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Can I Run My AC On Solar Power?

Here in Orlando, we often get questions about whether solar panels can power an air conditioning system. The answer? Yes! Depending on the size of your solar system and the requirements of your AC system, solar panels can power your AC.

Now that summer is on its way, learn how your solar system can power up your air conditioning system and save you money on energy costs!

What to Know About Powering Air Conditioners with Solar Power

It’s a fact that air conditioners use A LOT of electricity. Your solar panel system will need to generate a lot of energy to keep your air conditioning system running through our Orlando summers.

Consider these factors to determine how many solar panels you will need:

• Sunlight
• Weather conditions
• Type of solar panels
• Energy efficiency ratio
• Energy storage capacity
• Performance
• Geographical location
• Grid-tied vs off-grid systems

How Many Solar Panels are Needed to Run an AC?

Your air conditioner is a big draw on your home’s electricity. If you notice that your electricity bills climb in the summer, it might be time to consider solar energy options.

To figure out how many solar panels you need to power your AC, you need to first determine how many watts of electricity your air conditioner requires. Keep in mind, that you will need an average of 1-5 panels for 100 watts.

This may seem like a large range, so you must consider how many watts your solar panels can generate. For example, if you choose a solar panel with 250-400 watts, one panel will be enough to run 100 watts in your home.

Determine How Many Watts Your AC Uses

Watts is the rate of power that your air conditioner uses per hour. Once you determine the wattage of your AC, you can figure out how many solar panels you will need to run it.

Approximate wattage of different sizes of air conditioners are:

• Small window AC units: 500 watts
• Medium window AC units: 900 watts
• Large window AC units: 1440
• Central AC: 3500 watts
• Central AC fan: 750 watts

Remember, these are just estimates, so you will need to calculate your specific air conditioner’s wattage.

To do this, determine how many watts your AC uses and how many hours it runs per day. Also, make sure you have your energy bill handy.

For example:

Say your AC unit uses 500 watts an hour. You run it all day, so you will use 12 kWh or 360 kWh a month. If your electric company charges $0.13 kWh for net metering, you will be charged $43.20 to run your AC with solar panels.

How Many Solar Panels Are Needed for Central AC?

The average central air conditioning unit is around 3500 watts. We recommend installing a solar panel system using solar panels that are 250 or 300 watts.

If you want to generate enough solar power to operate your central AC for around 5-6 hours a day, you will need a 15-panel system. Keep in mind if you want to run the AC for a longer period you will have to account for this energy usage.

Also, you will need to include three solar panels to compensate for the central air conditioner fan’s energy consumption. This puts the total up to around 18 panels.

How Many Solar Panels Are Needed for Window AC Units?

To determine how many solar panels are needed for a window air conditioner, check to see how many watts they require.

Typically, a 500-watt small window air conditioner might only need one to two solar panels to run. Four panels may be sufficient for a medium 900-watt air conditioner, while six panels will likely be able to power a 1440-watt large window unit.

Related Reading> How Long Does it Take for Solar Panels to Pay for Themselves?

Stay Cool This Summer with Solar Bear

If you want to power your air conditioning with solar panels and save on energy costs this summer at your Orlando, Florida home, call on Solar Bear Orlando! We can help you determine how many solar panels you need and get you set up with net metering so you can start reaping the benefits of Florida’s ample sunshine!

Stay cool and save money by going solar this summer! Call Solar Bear Orlando for a quote today; (727) 471-7442!

How Much Do You Get Back in Taxes for Solar Panels?

If you’ve been considering a solar panel investment, you may be wondering how much you can save in taxes. The truth is a lot! By combining local, state, and federal incentives, installing a solar system can be a lucrative purchase for Florida homeowners and businesses. Though each client’s savings will be unique, Solar Bear Tampa has compiled a list of financial incentives you can expect when going solar.

Perhaps the most well-known credit to take advantage of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). It has created clean energy and saved homeowners thousands of dollars since 2006. The current tax credit is 26% of your total project costs (ex: permits, installation, and equipment) and can be claimed as a credit on your federal tax return for the current year. It’s important to note that this incentive is only available if you own the system, not through a lease. The ITC is slated to drop again by 4% in January 2023. All the more reason to begin your solar journey now and lock in the current rate before it shifts in the new year.

Statewide, the rising popularity of solar has led to some amazing financial incentives for owners. Currently, in Florida, solar system users are exempt from paying sales tax on solar, significantly reducing the final cost of your system through the Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption. Solar is also exempt from property taxes for residential solar panels by the Property Tax Exclusion for Residential Renewable Energy Property exemption. This also means that county tax collectors can overlook a home’s solar system when assessing value. These statewide incentives are especially appealing to solar seekers who would be subject to sales and property taxes on any other home improvement investments.

