Understanding the Energy Demand

To power an air conditioner (AC) that requires 1 ton of cooling capacity, you need to understand the energy demand involved. The term “1 ton” refers to the cooling capacity of the AC, which is equivalent to 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. This means that your solar system must be able to produce at least this amount of energy to meet the cooling requirements of the AC.

Calculating Solar System Size

To determine the size of your solar system, you need to consider several factors, including the geographical location, the efficiency of the solar panels, and the average daily sunlight hours. Here’s a breakdown of the calculations:

1. Determine the daily energy requirement:

Since 1 ton of AC requires 12,000 BTUs per hour, and there are 24 hours in a day, the daily energy requirement is 12,000 BTUs/hour 24 hours = 288,000 BTUs/day.

2. Convert BTUs to kilowatt-hours (kWh):

1 BTU is approximately equal to 0.29307107 kilowatt-hours. Therefore, the daily energy requirement in kWh is 288,000 BTUs/day 0.29307107 kWh/BTU = 84,510.8 kWh/day.

3. Consider the efficiency of solar panels:

Assuming an average efficiency of 15% for solar panels, the solar system must produce 84,510.8 kWh/day / 0.15 = 566,071.07 kWh/day.

4. Determine the number of solar panels:

Assuming an average solar panel size of 300 watts, the number of solar panels required is 566,071.07 kWh/day / 300 watts = 1,883.7 panels. Since you can’t have a fraction of a panel, you’ll need to round up to 1,884 panels.

Location and Sunlight Hours

The geographical location plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency of your solar system. The amount of sunlight your panels receive daily will directly impact the energy production. Here’s a table showing the average daily sunlight hours for different regions in the United States:

Region	Average Daily Sunlight Hours
Southwest	6-8 hours
Midwest	4-6 hours
Northeast	3-5 hours
South	5-7 hours
North	3-5 hours

Based on the average daily sunlight hours for your region, you can adjust the number of solar panels required to meet your energy needs.

Energy Storage and Backup Systems

To ensure a continuous power supply, especially during cloudy days or at night, you’ll need to incorporate energy storage and backup systems into your solar setup. Here are some options:

1. Batteries:

Batteries can store excess energy produced during the day and supply it to the AC during periods of low sunlight or at night. Lead-acid batteries are a common choice due to their reliability and affordability.

2. Generator:

A generator can provide backup power during extended periods of low sunlight or when the battery capacity is depleted. It’s essential to choose a generator with the appropriate power output to match your AC’s requirements.

3. Grid connection:

Connecting your solar system to the grid allows you to draw power from the utility company during periods of low solar production. This ensures a continuous power supply while still benefiting from the energy produced by your solar panels.

Installation and Maintenance

Once you’ve determined the size of your solar system and selected the appropriate components, it’s time to install and maintain it. Here are some tips:

1. Professional installation:

It’s crucial to have your solar system installed by a professional to ensure optimal performance and safety. They will handle the electrical connections, mounting, and any necessary permits.

2. Regular