Are Solar Air Conditioners Worth It?

When you’re off the grid without access to electricity and the comforts that accompany it, you start to get creative. How can you keep your food cold, charge your personal devices, or stay cool? Solar-powered devices are a potential solution for all of the above. But are they worth it?

Today, we’ll explore whether a solar-powered air conditioner’s benefits are worth the cost of portable heating or cooling wherever you are. Learn how these devices work, the types of AC systems available, their price, and the pros and cons to consider.

What Is Solar Air Conditioning?

Solar air conditioning is available in two options. Both capture and transform the sun’s rays into usable energy to power the device without standard grid electricity. As long as the sun is shining its light and warmth, these air conditioners can function as independent AC units to keep you cool or warm you up, depending on the time of year. 

Solar air conditioners help you save money by using less energy and minimizing the demand on the electric grid. They also reduce carbon dioxide production and keep our planet cooler. Portable cooling models even allow you to bring your cooling on the go.

How Does a Solar-Powered Air Conditioner Work?

Solar PV air conditioners are the most common option. They use the energy captured in photovoltaic panels to power an internal compressor and fan. The compressor and fan then circulate cooler air through the device and push it toward you. 

Solar AC units, including the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC, can also connect to backup batteries or EcoFlow Solar Generators for additional energy storage, allowing the air conditioner to operate at night even without sunshine.

The other kind is a solar thermal air conditioner, which uses the sun’s warmth to heat water and power the refrigerant. The hot water works similarly to a compressor, condensing the refrigerant and pushing it into evaporator coils, which vaporize the water while absorbing ambient heat. 

These AC systems require some electricity to power the fans. However, if outlets aren’t available, you can still connect them to an alternative power source, like a portable power station.

Types of Solar Air Conditioning

As we mentioned, there are two primary types of solar air conditioning systems: PV and thermal units. Explore these options to choose the best portable AC for your home.

Solar PV Air Conditioners

Solar PV ACs mimic the operation of a traditional split AC system, but they have a different source of energy: solar energy produced by panels. Your system size and cooling needs will determine how many panels your PV AC system requires to work effectively. The average system uses two to six panels, and popular panel models include the EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panels.

When these solar-powered systems are connected to additional batteries for operation at night, they take on a slightly different form, known as a hybrid AC. That’s because only part of their operation is powered directly from the sun. However, if you also power your backup battery with EcoFlow Solar Panels, such as permanently installed EcoFlow Rigid Solar Panels, it remains a fully PV-powered air conditioner.

Solar Thermal Air Conditioners

Solar thermal air conditioners work more similarly to solar pool heaters, which use the heat from the sun (rather than its light) to heat water, move it through the AC system, evaporate it, and use the combination of evaporation and condensation to keep you cool.

How Much Does Solar Air Conditioning Cost?

While this kind of air conditioner is more convenient for unique off-the-grid circumstances, it usually comes at a significant price tag. The average cost is about $2,000 before installation – some will be less, some will be more. You may also need a backup battery or additional panels, adding to your total cost. 

Certain incentives and tax credits can help reduce the total cost and make it an affordable option. Solar AC units are typically eligible for the federal solar tax credit, which provides a 30% credit on your purchase. You can also research and apply for state or local incentives available where you live. 

If you’re unsure how to find this information, start with your local city government’s website or consult a local solar installer to learn what credits and rebates are available.

Considering the significant cost reduction vehicles and the money you’ll save by not relying on (and paying for) grid electricity to keep your home cool, these eco-friendly AC systems can be a financially smart move that also supports a healthy planet.

Solar-Powered Air Conditioner Pros and Cons

Only by weighing the pros and cons can you decide if investing in a solar-powered AC unit makes sense for you. Consider things like protection from grid outages and money saved on monthly electric bills against the cons of the limitations of sunlight and initial costs.

Pros

• Blackout Protection – When your AC system runs on the sun’s energy, you won’t be subjected to outages experienced by the grid. Even if the rest of your power is out, you’ll still stay cool and comfortable indoors.
• Integrate With Current System – Many solar systems can work with your current AC system, so you don’t have to replace what you already have entirely.
• Save Money Every Month – Powering your air conditioner takes up a significant amount of energy, and using the sun instead of the grid to keep it working, you’ll see significant monthly savings on your electricity bill.
• Works Best When Sun Is Out—It works best when you need it the most—when the sun is shining its sunny warmth! You can feel at peace knowing you’ll get the most from your system at the day’s hottest points.
• Financial Incentives Available – Major savings are available through the federal tax credit and other local or state schemes.

Cons

• Doesn’t Work At Night – Since the system relies on the sun, it won’t work well at night unless you have a backup battery. 
• Expensive – These systems require a significant upfront investment, although financial incentives can help reduce total cost.
• Doesn’t Work During Cloudy Wheather – Similar to a solar AC’s weakness at night, it also won’t work during overcast weather.
• Won’t Last Forever – Nothing lasts forever, but these systems and their panels can still provide you with more than a decade of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

So, Is Solar Air Conditioning Worth It?

Investing in solar air conditioning can be well worth it for those interested in eco-friendly power options who want to reduce their monthly electricity bill. While they require a significant upfront cost, financial incentives can help you save money, and once the purchase is made, you’ll see a quick ROI as your monthly energy costs drop. 

If you’re ready to stay cool using the power of the sun, check out the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC.