The Technology Explained How Does it Work?
A growing trend in Southwest Florida is the implementation of mini-split AC units–either for whole home usage or to cool portions of the home, like a garage, shed, barn, or exterior structure.
Solar Powered AC units are mini-split units powered entirely by solar panels; usually 3 or 4 placed on the roof. These panels provide direct DC power to the mini-split and are able to be connected without utilizing your main service panel, meaning your cooling power is coming from the sun, absolutely free of charge.
A few solar panels are placed on the roof and connected directly to the mini-split unit. When the sun is up, the mini-split is running and cooling whatever space you have it for. At night time, the mini-split shuts off until the next day. Because these units do not connect to your electrical panel, there is no rise in your energy bill at all.
These units are designed to be a one-time cost for unlimited cooling potential. In Florida, roughly 60% of an electricity bill can be attributed to AC usage. If these units are installed for a main dwelling, that electricity bill can be lowered substantially, saving you huge money!
How a Solar Powered Mini Split Works
Solar Panels Generate DC Power
Power Goes Directly to the Unit
Unit Cools the Home
No Batteries or Inverter Needed
When The Power Goes Out, Our AC Units Stay On
Because these systems are directly powered by solar and are able to run without a grid connection, your AC can run even during outages! If a hurricane comes through and leaves you without power, rest assured that these units can run flawlessly, keeping whatever you want cool, cool.
If you have one (or two) of these units attached to your main dwelling, you can prevent mold growth and keep your family comfortable during any sort of outage.
Real Savings You Can See Does it Actually Save Me Money ?
Absolutely it does. These units cost LESS than traditional AC units, cool just as well, and can run entirely on the energy from the sun. Whereas with traditional AC units you must pay for the unit AND every time it clicks on, these units are a one-time payment and then free cold air whenever you want it.
For example, on an average $200/mo utility bill, 60% of that is from AC usage here in Southwest Florida. That is about $120 in pure AC usage alone. If you cool a portion of your home or your whole home with these units, you would be saving up to $120 a month, or about $1,400 per year! These solar powered AC units will literally pay for themselves quicker than you can imagine!
Can I Run It At Night?
Yes! These units are hybrid units, meaning we can connect solar panels directly to them while simultaneously connecting them to your main service panel. This is not a requirement, but if you want to run the unit at night, you absolutely can. By setting the unit up this way, the AC is powered by the sun during the day and the grid at night. This type of setup is perfect for whole or partial home cooling.
What Size Do I Need?
The most common sizes are 12K and 24K units. The 12K unit utilizes anywhere from 3-4 solar panels, and the 24K utilizes anywhere from 6-8 solar panels.
The 12K unit can cool up to 700 square feet, while the 24K can comfortably cool up to 1300 square feet.
You can even cool your entire home with these units with zone control!
Can These Units Also Heat My Home?
They sure can. Although you may not ever need to heat up a home here in Florida, these units also double as a heater! For those few weeks a year where the temperature drops to chilly territory, these units can reliably heat your home just as well as they can cool it!