Hey everyone, I'm contemplating using solar panels and batteries to power a mini split air conditioning system mainly during the summer. My central AC runs non-stop to cool my house, especially upstairs where I currently use a window AC to keep my bedroom at a chilly 64°F for sleep. Instead of running new power for a mini split, I'm thinking of installing 6x 400w solar panels and a 3kWh battery setup to potentially get free AC. Does this sound like a solid plan, or am I being overly ambitious? I haven't crunched all the numbers yet, just trying to gauge if this effort is worth it!
2 Answers
Not a crazy idea at all! However, it's generally more cost-effective to go for a grid-tied solar system for the whole house, whether you use batteries or not. You might want to consider that approach instead.
While your idea is interesting, keep in mind that small off-grid systems often come with a significant payback period. Have you considered boosting your energy efficiency first? Maybe look into some new energy-efficient window units that might do the job nicely without the big investment! How much energy does your AC actually use in the summer?
Yeah, plus how old is your current HVAC unit? If it's older, just checking and replacing the filters regularly can make a big difference in efficiency!