Can Solar System run 1 ton AC?

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sinnersaint

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Aug 11, 2009
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Can someone please advise if its feasible or even possible to run a 1 ton AC (normal or inverter) on solar system directly? If so, how much would it initially cost + per year maintenance?
 

puppet

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Sep 30, 2013
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depends on the solar panels , we got 4-5 ACs continuously running in our office like 16 degrees without getting tripped , and those are all on solar power
 

DogePlayer

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would you be able to provide us the details of these solar panels? i want to put them on my roof. the space i have on the roof is quite a lot. How much solar panels will i need for the running of 3-4 acs and how much does it cost? help would be appreciated
 

sinnersaint

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Aug 11, 2009
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depends on the solar panels , we got 4-5 ACs continuously running in our office like 16 degrees without getting tripped , and those are all on solar power
bhai can you please provide any information as to how much it would cost? And do we need to buy separate AC or the normal one can run on it?
 

sufi

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Can someone please advise if its feasible or even possible to run a 1 ton AC (normal or inverter) on solar system directly? If so, how much would it initially cost + per year maintenance?
Regular panel will cost you 6500/panel , producing around 40-50 watt .. scale it to inverter ac will need around 500 watt u need 10 panels for 65000 . Then a main inverter (10000) and battery bank around (25-35k)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

sinnersaint

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Aug 11, 2009
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Regular panel will cost you 6500/panel , producing around 40-50 watt .. scale it to inverter ac will need around 500 watt u need 10 panels for 65000 . Then a main inverter (10000) and battery bank around (25-35k)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks a lot brother. Few more questions plz.


- How many panels will one ton regular AC need?
- Is it possible that during day time the AC runs directly on Solar and in night time it can be used through the charged battery pack?
- Also if I want to convert some of the other house-hold equipment, how much additional solar panels would I need?
 

NaNoW

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I would highly appreciate if someone can create one official Solar energy thread with all different options available in Pakistan..this would require some research though
[MENTION=59795]staticPointer[/MENTION] [MENTION=1601]ASKnASK[/MENTION] [MENTION=4563]opethian[/MENTION] you know anyone who can do this?
 

v9sp

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Sep 29, 2013
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Thanks a lot brother. Few more questions plz.


- How many panels will one ton regular AC need?
- Is it possible that during day time the AC runs directly on Solar and in night time it can be used through the charged battery pack?
- Also if I want to convert some of the other house-hold equipment, how much additional solar panels would I need?
Oh man o man lol

At first I didn't want to comment on the thread because i'm a lazy fuck, but that guy isn't giving you correct information.

Background: I have talked to at least 6 Solar power providers in Pakistan. I have done extensive research into almost every component that goes into a solar power system. I have also talked to a solar power installation expert.

Conclusions derived:

1. Solar power is expensive.
2. If you don't do your research, most providers will dupe you into a configuration that's not up to the task (some don't even properly know functionalities in many hybrid solar inverters).
3. Your system will entirely depend on the load you want to take on solar.

For example, you want to power only one 1-ton inverter on solar:
- Peak power requirements: 2000w (on the safe side, but a 1-ton ac should peak at less).

- This will require a solar array of atleast 2500-3000w (taking into account inefficiencies). 1 260w good quality poly panel costs ~14-18k. Thats Rs.150,000 right there (10 260w panels @ 15k each)

- Then you'd want a hybrid solar inverter with the capacity to handle the load and voltages of the solar panels. Hybrid because you'd want to connect it to your utility connection (IESCO) to be able to combine power from grid when solar output isn't enough (i.e solar output is only 1500w when you need 2000w, so the inverter will take 500w from IESCO). This will require a 4-5KW hybrid inverter which will cost atleast Rs.180,000 (InfiniSolar hybrid inverter (For the informed: not infini V hybrid as it can't handle high voltages))

- Then comes the battery backup: 200ah dry narada batteries cost Rs.37,000 each. Min required for this setup is 4 - don't know about how much backup that will give but 2 hours should be a safe guesstimate. This will provide power when grid and solar aren't available.

- Then comes wiring & installation cost - 50-60k


And all this to safely power a 1-ton AC - that too for less than half a day.
 

hamidkhatri

Well-known member
May 7, 2011
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[MENTION=104006]v9sp[/MENTION] what i have heard about solar systems is that, this system is feasable and economical if specific electronics made only for solar energy are used, like fans, leds, tvs etc. Kindly put some light on it and how much does it cost?

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
 

NaNoW

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Feb 5, 2008
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Karachi, Pakistan
Oh man o man lol

At first I didn't want to comment on the thread because i'm a lazy fuck, but that guy isn't giving you correct information.

