Climate change is severely affecting Poland. Over the past 50 years, the average annual air temperature has increased by 16%. We are increasingly dealing with extreme weather phenomena, including heat waves. The heat pouring from the sky quickly and strongly heats the walls of buildings, causing extremely high temperatures inside. Air conditioning is an absolute necessity today. In order not to increase electricity bills and protect the natural environment, it is worth investing in air conditioning powered by photovoltaics.
Today, air conditioning is a must have
The heat is taking its toll on us. When the temperature rises above 30 degrees, it is difficult for us to function normally. Tired of the heat pouring from the sky, we seek solace in the walls of our apartments and houses. Unfortunately, the temperature there is often mercilessly high. Installing air conditioning is a recipe for extreme heat. The device pleasantly cools the air in the interior, significantly improving living conditions. Air conditioning allows you to easily and quickly adjust the temperature to your preferences. Interestingly, modern air conditioners can also purify the air in addition to cooling. A device equipped with the appropriate functions will filter the air, take care of its optimal humidity and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. This is a good solution for homes of allergy sufferers, families with children or people struggling with various types of lung diseases.
How much energy does air conditioning use?
Let's consider how much energy air conditioning uses. Power consumption depends on:
- device properties – power, energy class and type of technology used,
- quality of installation – incorrect installation may result in higher power consumption,
- operating time – how much energy the air conditioning will consume ultimately depends on how long it will operate during the day.
The average energy consumption should be recorded in the device's catalog card. Power consumption is calculated by multiplying the cooling power consumption (given in W or kW) by the planned time of use of the equipment (expressed in hours). Example? A 5 kW air conditioner, assuming a minimum load for 6 hours of operation, will consume approx. 2.5 kWh of energy. At maximum load, this can be over 11 kWh. During hot summers, the cost of operating air conditioning can amount to several hundred złoty per month. Fortunately, these expenses can be reduced to almost zero. The solution is to power the air conditioning with photovoltaic panels and thus use free energy from solar radiation.
Air conditioning powered by photovoltaic panels - a house cooled by the sun
Photovoltaics enjoys unwavering popularity. According to data from the Energy Market Agency, in December 2022 the total cumulative capacity of PV installations amounted to 112.189 GW, which is 158.7% more than in the same period a year earlier. A home photovoltaic micro-installation allows for complete or large independence from an external electricity supplier, ensuring energy stability and savings.
The power supply mechanism for photovoltaic-powered air conditioning is simple. We use air conditioning most often when the temperature is the highest, i.e. when the PV installation produces the most energy. This means that electricity is consumed continuously and continuously. Combining air conditioning and photovoltaics is a way to increase the self-consumption of the energy produced. Instead of sending electricity to the grid, we use it to cool our home. In this way, we not only improve the conditions in our homes, but also save money.
How many photovoltaic panels are needed to power the air conditioning? Assuming that the air conditioning has a power of 5 kW and works for a maximum of 600 hours per year, two modules with a total power of 390 W are needed. However, installing such a small installation does not make sense. It is more profitable to calculate the comprehensive energy demand for the entire household and choose an installation that will be able to provide it.
Even more benefits with a power bank
Modern air conditioners have a room heating function, which is perfect for the colder months, when starting the heating (e.g. heat pump or boiler) is not cost-effective. Air conditioning can slightly raise the temperature in the house on cool evenings. However, it is worth bearing in mind that in early spring or autumn, energy production from a photovoltaic installation may be insufficient to cover the current needs of the household. Fortunately, you can protect yourself against such an eventuality. The solution is to store surplus electricity produced on exceptionally sunny days. The energy is stored in a special energy bank of any power. Investing in a storage facility allows you to increase self-consumption of energy, and therefore become more independent from the power grid. This is a good investment in uncertain energy times!
Powering air conditioning with photovoltaics is a solution tailored to today's times. It is worth investing in green energy sources - they are the ones that provide us with a stable and safe future!
