To determine the number of solar panels required to power a 1.5-ton air conditioner, we need to consider various factors such as the power consumption of the AC unit, the efficiency of the solar panels, and the amount of sunlight available in the installation location.
The power consumption of an air conditioner typically measured in watts or kilowatts. Since you mentioned a 1.5-ton AC, we will assume that it has a cooling capacity of 1.5 tons or 18,000 British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/hr).
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) #
To convert this cooling capacity into electrical power consumption, we need to consider the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of the AC unit. The EER is the ratio of cooling capacity (in BTU/hr) to the power consumption (in watts) of the AC. The higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner.
Let’s assume an average EER of 10 for a 1.5-ton AC unit. This means that for every 1,000 BTU/hr of cooling capacity, the AC consumes approximately 100 watts of electrical power.
Now, let’s calculate the power consumption of the 1.5-ton AC in kilowatts (kW):
- Power Consumption = Cooling Capacity (BTU/hr) / (EER x 3.41214)
- Power Consumption = 18,000 BTU/hr / (10 x 3.41214)
- Power Consumption ≈ 0.527 kW
Please note that the above calculation is an estimation, and the actual power consumption may vary depending on the specific model and efficiency of the air conditioner.
Solar Panel Efficiency #
Next, we need to consider the solar panel efficiency, which refers to the percentage of sunlight that can be converted into electricity by the solar panels. Typical solar panel efficiencies range from 15% to 20%. Let’s assume an average efficiency of 17.5% for our calculation.
To determine the number of solar panels required, we divide the AC’s power consumption by the solar panel efficiency:
- Number of Solar Panels = Power Consumption (kW) / Solar Panel Efficiency
- Number of Solar Panels = 0.527 kW / 0.175
- Number of Solar Panels ≈ 3
So, approximately 3 solar panels would be required to power a 1.5-ton AC, considering the assumptions made in this calculation. Keep in mind that this is a rough estimate, and the actual number of panels needed may vary based on factors like geographic location, panel efficiency, and solar irradiation. Additionally, it’s important to consider energy storage systems or grid tie-in options for continuous AC operation during periods of low sunlight.
