Interested in a Solar Powered Air Conditioner? Here are the Pros and Cons
Apr 4, 2017
Air conditioning comprises a huge portion of American energy costs. According to the federal government, American consumers spend $29 billion dollars per year regulating the temperature of their homes, pumping 117 million metric tons of atmosphere-warming carbon dioxide into the air in the process. Solar powered air conditioners may be an alternative to the expensive, fossil fuel-intensive conventional air conditioners. But are they a good option for your home? Let's explore the pros and cons of solar powered air conditioners.
The greatest thing about solar power is that it utilizes one of the most abundant natural resources we have. When you're getting energy from the sun, it means you don't have to pay for energy coming from some other source. You simply don't need a power company to point some panels toward a giant ball of gas. According to Lennox, one solar powered AC could save you as much as 50 percent on your monthly energy bill.
One of the unfortunate things about solar power is that it utilizes one of the most abundant natural resources we have . . . for approximately half of the day every day. Battery-run units and models with energy storing capabilities can overcome the basic problem of utilizing energy from the sun overnight, but solar power's nighttime challenges are stubborn. The basic fact is that most people like to have a cool home while they sleep.
If the energy storage function of your solar powered air conditioner works properly, it can do wonders for your energy lifestyle. As Green Builder Media points out, solar powered appliances are not necessarily connected to the grid. Thus, when storms knock down power lines, your solar powered air conditioner may not be affected.
Energy companies are threatened by solar power. The idea that people can independently store their own energy is an affront to utility companies' core business model. As a result, several states, including Florida, have been slow on the uptake of solar. If your state has not passed legislation that makes it cost effective to install solar panels, it may be difficult to consider a solar powered air conditioner.
Pro: You may decrease your utility costs
The greatest thing about solar power is that it utilizes one of the most abundant natural resources we have. When you're getting energy from the sun, it means you don't have to pay for energy coming from some other source. You simply don't need a power company to point some panels toward a giant ball of gas. According to Lennox, one solar powered AC could save you as much as 50 percent on your monthly energy bill.
Con: Some units may not work at night
One of the unfortunate things about solar power is that it utilizes one of the most abundant natural resources we have . . . for approximately half of the day every day. Battery-run units and models with energy storing capabilities can overcome the basic problem of utilizing energy from the sun overnight, but solar power's nighttime challenges are stubborn. The basic fact is that most people like to have a cool home while they sleep.
Pro: Solar powered air conditioners may not be connected to the grid
If the energy storage function of your solar powered air conditioner works properly, it can do wonders for your energy lifestyle. As Green Builder Media points out, solar powered appliances are not necessarily connected to the grid. Thus, when storms knock down power lines, your solar powered air conditioner may not be affected.
Con: Not every state is solar friendly
Energy companies are threatened by solar power. The idea that people can independently store their own energy is an affront to utility companies' core business model. As a result, several states, including Florida, have been slow on the uptake of solar. If your state has not passed legislation that makes it cost effective to install solar panels, it may be difficult to consider a solar powered air conditioner.
