I'm looking to install an EG4 solar mini split unit on the second story of my open floor plan home. The current central AC just isn't cutting it. The upstairs is about 500 sq ft, and I'm trying to decide between a 12k and a 24k unit. The 12k should work for the upstairs, but since it's at the edge of the loft, I'm considering the 24k unit to cool both upstairs and part of the downstairs.
I need help figuring out how many 450-watt bifacial solar panels I should realistically use. In North Texas, I get about 10-12 hours of direct sunlight on a south-facing setup. For now, the panels will be ground-mounted, but I plan to build a solar pergola eventually.
I'm curious if I should go for 3, 4, 5, or 6 panels for either the 12k or 24k unit. Also, I plan to run the unit without connecting to AC power, so the mini split will only operate during sunny hours. I'd like to make a purchase tonight since I hear prices have dropped significantly recently due to tariff changes, but I want to get this right!
2 Answers
I have the 12k BTU EG4 unit and it works really well. It typically draws between 400-600W in mild weather, and up to about 950W on hotter days. You might get by with just three panels, but if you want to be safe, pushing for five or six panels could help with evening usage since power drops off when the sun goes down.
The EG4 mini split kits actually have a setup that works well with the panels included. They’re a great reference point for your panel needs. Just keep in mind that if you're off-grid, you might want to over-panel a bit to ensure you have enough power available.
Just so you know, the recommended kits actually pair 1600W of solar with the 12k BTU unit. It's considerably over-paneled, but in practice, it works very well!