In hot climates, air conditioners, commonly referred to as 'air con' or 'AC', are as essential to households as the basic necessities. However, during the summer, air conditioners can significantly increase electricity bills, making it difficult to manage costs. In equatorial countries with year-round sunlight, many households have turned to solar panels to produce clean energy for their own use, which helps reduce long-term expenses.
Currently, "solar-powered air conditioning" is an innovative solution that allows you to stay cool while using less electricity over time. These air conditioners come with solar panels to help save on electricity. They can connect to solar panels to switch to clean energy, and the system can be designed to use both alternating current from the house and direct current from solar panels.
How does solar-powered air conditioning work? What type of electricity does it use? Do you need to install solar panels as well? If you have these questions and want to make your home sustainably cooler with solar-powered air conditioning, you can look for answers to apply as needed.
What is solar-powered air conditioning, and how does it work?
Solar-powered air conditioning is an air conditioner that can directly connect to direct current electricity from solar panels. It is equipped with a plug that connects the solar panels to the compressor of the air conditioner (hot coil). Therefore, when used during the day with sufficient sunlight to produce electricity, there may be no need to use grid power at all. Additionally, some models of solar-powered air conditioning are designed to support both household electricity and electricity from solar panels, providing convenience in use.
Using solar-powered air conditioning is similar to using conventional air conditioning, as it can provide the same cooling. The only difference is that solar-powered air conditioning is designed with a system and plug for connecting to solar panels to save energy.
When considering installing solar-powered air conditioning, the first thing your home needs is solar panels to generate electricity from sunlight. Using solar-powered air conditioning requires installing the recommended wattage of solar panels according to the specifications of the air conditioner. For example, a solar-powered air conditioner with a capacity of 19,000 BTU, suitable for a room size of 19 - 24 square meters, should be connected to five 450-watt solar panels.
Which solar panel system should you install? What type of solar panels is suitable for solar-powered air conditioning?
The solar panel system is a system for generating, storing, and distributing energy by converting sunlight into electricity. Currently, there are three widely used solar panel systems:
On-Grid System: This is the most popular solar panel system for homes. It generates electricity based on the number of installed solar panels without backup batteries and requires installation approval from authorities.
Off-Grid System or Stand Alone System: This system has backup batteries and only receives electricity from the batteries. However, it is more expensive than the on-grid system due to battery costs, maintenance fees, and the need to install a sufficient number of solar panels to ensure stable electricity.
Hybrid System: This system combines the advantages of both on-grid and off-grid systems, allowing for the use of solar electricity throughout the day and providing highly stable electricity.
In addition to solar panel systems, the materials for solar panels come in various types. Currently, panels made of semiconductor silicon are popular, divided into four types based on quality and price:
Monocrystalline Solar Panels (Mono-SI): Made from single-crystal silicon, which is highly pure, allowing for up to 20% efficiency in electricity production. These panels are expensive, durable (25-40 years), and have a dark black square shape with cut corners.
Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Panels (Poly-SI): Made from melted silicon, making them cheaper than Mono-SI panels. They have a slightly lower efficiency, a lifespan of 20-25 years, and can withstand higher temperatures. They have a dark blue color with a shimmering texture.
Thin-Film Solar Cells (TFSC): Made by coating semiconductor films like silicon, cadmium, or copper on the surface of the panels. These affordable, flexible panels can be used in various applications but require more space for installation.
Amorphous Silicon Solar Cell (A-SI): Made from amorphous films used in portable calculators. These panels capture light quickly and can be used in rainy areas or places with limited sunlight.
Currently, there are also various other types of solar panels, such as Half Cell or Half Cut Cell panels available in both Mono-SI and Poly-SI types. These panels have smaller cells, lower current, making them cooler and longer-lasting, and more efficient.
The on-grid system connected to the electricity grid remains the most suitable solar panel system for home use, with Mono-SI panels being the best choice due to their space efficiency, high electricity production, and long lifespan.
For solar-powered air conditioning, you can choose a solar panel system based on your area and desired setup. The material of the panels should follow the air conditioner's manufacturer's recommendations, usually Mono-SI or Mono-SI Half Cell panels. It's important to choose solar panels from certified manufacturers for long-lasting use.
What techniques or precautions should be considered when installing solar panels for solar-powered air conditioning?
When deciding to purchase solar-powered air conditioning, installing solar panels is a matter to consider. Here are some useful tips:
Set a budget thoroughly: Generally, the cost of solar panels accounts for about 30% of the total budget. The installation cost depends on the type and size of the panels. It's advisable to survey and compare prices and services from 2-3 providers before making a decision.
Check the warranty: The warranty is divided into three parts: product warranty (10 years), solar panel efficiency warranty (25 years), and related equipment warranty (1 year), such as inverters for on-grid and off-grid systems. Ensure to ask and check thoroughly with the installation provider.
Convenience with a One-stop service: Installing solar panels for residential use requires permission from the local electricity authority, a process that takes about 1-2 months. Currently, reliable one-stop service providers can help with this process. Choose a comprehensive service provider offering certified panels controlled by an intelligent system, complete with inspection, installation, warranty, and application for installation.
For high-quality solar panel installations, SHERA’s Solar offers a one-stop service with international standards. This comprehensive service covers everything from design, professional installation, and permission applications to quality assurance and after-sales service, all in line with sustainability. SHERA’s Solar uses high-quality monocrystalline panels with a 25-year efficiency warranty and controls the system with an intelligent inverter from Huawei, with a smartphone application for monitoring status and energy anywhere. For more details, price calculations, and to contact a representative, visit https://www.shera.com/services-solutions/solar-roof . For inquiries and stay updated on news and exclusive benefits instantly through SHERA’s Social media pages. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sheraphl, Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shera.philippines, Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shera.philippines
