Arizona is one of the hottest states in the US, with summer temperatures commonly topping 100 F for most of the summer. While Arizonans know how to handle the heat, air conditioning has a hard time keeping up with such intense heat. The energy consumption needed to keep cool during the summer can rival rent and all other living expenses in summer power bills.
But what if you could generate electricity for your AC from the same powerful source as the heat you are fighting? Solar cooling – powering your AC with solar panels – is an innovative way to increase the efficiency of your AC and reduce the energy cost of cooling at the same time.
How Solar Cooling Systems Work
Solar cooling is a system that connects rooftop solar directly to your AC’s power circuit. When the summer heat is at its peak, this is when your solar panels are able to generate the maximum amount of power. From sunrise to sunset, you can cover part or all of the electricity needed to cool your home with the power of the sun, significantly reducing your power bill in the summer.
Not only is this energy-efficient, it is also more eco-friendly than using fossil-fuel produced energy for your high AC demands.
Types of Solar Cooling Systems
There are three types of solar cooling known as solar powered air conditioners: DC, AC, and Hybrid.
- DC Solar Air Conditioners
- DC solar AC uses direct current. The electricity flows in one direction from the panels to the AC.
- AC Solar Air Conditioners
- AC solar air conditioners use alternating current (the other AC). Electricity changes direction, and is more typical for household power.
- Hybrid Solar AC
- Hybrid solar ACs are equipped to power your AC or fill batteries or feed power back to the grid depending on the settings and power consumption needs.
Cost-Effectiveness and Incentives
Solar cooling has the potential to pay back the investment cost quickly through power bill savings. Consider how much you spend on AC every summer. Subtract the percentage of energy you can generate through solar power to calculate just how much you could save during summer months, not to mention warm days in Arizona spring and fall. This can inform your annual cost savings and reveal the total ROI and payback period for your solar installation.
You can also save a big percentage of your installation cost through government incentives including the federal and Arizona state federal tax credits. The federal solar tax credit is up to 30% of the installation cost, and Arizona’s is up to 25%.
Potential Challenges & How to Overcome Them
It’s important to carefully calculate your energy consumption and generation balance. Solar cooling can offset your power needs, but doesn’t always cover 100% of your cooling electricity during peak periods when temperatures soar. Proper system installation and maintenance can help you get the best performance from your panels and minimize the power you need from the grid.
There may also be times when you don’t need as much cooling as you are generating energy. Batteries for energy storage can allow you to use power stored up during cool mornings during the hottest times of day.
Explore Arizona Solar Cooling
Solar cooling can greatly benefit Arizona residents by reducing the need and cost of local power during the hottest time of the year. Explore solar cooling options for your home to enjoy lower energy consumption and a more eco-friendly household. Contact us today to get a free quote on a solar panel system.
