The value of kW/hrs/m2/day is also known as Peak-Sun-Hours. Assessing the output of solar panels becomes a piece of cake when I tell you that it can be found by multiplying this figure by the kw rating of your PV panels. Keep an eye out for any refrigerant leaks If yours is blowing out warm air or is noisier than usual, this could indicate that it has a refrigerant leak. The image below shows the irradiance for Houston, Tx and this value can be used to work out how much energy overt time your solar system will deliver – I explain further underneath the image. The UK is aiming to phase down the use of HFCs by 2030 by 79% for alternatives that have less of a global warming impact such as R290. You’ll find these are used more in the latest portable air conditioner models, but older machines may still use an HFC refrigerant. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, three-quarters of American homes have air conditioners. The energy used by power plants to support that many air conditioners produces 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Absorption Chillers– This type uses solar to power the motor and fan while cooling and heating process using evaporation and condensation to produce cool air. Absorption chillers plug in to run from electricity or batteries. This solar air conditioner system is the most popular in the market regarding solar appliances. Solar air conditioners by absorption A 5 kW solar system can typically power one air conditioning unit of up to 3 – 4 kW. What is the difference between a solar AC and an inverter AC?

Not sure exactly what you need to wire in your campervan electrical system?

A solar panel is a device that captures the power of the Sun. It converts the Sun rays into electrical energy. This energy can then be used directly or stored in a battery. This is known as DC power. A solar-powered air conditioner then uses this DC power, either directly as DC or after conversion into AC (using an inverter), and heats or cools your home. Instead of using grid energy, a solar-powered air conditioner uses the energy of the Sun. It can use the grid energy, though, if needed. The startup energy used for the first 45 minutes is almost the same as running the AC for 1 hour, so I’ll split the difference and say that this unit uses 335 W/hrs or 0.335 kW/hrs. IMO lithium phosphate batteries are far superior to lead acid, although I use both. I originally turned to lithium because I was getting to old to lug around lead acid cells, which are 3 to 4 times heavier.

Most big-name HVAC brands aren’t making solar products yet. Lennox’s SunSource line is the only one we’re currently aware of. With Lennox’s reputation for cutting-edge technology, we’re not surprised they’re at the forefront of solar AC. We've tested portable air conditioners from a range of popular brands, including AEG, Argos own-brand Challenge, DeLonghi and ElectriQ.

Staying cool without campervan air conditioning

Although deep-cycle batteries are advertised capable of deep discharge of up to 80%, this isn’t really recommended as it really reduces the overall life of the battery. Yes, there are lots of companies that offer this. Trying a portable model before you buy could save you from making a costly mistake. For instance, you may not realise how much noise they can make. At their quietest, they sound like a fridge on its cooling cycle, and some models will also rattle and gurgle.