Background: I have talked to at least 6 Solar power providers in Pakistan. I have done extensive research into almost every component that goes into a solar power system. I have also talked to a solar power installation expert.

Conclusions derived:

1. Solar power is expensive.
2. If you don't do your research, most providers will dupe you into a configuration that's not up to the task (some don't even properly know functionalities in many hybrid solar inverters).
3. Your system will entirely depend on the load you want to take on solar.

For example, you want to power only one 1-ton inverter on solar:
- Peak power requirements: 2000w (on the safe side, but a 1-ton ac should peak at less).

- This will require a solar array of atleast 2500-3000w (taking into account inefficiencies). 1 260w good quality poly panel costs ~14-18k. Thats Rs.150,000 right there (10 260w panels @ 15k each)

- Then you'd want a hybrid solar inverter with the capacity to handle the load and voltages of the solar panels. Hybrid because you'd want to connect it to your utility connection (IESCO) to be able to combine power from grid when solar output isn't enough (i.e solar output is only 1500w when you need 2000w, so the inverter will take 500w from IESCO). This will require a 4-5KW hybrid inverter which will cost atleast Rs.180,000 (InfiniSolar hybrid inverter (For the informed: not infini V hybrid as it can't handle high voltages))

- Then comes the battery backup: 200ah dry narada batteries cost Rs.37,000 each. Min required for this setup is 4 - don't know about how much backup that will give but 2 hours should be a safe guesstimate. This will provide power when grid and solar aren't available.

- Then comes wiring & installation cost - 50-60k


And all this to safely power a 1-ton AC - that too for less than half a day.

I think a decent number of people, including me will be extreamly grateful if you can write a proper guide on this topic, what are the options available, what to look for, what if we want to import something, suggestions
etc

also do u know if it will be better/cheaper to import solar panels from outside ?
 

sinnersaint

Well-known member
Aug 11, 2009
1,272
1
43
Oh man o man lol

At first I didn't want to comment on the thread because i'm a lazy fuck, but that guy isn't giving you correct information.

Background: I have talked to at least 6 Solar power providers in Pakistan. I have done extensive research into almost every component that goes into a solar power system. I have also talked to a solar power installation expert.

Conclusions derived:

1. Solar power is expensive.
2. If you don't do your research, most providers will dupe you into a configuration that's not up to the task (some don't even properly know functionalities in many hybrid solar inverters).
3. Your system will entirely depend on the load you want to take on solar.

For example, you want to power only one 1-ton inverter on solar:
- Peak power requirements: 2000w (on the safe side, but a 1-ton ac should peak at less).

- This will require a solar array of atleast 2500-3000w (taking into account inefficiencies). 1 260w good quality poly panel costs ~14-18k. Thats Rs.150,000 right there (10 260w panels @ 15k each)

- Then you'd want a hybrid solar inverter with the capacity to handle the load and voltages of the solar panels. Hybrid because you'd want to connect it to your utility connection (IESCO) to be able to combine power from grid when solar output isn't enough (i.e solar output is only 1500w when you need 2000w, so the inverter will take 500w from IESCO). This will require a 4-5KW hybrid inverter which will cost atleast Rs.180,000 (InfiniSolar hybrid inverter (For the informed: not infini V hybrid as it can't handle high voltages))

- Then comes the battery backup: 200ah dry narada batteries cost Rs.37,000 each. Min required for this setup is 4 - don't know about how much backup that will give but 2 hours should be a safe guesstimate. This will provide power when grid and solar aren't available.

- Then comes wiring & installation cost - 50-60k


And all this to safely power a 1-ton AC - that too for less than half a day.
thanks a lot brother, so for now it doesn't seem economical to switch to solar, let KE loot us poor souls! :-(
 

v9sp

Active member
Sep 29, 2013
260
17
23
Karachi
@v9sp what i have heard about solar systems is that, this system is feasable and economical if specific electronics made only for solar energy are used, like fans, leds, tvs etc. Kindly put some light on it and how much does it cost?

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
Not exactly.

You can go full DC, but that will require separate wiring in your house and all DC electronics - unfeasible.

What people usually mean by "Solar power friendly" electronics is that the heavier load ones like Fridges and ACs are inverter type which don't have a surge load.
 

v9sp

Active member
Sep 29, 2013
260
17
23
Karachi
I think a decent number of people, including me will be extreamly grateful if you can write a proper guide on this topic, what are the options available, what to look for, what if we want to import something, suggestions
etc

also do u know if it will be better/cheaper to import solar panels from outside ?
Proper guide will be quite time consuming. I can only help in queries. My earlier post is a good starting guide of what to expect cost wise when one gets into solar. There are cheaper options available, but they are not worth the money and do not work as one would expect.

