Can a Solar Generator Run an AC Unit? [Expert’s Answer]

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We are all interested in staying cooler during the hotter months, but it can get pretty pricey. The exorbitant costs are especially nerve-wracking if you live in an area that experiences significant heat for extended periods. And with utility costs skyrocketing across the country, it’s time for a smarter way to stay cool.

Your AC might keep you cool, but it will also keep your energy bill high. One of the best ways to get around this is by introducing a solar generator to power your AC. You will surely see your bills go down when you source renewable energy from the sun, but how does it all work? Well, you’re in the right place for answers. Let’s get into it.

Can a Solar Generator Power an Air Conditioning Unit

Yes, the short answer is that a solar generator can power an air conditioner. However, there are other factors you need to take into account before moving forward. 

First, a solar generator is simply a portable power station with solar panels attached. These solar panels allow the portable power station to convert energy from the sun rather than traditional fuel (such as oil or gas).  Not all power stations operate the same way, and not all air conditioners require the same output power. 

Besides knowing how a solar generator powers your air conditioner, you must also consider the size

What Size Solar Generator Do You Need to Run an Air Conditioner?

A solar generator’s size refers to its capacity, i.e., how much energy it has to power your devices and appliances. The size measurement is usually in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh). Your AC will demand a specific wattage to run, which you can find in the owner’s manual on the unit’s label or with a quick Google search of the model number. 

To ensure that your solar generator has the suitable power capacity to keep your air conditioner running, it needs to have a higher watt-hour rating than the AC unit.

For example, suppose your air conditioning unit requires 1000KW to run. You need your solar generator to produce 1000KW in output as an absolute minimum. It’s generally best to purchase a generator that can meet your needs and then some. The extra capacity gives you enough energy left over to start the AC (known as surge capacity) and keep it running. With enough capacity, you also can power other appliances and ensure you will be covered no matter what. 

The EcoFlow DELTA Series—Built Powerfully for Your AC

With the DELTA Solar Generator series, you have everything you need in one place. Four solar generator bundles are available in the DELTA range. Each is more powerful than the last to keep your AC unit powered longer while expanding how much energy your panels can absorb: 

  • DELTA 1300 with 160W Solar Panel—Get a total capacity of 1260Wh with the DELTA 1300 and keep a 1800W AC running for 0.6 hours.
  • DELTA Max with 220W Solar Panel—With the DELTA Max, 2016Wh capacity lets you run a 1800W AC for up to one hour! And with the bifacial 220W solar panel, you can capture up to 25% more energy from the sun to recharge your unit even faster.
  • DELTA Max with 400W Solar Panel—The DELTA Max with Wh capacity already packs a powerful punch, but with two DELTA Max batteries, you can amp it up to 6000Wh! Run your AC for over 3 hours with the DELTA Max and achieve faster recharge speeds thanks to the 400W solar panels. 
  • DELTA Pro with 400W Solar Panel—The DELTA Pro is the beefiest solution for your energy needs. Starting at 3600Wh, it can run a 1800W AC for up to 2 hours. But that’s not all. With a smart generator or additional batteries, you can expand your capacity to 25kWh! That’s enough power to run an AC for over 13 hours, ensuring you can keep cool all day. 

With EcoFlow, keeping your home cool has never been easier. Shop the DELTA solar generator series today. When you buy the portable power station + solar panel, you can bundle and save. 

How Long Can a Solar Generator Run an AC?

How long a solar generator can run an air conditioner depends primarily on the generator’s capacity and the wattage required by the AC. However, other variables go into this, which makes answering the question a little tricky. 

Run time also depends on your air conditioning unit, how much energy your AC consumes to keep a space cool, and the size of the room you put it in. As you can see, there is a lot to consider!

Despite all the changing variables, you should expect that your solar generator can keep your AC going for hours. A reliable solar generator with a high-capacity battery could keep your AC unit going for up to 14 hours, which should be more than enough to provide you with the temperature regulation you need. 

Keep Cool the Smart Way with the EcoFlow Wave Portable Air Conditioner

If you are new to the world of solar generators, you might feel a little intimidated by all the information. That’s before you even browse the market and experience the pressure to make the right purchase. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re in the right place because we have the perfect solution: the EcoFlow Wave portable air conditioner

This AC unit is one of the most powerful on the market for its size. It can cool down a medium-sized space in as little as eight minutes. Don’t let its size fool you, though — its 4000BTU rating makes it a mighty device in a compact size. 

By purchasing an EcoFlow WAVE and powering it with your EcoFlow DELTA solar generator, you benefit from an entirely cohesive system. They are designed to work seamlessly together, so you don’t need to worry about compatibility. 

It’s smooth sailing and cool temperatures ahead. 

How Much Money Can You Save by Using a Solar Generator to Run an AC Unit?

The savings will vary widely based on how often you use your solar generator, the wattage and amount of sunlight your solar panels receive, and how often you run your AC. 

Regardless of your specific scenario, you can save money using a solar generator to run your AC unit. Why? Because, after the initial investment of purchasing the solar generator, the energy to recharge it costs nothing.

A solar generator creates energy from sunlight. That means there is no fee to keep it charged, provided you put the panels in a location where they can absorb sufficient sunlight. We should all be trying to live greener right now. Swapping on-grid or fossil fuel-powered electricity for solar energy is a great way to do that. Your energy bill won’t soar when you use your AC, saving you money in the long term. 

Conclusion

Using a solar generator to power your AC unit is not only possible, but it’s also highly beneficial. It is cost-effective, clean, and versatile. With the EcoFlow DELTA Solar Generators, you’ll find a variety of power options to fit your budget and cooling needs. 

Solar energy is the future, and EcoFlow is ready to bring it to you. Shop the EcoFlow DELTA series or skip ahead to the EcoFlow WAVE Portable AC and start saving.

ECOFLOW
ECOFLOWhttps://www.ecoflow.com/
EcoFlow is a portable power and renewable energy solutions company. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has provided peace-of-mind power to customers in over 85 markets through its DELTA and RIVER product lines of portable power stations and eco-friendly accessories.

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