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    timfree's Avatar
    timfree Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jul 2, 2013, 10:43 AM
    How many watts solar will I need to run a/c at 15 a
    I want to run a/c in my home off solar panels with batt bank how many watt solar panels will I need
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,492, Reputation: 2853
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    #2

    Jul 2, 2013, 11:07 AM
    How cloudy does it get where you live?
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #3

    Jul 2, 2013, 02:54 PM
    Going green sounds great but for high AC power needs not usually a practical solution unless you have abundant sun and $$. Lots of up front money for panels and batteries, only produces DC and you will need an inverter to get AC. What happens at night with high heat and humidity? Last one I looked at for a similar install was almost $8,000 just for parts. I would spend my money on more insulation or better windows.
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,492, Reputation: 2853
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    #4

    Jul 2, 2013, 02:57 PM
    Yes, and you have to overbuild to compensate for the very cloudy days... because output varies so dramatically... and if you are off-grid... you have to seriously overbuild to make up for the hours you have no daylight at all.

    So you see that was a VERY loaded question... leaving a lot of important points unclarified.
    hfcarson's Avatar
    hfcarson Posts: 1,003, Reputation: 49
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    #5

    Jul 3, 2013, 05:27 AM
    How many solar panels do you need for lets say... a 1500 watt air conditioner?
    Let's assume the panels are 200 watts per panel, the inverter is rated for at least 2,000 watts, if we assume best case conditions for location geometry and sunlight and let's guess at an overall 60% system efficiency, I would venture at least 12 or more panels...
    And this AC will only run for a limited period on sunny days...
    If you are really interested in purchasing a solar system call a supplier and they will calcs for you for free...
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