The power consumption of Mini Split AC is different from Window or Central AC due to its Inverter and Ductless system. If you are planning to run an AC with Solar, then first know how many Solar Panels are required for this?
Mini Split AC Solar Power Guide
As AC usage increases, electricity bills also increase. In such a situation, running a Mini Split AC with the help of solar panels can be an economical option. However, it is not easy to determine how many solar panels are required for this. The power consumption of a Mini Split AC is different from that of a Window AC and a Central AC. It uses Ductless and Inverter Technology, which automatically increases or decreases the speed of the compressor according to the room's needs. Due to this technology, a Mini Split AC can generally operate on less electricity than a Central AC. So, let us know how many Solar Panels will be required for a Mini Split AC?
What is the difference in power consumption between the two ACs?
A 3-ton central AC can draw around 3,000 to 4,000 watts of power in extreme heat. In such a situation, around 10 to 14 solar panels may be required for this much power. Whereas a 12,000 BTU i.e. 1-ton single-zone mini split usually runs between 4 to 12 amps and its average power consumption is around 700 to 1,200 watts. Due to the inverter compressor, its continuous power consumption can remain low, although there may be power spikes in between.
How much electricity will an AC use in a day?
To calculate the power consumption of an AC, you need to know its wattage and daily usage hours. Calculate the AC's wattage and daily running time, then divide this figure by 1,000. This will give you the daily power consumption in kWh. For example, if your 12,000 BTU Mini Split AC consumes an average of 900 watts of power and runs for 8 hours daily, its daily consumption will be 7.2 kWh.
How many solar panels will be required for a Mini Split AC?
If a Mini Split AC requires approximately 8 kWh of electricity per day to operate, and a 400W solar panel generates approximately 1.6 kWh of electricity per day, then approximately 5 panels will be needed. However, for additional capacity, 5 to 6 panels can be considered.
A 550W solar panel can generate approximately 2.2 kWh of electricity daily. Therefore, a 12,000 BTU Mini Split AC may require approximately 4 to 5 panels. If the weather is extremely hot or cold, the AC runs for more than 10 hours daily, or the sky is overcast, the number of solar panels may need to be increased as needed.
