DIY Solar Powered AC unit

[Dr.Destructo]

I don't know WHY these haven't been created for the market. Would super sell like fucking .25 hotdogs at a baseball game.

I've got a friend who is NOT mechanically or techinically inclined in any way.
So, I'm trying to figure out a way he can turn his portable/window AC unit into a solar powered one.

I've seen solar powered batteries, where you can put the solar panel in a window.

Only problem is, I am not technical enough to figure out the logistics of this.

I don't know what solar powered battery would work best, without overheating for being used on a 80000 (or higher) BTU window unit.

Any DIY masters on here that could help figure out the BEST, CHEAPEST, EASIEST, and safest way to put something like this together?

Thanks!

 

[Donald H]

The big problem with the plan is that AC's are high consumption. Look at the label on the back. Otherwise, there are no problems that can't be dealt with.

The better plan is to throw out the AC unit and find an alternative for cooling. That should be done as soon as possible and before the power grid fails.

 

[leftwinger]

Put enough panels on your roof to generate 2000Watts? Whatever it takes. Send that to a converter to create 115VAC at one outlet. Plug in the AC. Wait for sun. Hope it works.

There is no free lunch. Cooling a 1000 cubic feet of Air in a bedroom is not free.

 

[leftwinger]

find an alternative for cooling

You don't think people have been trying to do that for 500 years or more? Maybe you don't need cool air up in Canada but in TX they need it. Old people in trailers or Condos need AC.

 

[Donald H]

You don't think people have been trying to do that for 500 years or more? Maybe you don't need cool air up in Canada but in TX they need it. Old people in trailers or Condos need AC.

There are always alternatives to AC's but your demeanour indicates to me that you wouldn't be interested.

Texas needs to change it's attitude before it experiences a big die off.

Ask me for answers if you can be polite and sincere about it.

 

[Dr.Destructo]

You mean to tell me they can make solar battery powered VEHICLES, but can't make a battery powered AC window unit???

Yeah, theres something WAAAAAAAAY wrong with that!!!!!

 

[Donald H]

You mean to tell me they can make solar battery powered VEHICLES, but can't make a battery powered AC window unit???

Yeah, theres something WAAAAAAAAY wrong with that!!!!!

You really don't understand. Of course 'they' could make a battery powered air conditioner!

Why get involved in issues you don't understand?

 

[Missourian]

I don't know WHY these haven't been created for the market. Would super sell like fucking .25 hotdogs at a baseball game.

I've got a friend who is NOT mechanically or techinically inclined in any way.
So, I'm trying to figure out a way he can turn his portable/window AC unit into a solar powered one.

I've seen solar powered batteries, where you can put the solar panel in a window.

Only problem is, I am not technical enough to figure out the logistics of this.

I don't know what solar powered battery would work best, without overheating for being used on a 80000 (or higher) BTU window unit.

Any DIY masters on here that could help figure out the BEST, CHEAPEST, EASIEST, and safest way to put something like this together?

Thanks!
View attachment 986923

You also have to consider surge.

Anything used for cooling like a fridge, freezer of AC unit uses a compressor...and those compressors require a huge spike of power to get them started.

That's one of the reasons you see generators rated in "peak" wattage.

If you're in a dry locale, I'd do with a swamp cooler set up.

Now you're only powering a small pump and a fan.

 

[Missourian]

You mean to tell me they can make solar battery powered VEHICLES, but can't make a battery powered AC window unit???

Yeah, theres something WAAAAAAAAY wrong with that!!!!!

Not saying it can't be done...

... just saying it can't be done practically.

 

[Missourian]

If I was going for cheap DIY heating and cooling and I had a good sized piece of land, I'd go with a horizontal loop ground sourced system.

Like a cave, the temperature of the ground below the permafrost layer is 60-70° year round.

And a horizontal loop only requires space and a rented backhoe in lieu of professional drillers equipment.

 

[para bellum]

You mean to tell me they can make solar battery powered VEHICLES, but can't make a battery powered AC window unit???

Yeah, theres something WAAAAAAAAY wrong with that!!!!!

They don't make solar powered vehicles other than tech demons that are based on bicycles, and they are not practical for anything.

They make battery inverters that will run a small AC unit, and you can buy solar panels to charge the inverter, but you would find that it is not very cost-effective. You'd be into it for a few grand at least, and you would still not be able to run the AC continuous...

 

[Captain Caveman]

I don't know WHY these haven't been created for the market. Would super sell like fucking .25 hotdogs at a baseball game.

I've got a friend who is NOT mechanically or techinically inclined in any way.
So, I'm trying to figure out a way he can turn his portable/window AC unit into a solar powered one.

I've seen solar powered batteries, where you can put the solar panel in a window.

Only problem is, I am not technical enough to figure out the logistics of this.

I don't know what solar powered battery would work best, without overheating for being used on a 80000 (or higher) BTU window unit.

Any DIY masters on here that could help figure out the BEST, CHEAPEST, EASIEST, and safest way to put something like this together?

Thanks!
View attachment 986923

Buyer’s Guide: Best Solar-Powered AC Units of 2024 - EcoWatch

Solar-powered air conditioners have many benefits. We discuss the best solar powered AC units, solar AC unit installation and frequently asked questions here.

www.ecowatch.com

Here in the UK, we just a fan on, about a dozen times a year.