Global warming leads to hotter climates and harsh environmental conditions for human survival. The sizzling heat of summer in Pakistan is getting extreme year by year, which is becoming unbearable for people to survive. Air conditioners are an excellent option to cool down the temperature of a room or hall. But, due to increased electricity tariffs, it is now impossible for the people of Pakistan to keep their ACs on for a more extended period of the day. Companies have introduced solar air conditioners to beat the heat and ensure zero electricity bills.

But do solar ACs work? 

Let’s find out.

What Are Solar Air Conditioners?

Solar ACs are room-cooling electronics integrated with solar panels to generate energy. Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it to electric energy for consumption. Some solar-powered ACs are paired with battery backup so that the air conditioner can run when no sunlight strikes the panels. Solar air conditioners with battery backup provide unlimited cooling at night and during power outages.

How Do Solar Conditioners Work?

Solar ACs work just like their counterparts. Instead of a grid connection, solar ACs are equipped with PV panels that generate electricity to power the compressor and fan. There is another type of solar AC called thermal solar AC. In thermal solar air conditioners, water is heated by sunlight, which drives the refrigerant. The hot water condenses the refrigerant, which drives it into evaporator coils. The vaporization then ablates heat from the house and cools the space.

What Are The Types of Solar Air Conditioners?

PV-powered solar ACs come in three types: AC, DC, and Hybrid air conditioners.

Here are the details of each;

Solar AC – AC Unit

The AC solar air conditioner runs on a 120-volt AC. The solar power generated by PV panels first passes through the solar inverter and then comes in an optimized form for air conditioners to consume.

Solar AC – DC Unit

The PV panels produce electricity in DC form. The DC air conditioner units have motors and can use solar-generated power directly. There is no need for an inverter. The DC air conditioner units consume 12, 24, or 48 volts.

Solar AC – Hybrid Unit

The hybrid solar ACs can run on both AC and DC signals. It means that a hybrid solar AC can use direct current generated by PV panels in the daytime and utilize alternating current from the power grid at night.

What are the Pros of Solar ACs?

In Pakistan, there are more than 2.4 million households equipped with air conditioning units, with urban households surpassing rural households by a factor of eight.

Solar ACs offer multiple advantages, some of which are mentioned below;

• Continuous cooling without any interruptions.
• 100% saving on electricity bills.
• Zero carbon footprint.

What Are the Cons of Solar ACs?

Everything has a good side and a wrong side. Solar-powered air conditioners are no doubt energy efficient, but there are some cons that consumers must know before purchasing one.

• Solar ACs without battery backup do not work at night or during power outages.
• Solar ACs are more expensive than conventional air conditioners.
• Solar panels need on-and-off maintenance, which will cost money.

Final Words – Are Solar ACs Worth The Money?

Solar air conditioners are an excellent option to save money on electricity bills, leave zero carbon footprint, and maintain a chilled temperature within your home. However, consumers hesitate to purchase one due to the increased prices of PV air conditioners. Nonetheless, hikes in electricity prices have already challenged people to sustain an everyday life. Investing in solar ACs would be an intelligent choice. It is the best option if consumers can afford a complete solar solution.

Also Read: How to Deal with Load Shedding in Pakistan?