use
  • Mounting system: Roof or ground mount structure
  • Wiring and protection: Cables, breakers, disconnect switches

Grid-Tied vs Off-Grid

Two main approaches to solar AC:

  • Grid-tied: Use solar during day, grid at night. No batteries needed, lower cost, net metering possible.
  • Off-grid: Full independence requires battery bank. Higher cost but works during outages.
  • Hybrid: Grid backup with battery storage. Best of both worlds but highest cost.

Cost Considerations

Rough cost estimates (varies by location and quality):

  • Solar panels: $0.50-1.00 per watt
  • Inverter: $300-600 for residential
  • Batteries (if needed): $100-200 per kWh
  • Installation: $500-1,500
  • Total for 3kW system: $2,500-5,000
  • Payback period: 4-8 years depending on electricity rates

Location Factors

Solar feasibility depends heavily on location:

  • Sun hours: More sun = smaller system needed
  • Roof orientation: South-facing optimal in Northern Hemisphere
  • Shading: Trees/buildings reduce output
  • Electricity rates: Higher rates = faster payback

Frequently Asked Questions

Can solar panels run an AC?▼

Yes, but you need adequate solar capacity. A 1.5 ton AC typically needs a 3-4 kW solar system, or about 8-10 panels of 400W each.

How many solar panels for AC?▼

For a 1.5 ton AC running 8 hours: ~8-10 panels (400W each). The exact number depends on sun hours in your location.