Solar panels in a back room that does not already have electricity?

Question

is there any way to make a solar panel contraption to store enough energy to run a decent size window air conditioner all night. i want to avoid the high energy bill and the cost of moving a plug next to the window in with i want to place the ac

Answer 1

If you don't want to pay to move an outlet then you surely don't want to pay for solar.The cells alone cost almost $5 a watt not to mention the batteries and converter.Just to start the smallest window unit(5kbtu) you are going to need over 2k watts.So about $15000 to go solar or $150 to put in a outlet.Your choice

Answer 2

Yes, but it will cost much more than moving the plug and paying for electricity from the grid.

In order to figure this out, find out the voltage and amperage or the wattage (watts are volts multiplied by amps) for the window AC unit you would like to install. Now, multiply the wattage times the number of hours you intend on operating the AC.  This will determine then amount of electricity you need to have in watt/hours (1000 watt/hours = 1 kilowatt hours). Next, you will need to find what the average number of hours of sunlight that you have during the summer at your location.  Divide the watt/hours by the hours of sunlight to determine wattage your solar panels will need to produce.  Divide the wattage needed by the wattage rating of your solar panels to determine the number of panels needed.  You may have to add more panels if you cannot place them in prime locations.  You may be able to use less panels if you can afford to have them track the sun, as opposed to just pointing at a set angle (also determined by your geographical location). Now, because you want to use the power you are developing during the day at night, you will need to buy storage batteries that equal your power requirements.  

Well, actually, you will need to add a panel or two, and a battery or two, in order to compensate for the loss of converting the DC power of the panels and batteries to AC for the Air Conditioner.  You can determine this amount of loss by reading the specifications of the Voltage Inverter that does the job of converting DC to AC.  It also must be able to handle the wattage required by the Air Conditioner.  Oh, and of course you will need a DC power regulator to ensure the Solar Panels do not destroy the Storage Batteries.

By the way, Storage Batteries come in many types, almost all of which are very bad for the environement.  They also wear out over time and have to be replaced every few years.  The relatively inexpensive Lead Acid batteries will, likely cost more due to replacement costs than just purchasing power from the grid.  And, of course, Solar Panels degrade over time and the electronic components (the DC regulator and AC inverter) will need maintenance and repair over time as well.  Finally, the hardware and (expensive copper) wiring will far exceed the costs of hiring a contractor to move an electrical outlet.

Answer 3

You would need solar panels, batteries, and an inverter.  A small window unit of 5000btu’s would need about 550watts to run and the inverter would have to be able to handle the inrush of the AC compressor.  So your system would need to be to 700-800watts.  Solar is rated at peak so a 1000watt system may get you what you need.  Looks like you can get an off grid 1000watt system for $10,000.

Answer 4

Running an air conditioner off solar will not be cheap.  That's a lot of energy.

Your best bet at saving money is to super-insulate that back room on all sides, covering the windows too, if you can, so you won't need to run the A/C as much.  And while you're getting the insulation put in, ask the guy to put in another outlet circuit, too.

I'm a big fan of solar - our house has panels.  But the mindset of people who put in solar is usually to conserve first, then get solar to supply the minimal energy needs that still exist.

Answer 5

Solar Panels need to be outside so that they can collect Sunlight.

They are not cheap.

It takes some time before they pay for themselves.

You may check Google about making a panel.

Ingrid

Answer 6

I just used the guide at http://www.freepower4u.com to help me BUILD a solar panel for the grand total of $197.

I'm using it with some deep cycle batteries which charge during the day and can run my fridge all night... so I'm guessing it would run your air conditioner.

It's a great little guide which I highly recommend.