Basic info on Solar inverters:

3 Types:
-On Grid: Tied to your grid. Feeds back solar power generated back to grid (requires net-metering which is too much of a hassle in Pakistan). Shuts off when power from grid goes out. Useless for Pak.
-Off Grid: As the name states - not tied to the grid. You have to manage load to stay under Solar output or it trips. If load goes above Solar output, it will completely switch load to Grid - Useless. Most solar providers try to push this because the inverters are cheap (60-70k for 5KW inverter).
-Hybrid: Mix of the above. Syncs with grid electricity. Can feed back excess solar output to grid, but this can be turned off in inverter. Does not go out in loadshedding. When load is greater than solar power, it will intelligently manage excess load with grid (or battery if loadshedding).

Things to look out for with inverters:

- Solar PV INPUT (DC) capability. This will tell you the limit to the number of panels that can be connected to your inverter - a solar expert can guide on this (or check tutorials on net).
- Efficiency ratings are typically BS. Always have a load capacity that's 30% higher than the planned load.
- Brands serve as a guideline. There are many fake inverters being made that brand themselves as the imported counterpart. Good brands: Infini Solar (Taiwanese ODM - typically the kits are imported and branded locally like Tesla Solar does, etc - have to be careful about fakes), SMA (very expensive though) and Goodwe (Chinese leading brand)...among others.

Have to be careful about solar panels. There are many cheap panels being sold in the market. Mono (Best), Poly (Good), ThinFilm (Cheaper but lower efficiency and not good with high temps). If anyone would like to help expand this, i'd be grateful.

Have no idea about importing.

For additional help: Solar System for 1 DC inverter AC - Non Wheels Discussions - PakWheels Forums

There's a member named "Waqasne" who will be able to help better. He worked for Pantera Energy before moving out of Pakistan. He has been very helpful.
 
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opethian

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Jun 26, 2008
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[MENTION=4177]NaNoW[/MENTION] im not an expert but few yrs back we discussed this on wiredpakistan forum n a guy over there shared his house setup which was running on solar as primary source and wapda as backup (makes sense isnt it)
actually all one has to do is to make arrangement which can give 6 to 7 amps constantly to run a 1 ton AC (i think it requires 7amp 220~240v)
its a simple maths question, out put of one solar panel x number of panel required + charge controller + 5kva inverter + dry cell batteries (if one needs to store some)
i think that forum has good resource on this thing

Solar Power to Run Your AC upto 1.5 Ton DC and 5 Fans and 5 Lights( 4 to 5 Hrs in A Day - General Tech - WiredPakistan
 

sinnersaint

Well-known member
Aug 11, 2009
1,272
1
43
Proper guide will be quite time consuming. I can only help in queries. My earlier post is a good starting guide of what to expect cost wise when one gets into solar. There are cheaper options available, but they are not worth the money and do not work as one would expect.

Basic info on Solar inverters:

3 Types:
-On Grid: Tied to your grid. Feeds back solar power generated back to grid (requires net-metering which is too much of a hassle in Pakistan). Shuts off when power from grid goes out. Useless for Pak.
-Off Grid: As the name states - not tied to the grid. You have to manage load to stay under Solar output or it trips. If load goes above Solar output, it will completely switch load to Grid - Useless. Most solar providers try to push this because the inverters are cheap (60-70k for 5KW inverter).
-Hybrid: Mix of the above. Syncs with grid electricity. Can feed back excess solar output to grid, but this can be turned off in inverter. Does not go out in loadshedding. When load is greater than solar power, it will intelligently manage excess load with grid (or battery if loadshedding).

Things to look out for with inverters:

- Solar PV INPUT (DC) capability. This will tell you the limit to the number of panels that can be connected to your inverter - a solar expert can guide on this (or check tutorials on net).
- Efficiency ratings are typically BS. Always have a load capacity that's 30% higher than the planned load.
- Brands serve as a guideline. There are many fake inverters being made that brand themselves as the imported counterpart. Good brands: Infini Solar (Taiwanese ODM - typically the kits are imported and branded locally like Tesla Solar does, etc - have to be careful about fakes), SMA (very expensive though) and Goodwe (Chinese leading brand)...among others.

Have to be careful about solar panels. There are many cheap panels being sold in the market. Mono (Best), Poly (Good), ThinFilm (Cheaper but lower efficiency and not good with high temps). If anyone would like to help expand this, i'd be grateful.

