Everything you need to know about solar-powered air conditioners

Solar-powered air conditioning: Is it right for your home?

In Santa Rosa, HVAC contractors see and work with all sorts of cooling systems. One unique type of air conditioner that has risen in popularity in recent years is solar-powered. Before you take the leap into solar-powered AC for yourself, get to know how these systems work and how they can benefit your home.

How Does a Solar Air Conditioner Work?

The vast majority of solar air conditioners take in power from the sun through photovoltaic (PV) panels. The power generated within the cells in these panels transforms and travels to power the fan and the compressor.

Types of Solar Air Conditioners

Different kinds of solar air conditioners are more suitable for different dwelling areas and climate. Choosing the right kind of air conditioner can be a game changer for your home’s energy efficiency.

• Hybrid: Many solar air conditioners are hybrid, so they require both electricity and solar power to fully function. In remote areas, a battery may take the place of a direct electric line.
• Solar-only: These kinds of air conditioners pull all of their power from the sun. They are generally more energy efficient than their hybrid counterparts, but often have higher solar power demands.
• Solar thermal: Rather than take power straight from sun rays, solar thermal air conditioners require water heated by the sun to operate. These systems drive water vapor in evaporator cells, which help draw out heat from the house.
• Mini-split: These systems take the best of both worlds. Most of these kinds of air conditioners have an outdoor compressor unit and at least one indoor unit with evaporator coils and circulation fans.
• Window-mount: You may already have an appliance with a similar appearance in your home. These units are situated in a window and draw power from panels placed on the roof. Generally speaking, these are cheaper to install and maintain than centralized AC systems.

The perfect solar-powered AC system for you depends on your location and the amount of cooling power you need in your home. A trained cooling services specialist can help you make the right call.

Why You Should Get a Solar-Powered Air Conditioner

Over 75% of American homes have some sort of air conditioning. Every year, these devices and systems alone produce over 116 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. As a greenhouse gas, surplus amounts of carbon dioxide in the planet’s atmosphere can lead to catastrophic consequences for ecosystems both locally and globally.

Solar-powered air conditioners use less electric energy than other AC systems. In turn, they produce less carbon dioxide than standard AC units. In addition, solar-powered AC reduces overall grid demand and, during peak usage, reduces load shift for your home.

As a cost-effective alternative to regular air conditioning, solar-powered AC units could save you money. Since they are more energy efficient than other models, your energy bill may see a significant drop during the warmer months of the year.

Cons of Solar-Powered Air Conditioning

Of course, no system is perfect. There are some downsides to installing solar-powered AC that you should be aware of before making the decision to change your home over.

The simplest drawback is the most obvious when it comes to solar-powered technology: it requires the sun. During the nighttime or stormy weather, a solar-powered AC unit won’t work unless it is a hybrid system tied into the grid or a battery pack.

On top of this, solar-powered energy may be expensive to install or implement where you live. Especially if you currently have a standard window unit, there may be a higher overhead cost to change your home to solar air conditioning. In the long run, however, these initial costs can be outweighed by your long-term savings on utility bills.

Due to its location on the roof of your home, solar panels may need additional maintenance over the years. A professional air conditioning installer can help you determine what regular maintenance should be scheduled ahead of time, and what to look out for after a storm or windy weather.

Find a Reliable Santa Rosa HVAC Contractor

For residents of Santa Rosa, HVAC contractors can make the difference between a relaxed, cool summer and a miserable one. Making the switch to solar-powered AC can be a big change for your home. The good news? Solar-powered air conditioning is usually easy to install and simple to maintain with the appropriate plan in place. 

When you’re ready to experience a comfortable summer indoors without breaking the bank, call on a team of pros in the industry who will help you find the right AC solutions for your home. At Next Level Heating and Air Conditioning, we complete work all over Sonoma and Marin counties, and we’re happy to help neighbors anywhere in the area. For more information on how we can improve your HVAC system, get in touch with us today.