With summer arriving, temperatures soar across India, and staying cool becomes really important. Air conditioners are what help during such hot days. However, as the heat increases, so do the bills. That's where solar for air conditioning enters the picture. 

A great solution that is not only comfortable and relieving but also cost-effective. Solar air conditioning is also something you should consider when searching for eco-friendly options.  

In this blog, we’ll learn what makes solar for air conditioning an amazing option. 

What is a Solar Air Conditioner? 

A solar air conditioner uses solar energy to cool your home or office spaces. The best part of the solar air conditioner is the energy independence it offers. This cool and innovative system doesn't rely on the electricity grid to operate, thus saving on bills. It's just like your regular air conditioners but much more efficient and beneficial in all aspects. 

The best thing you're doing by choosing solar for air conditioning is keeping aside all the non-renewable energy sources for power needs. You’ll be able to enjoy cool and fresh air without any worries. 

How Does a Solar Air Conditioner Work?

How Does a Solar Air Conditioner Work?

Are you wondering how these amazing solar air conditioners work? Read on!

1. Solar Panels Capture Sunlight

This is how it all starts, with the most important part — solar panels. We’re sure you're already aware of how solar panels work. These panels that are mounted on an open space or roof catch the sun's rays and convert them into direct current (DC) electricity. 

2. Power is Directed to the Air Conditioner

Now that solar panels have generated electricity, it is sent to your solar air conditioner. However, it depends on the type of system you have. 

  • DC solar air conditioners run directly on the DC electricity from the panels. There's no need for you to convert it.
  • Hybrid solar ACS use solar power where there's availability. If there's no solar power, it continues using grid electricity.
  • Grid-tied systems, after using the electricity, send any excess amount back to the grid for later use. This earns you credits too! 

It doesn't matter what system you have, the point is that air conditioning with solar power will reduce your bills. 

3. Optional Battery Storage

Some of the solar air conditioning systems come with solar energy storage. This means the battery storage collects the energy during the day and keeps it for use at night or on cloudy days. You get uninterrupted cooling! 

This is useful for places that require full-time air conditioning with solar power. 

4. Cools Your Space

When the solar generated electricity powers the solar air conditioner, just like a regular AC, you get some cool and fresh air. The waves of air throughout the room will cool your space and offer comfort. 

Benefits are low electricity costs with the same efficiency! Isn't solar for air conditioning amazing? 

Types of Solar Air Conditioning Systems

Types of Solar Air Conditioning Systems

There are many solar air conditioners, and each of the air conditioning with solar power works differently. Let's see if solar for air conditioning fits well for your needs.

Hybrid Solar Air Conditioners 

 In countries like India, hybrid solar air conditioners are getting popular. These systems use both solar energy and electricity from the grid. However, their dependency on the grid is only when there's no solar energy available. 

These systems are amazing for homes that want to use solar for air conditioning without fully letting go of the grid electricity. Hybrid solar air conditioners are very low maintenance, along with being cost-effective.

DC Solar Air Conditioners

Mostly, solar air conditioners run on direct current, and that is why DC powered solar air conditioning systems are popular. These systems are run entirely on solar power and are not tied to the grid. They'll turn out to be one of the most environmentally friendly choices for solar air conditioning. 

Grid-Tied Solar Air Conditioners

This system is somewhat similar to hybrid ACS but with the benefits of net metering. The solar air conditioners use solar energy during the day and if there's excess energy, it's sent back to the grid. You earn credits, thus reducing your electricity bills. Make the most of your solar for air conditioning by choosing these systems. 

Solar Thermal Air Conditioners

Now, there are some air conditioners that use heat instead of electricity. These are slightly complex and you can often find them in commercial buildings. The sun collectors gather heat energy and it powers absorption chillers. The same chillers cool water and this is circulated to cool the air. 

These are an innovative form of solar air conditioning. Air conditioning with solar power offers a unique approach to air conditioning with solar power. 

Cost of Air Conditioning with Solar Power in India 

Here's the general price list: 

Solar AC Panel 

Power of the Panel

Selling Price

1 Ton Solar Air Conditioner

1500 Watt

₹90,000-1,00,000

1.5 Ton Solar Air Conditioner 

2500 Watt

₹1,00,000-1,40,000

It's important to note that prices for solar for air conditioning vary from brand to brand. Location and other factors, like installation charges also impact the prices of solar air conditioning.

Government Subsidies for Solar Air Conditioners

The government offers good subsidies for the installation of solar panels across India. If you're wanting to install solar panels at your home or business site, you’ll be eligible to apply for a subsidy. There's, however, no particular subsidy for the air conditioners. However, connecting your air conditioners to the solar panels will benefit you a lot. 

1 kWh- 3 kWh systems get a subsidy up to 40%, and  4 kWh- 10 kWh systems get a subsidy up to 20 %. 

Read more about government subsidies here - solar panel subsidy in India & 1 kWh solar panel in India

Benefits of Solar for Air Conditioning

There are so many advantages of solar panel installation. And the same goes for air conditioning with solar power. You’ll get: 

Lower Electricity Bills – This might be one of the biggest advantages of solar air conditioning. India is a hot country and you can agree that summer days here are pretty harsh. ACS become very important, but their constant working leads to high electricity bills. 

So, choosing air conditioning with solar power helps lower the bills because you're sourcing power from the sun! 

Eco-friendly and Sustainable – Relying on traditional air conditioners means using coal and other polluting sources. This is harmful to the environment. On the other hand, with the use of solar for air conditioning, you’ll help the environment as there will be low carbon footprints and no emissions.   

Low Maintenance – It's true that annual solar maintenance services are necessary to ensure the good functioning of your system. However, when air conditioning with solar power is compared to traditional one, it can be seen that they are low maintenance. It will save your time and efforts while providing the best energy output.

Reliable – In areas that are extremely hot but at the same time face frequent power cuts, living becomes difficult. Solar air conditioners are an amazing and reliable source of cool breeze as solar energy is mostly available. 

Increased Property Value – When the world is turning to solar, people are encouraged to choose such eco-friendly solutions. This is the reason why buyers appreciate properties with solar panels. The homes with solar air conditioning will attract them and increase your property’s value.

Conclusion

In short, solar air conditioning is a win-win. You stay cool in the hot summer, save money, and also help the environment. Solar for air conditioning is the future. Why? It's smart and a sustainable solution. 

By choosing the best solar company, you’ll be contributing to the betterment of the environment as well as your own.