The Sun has been a source of energy in our cosmic system for billions of years. The history of humans using the Sun as an energy source is as old as mankind itself. It helps to grow food, for warmth, for fire, and for other uses across different continents. With the passage of time and advancement in technology though, we have been able to harness the immense potential of the sun in the form of photovoltaic cells and use it for much greater purposes.

The Sun’s rays can now be converted into electricity, and be used to power our homes and appliances at a fraction of the environmental impact as compared to conventional sources. In this era of sustainability, this serves as a major driver for the growth of solar power. What started as a niche application of this concept, has now turned into mass scale implementation of solar power.

One such application of this renewable energy source is in air conditioning, through solar powered air conditioners. These heating and cooling appliances can work by using the sun as an energy source. Reduced energy bills and minimal environmental impact are just some of the benefits which this energy source provides.

If you’re like most homeowners and your air conditioner is powered by electricity from the grid, it’s likely that you will notice an increase in your bills considering the recent energy price hike. With solar-powered air conditioners you can harness the sun’s natural energy to maintain an ideal home climate while saving on energy bills.

Why We Need Solar Powered Air Conditioners?

The need for solar-powered air conditioners is vital considering how according to energy.gov, three-quarters of homes in the US use air conditioning which consumes about 6% of total electricity usage costing $29 billion annually and releasing 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide! Switching to solar powered energy-efficient air conditioning can help decrease the load from the environment and save considerable amounts of money.

Currently, as of 2020, solar energy only accounts for 2.4% of total electricity use. Switching towards solar powered central air conditioning or installing solar powered window or portable air conditioners can be a great step towards fighting the current climate crisis.

How Does a Solar AC Work?

A solar air conditioner combines solar electricity and air conditioning. In simple words, it takes energy from the Sun and uses it to power your AC to cool your space!

A solar panel is a device that captures the power of the Sun. It converts the Sun rays into electrical energy. This energy can then be used directly or stored in a battery. This is known as DC power. A solar-powered air conditioner then uses this DC power, either directly as DC or after conversion into AC (using an inverter), and heats or cools your home. Instead of using grid energy, a solar-powered air conditioner uses the energy of the Sun. It can use the grid energy, though, if needed.

The solar AC units collects energy in two ways: photovoltaic (PV) systems or solar thermal systems. Solar PV systems use photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, while solar thermal systems work like solar water heaters. They use up the sun’s energy to heat up water which then changes the refrigerant into a heat-absorbing gas that provides air-conditioned air to your home.