Have no idea about importing.

For additional help: Solar System for 1 DC inverter AC - Non Wheels Discussions - PakWheels Forums

There's a member named "Waqasne" who will be able to help better. He worked for Pantera Energy before moving out of Pakistan. He has been very helpful.
Thanks for the information bro. Have a few questions:

1. Are you aware of any reliable solar service providers in Karachi? Searching online gives way too many results
2. Hybrid Option: Not sure if this works in Karachi. Any ideas?
3. I checked with my UPS wala as he's providing the solar service now as well. He told me it will cost approx. 1lakh for 1KVA system, however first the batteries will be charged and then it will run the equipment. And it will only work in the day. During evening/night time its going to switch to KE and if any load-shedding then the system will provide 2 hours backup. I find this ridiculous since my current UPS provides 4 hour backup (4 fans + 4 tube-lights + some other small equipment).
So, if am going to invest I want to reduce my ridiculous KE bill. Can you provide any guidance on this please. Like if I want to convert my whole house on solar (or maybe in chunks since it costs quite a lot), is it possible that during day time the home equipment runs directly through solar and in evening it runs through batteries? If so, how many and what kind (dry or wet) batteries would be good for lets say 10-12 hours backup (including lights/fan/AC).
 

v9sp

Active member
Sep 29, 2013
260
17
23
Karachi
Thanks for the information bro. Have a few questions:

1. Are you aware of any reliable solar service providers in Karachi? Searching online gives way too many results
2. Hybrid Option: Not sure if this works in Karachi. Any ideas?
3. I checked with my UPS wala as he's providing the solar service now as well. He told me it will cost approx. 1lakh for 1KVA system, however first the batteries will be charged and then it will run the equipment. And it will only work in the day. During evening/night time its going to switch to KE and if any load-shedding then the system will provide 2 hours backup. I find this ridiculous since my current UPS provides 4 hour backup (4 fans + 4 tube-lights + some other small equipment).
So, if am going to invest I want to reduce my ridiculous KE bill. Can you provide any guidance on this please. Like if I want to convert my whole house on solar (or maybe in chunks since it costs quite a lot), is it possible that during day time the home equipment runs directly through solar and in evening it runs through batteries? If so, how many and what kind (dry or wet) batteries would be good for lets say 10-12 hours backup (including lights/fan/AC).
1. I am based in Karachi - there are a number of them but i'm not sure on reliability. Krypton Energy, Masco Solar have replied back when I contacted them on messenger. There's another vendor, "Solar energies systems" who i've met and is reliable - I was going to go with him but a family friend offered to help instead.

2. Yes, it will work. Hybrid inverters are more expensive than the off-grid counterparts..

3. He's talking about an off-grid system. Too much of a hassle. You'll have to ensure load doesn't exceed 1KVA (which is ~650-750W), otherwise the system will trip. When solar output is less than load, the system will switch over your load entirely to KE - the inverter will then only charge batteries. The reason why he says it'll provide 2 hours backup is because he's probably not putting enough batteries in the system.

If you want to jump into converting your whole house to solar, you have to consider a few things:

1. The inverter - you should have excess load/solar handling capacity in mind, especially if you think you want to expand later on.
2. Your current load, and expected future load that you'd want on Solar.
3. Battery backup is expensive and is a consumable item. 1 150AH dry battery goes for 28K. Replacement cycle is 2-5 years based on usage. Wet cells suck. 4 150AH batteries will cost 100k+ and will be able to run 4-5 fans + 2-3 lights for ~12 hours. It's better to keep batteries as backup for loadshedding conditions at night.

To convert your whole house to solar, i'd recommend:

1. 5 KW hybrid inverter (130k for Infini V 5KW)
2. 10 300W solar panels (3000W total) (~18-20K per panel)
3. 4 150AH dry batteries (~28-29k per battery)

This should be able to run 6 fans, 6 lights, 2 fridges/1Ton A/C.
 

Shary Bhallu TC

Bhallu is dead, legacy remains
Jun 2, 2009
16,491
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Karachi.
The big problem with normal ACs is that whenever the compressor turns on, the AC takes in a huge amount of current for a 1-2 seconds. This current is around 2 to 6 times the current that an AC takes when compressor runs at its rated speed. So whenever the AC turns on, it will take a huge amount of current, one which the inverter and solar bank will be unable to cope unless you either:

1) spend much more to get a better capacity inverter and solar panel bank
2) get an inverter AC which starts up slowly and therefore doesn't require surge current.
 
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