There are also several other programs like net metering that can save additional dollars when you go solar. Our team of energy experts can assist with any financial questions while we customize a solar installation that works for you. Call Solar Bear Tampa at (727) 471-7442 or request a free estimate today.

How Long Does It Take for Solar Panels to Pay For Themselves?

The benefits of installing solar are far-reaching, especially in the Sunshine State! But the main question we often get from people who want to go solar is “How long will it take for my solar panel system to pay for itself?”

Many aspects factor into the payback period of a solar panel installation, including some that are easier to calculate than others.

Thankfully, Solar Bear Orlando can help break down these factors to give you a clearer picture of what your solar panel payback period might be. Keep reading to learn more!

What is the Solar Payback Period?

The solar panel payback period is the calculation of how long it will take for your solar panel system to pay for itself.

In other words, the payback period is how long it takes for your solar system to break even and recoup the cost of your initial investment. Therefore the solar payback period is also called the solar break-even point.

How is Solar Payback Calculated?

To calculate the solar payback period of your solar panels, it is important to determine the combined costs and benefits of installed solar panels. Keep in mind, several factors affect the costs and benefits of going solar.

6-10 years is the average time it takes for solar panels to pay for themselves. Keep in mind that the variables involved can change dramatically. These variables include:

The Cost of Your Solar Panel System

The initial investment in your solar panel is the largest expense. The gross cost of your solar panels is the total cost of your solar panel system before any financial incentives are included. This amount is dependent on the size of your solar panel system, the equipment used, and the labor involved. 

Financial Incentives

Numerous solar incentives are available to homeowners and businesses that are switching to solar. These include federal, state, and even local incentives in the form of rebates, tax credits, solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), and more.

Solar incentives can dramatically reduce the cost of a solar panel installation and shorten the solar panel payback period significantly.

Average Monthly Energy Usage

One of the most important steps in determining how much energy you want to offset with your solar panels, as well as the size of the solar panel system that you might need, is determining your average monthly electricity usage.

The higher your monthly energy usage is, the more savings you could gain from switching to solar, and the shorter your solar payback period will be.

Estimated Electricity Generation

Here at Solar Bear Orlando, we endeavor to design a solar panel system that matches your energy usage needs. This considers:

• How many panels can fit on your roof or property
• Which way your home faces
• Seasonal weather patterns
• Future energy demands
• And more!

From these factors, we design a solar panel system that meets your desired energy offset which in turn will impact your solar payback period.

Calculating Your Solar Payback Period

Now that you know the factors that contribute to the combined costs and benefits of installing solar panels, you are now equipped to calculate your solar panel payback period.

Follow these steps:

• Determining Combined Costs: Subtract the value of the incentives and rebates that you qualify for from the gross cost of your solar system.

• Determine Annual Benefits: Add up all the annual financial benefits you might receive, such as the electricity costs you will now avoid.

• Divide The Combined Costs by the Annual Financial Benefits: The resulting number will represent the number of years it will take to reach your solar panel payback period. After this, you will have surpassed the break-even point and will now be able to reap all the financial benefits that your solar panel system offers.

For example:

If your system costs $30,000 and you get $10,000 in incentives, your combined costs are $20,000.

You’ve calculated that your savings are $1,200 a year plus any other incentives ($1,500) = $2700 in annual benefits.

So, $20,000/$2700= a 7.4-year payback period.

Go Solar with Solar Bear

As you can see there are many variables involved in calculating the solar payback period, and even if your solar system takes seven years to reach the solar payback period, it’s worth it!

Ready to go solar in the Greater Orlando or Central Florida area? Call Solar Bear Orlando today for an energy audit and solar panel consultation; (727) 471-7442!

Here’s How to Tell If You Qualify for Solar

Summer is almost here in Florida. Have you been thinking it’s time to take advantage of those bright rays by adding a solar system to your home? Check out Solar Bear Tampa’s quick checklist to see if your home qualifies for solar.

Do you have adequate land or roof space available?

Because multiple solar panels are needed to power homes and businesses, you will need enough room for installation to qualify for solar. There are several system options available – ground mounts, solar trackers, rooftop panels, etc. Solar Bear Tampa can work with you to design the type of installation that works best for your home.

Are you the property owner?

The freedom to install a solar system falls to the homeowner or property owner of the space that will be purchasing the system. