Solar Friendly Air Conditioners
If you wish to add air conditioning to a structure while powering it with solar power, this is what you need:
- High Efficiency Mini-Split DC Inverter Heat Pump System. SEER Rating of 18-27 is preferred. Do not use traditional air conditioners if you plan to run it off solar. You will have a bad time.
- A well insulated structure. Before you install any HVAC system, you need to seal doors/windows and use double paned windows. If you do not, using solar to heat or cool your structure will be nearly impossible.
- A large solar power system. If you plan to heat/cool your structure, you will need a ton of power! Build it as large as you can afford.
What I use for my workshop
What I currently use to cool and heat my 1000 Sq Ft work shop is a 36,000 BTU Pioneer Mini Split with DC Inverter Technology.
I chose Pioneer because it is a well known company with great support. Their warranty and sales support is top notch. I spent more money to have these benefits. My Pioneer is huge, cools or heats my shop in minutes, and is dead silent. It took one day to install it. I should have bought one ages ago! Once you get one, you will never use any other air conditioner system around. You can set this system up on your own, it is DIY friendly. The system comes charged, and you can use a harbor freight vacuum pump and gauge to pump air out of the system before you release the charge into the pipes. But if you are not comfortable doing the install on your own, just install everything else, then pay a trained professional to release the coolant into the pipes. Or pay a handyman to do everything! Click here for a good price on amazon |
Another good option is MR. Cool
If I did not go with my Pioneer, I would go with a Mr. Cool Mini Split. It has the same features as my pioneer and the reviews are great. I will order and install one of these units for my house next.
Click here for a cheap price |
If a mini split is too difficult to install,
check out the midea U Inverter Window AC
This is the most efficient window AC on the market. At 15 SEER, it is nearly as good as a mini split! I own one, but plan to own 2 more.
I am installing these in my new house because the current AC system is not nearly as efficient and it would cost a fortune to switch it out. I put one of these in my bedroom and I run it off of my grid tie system. I have installed many window AC units in my day, and this was hands down the easiest. Took 6 screw and about 30 minutes for full install. Click here for a cheap price |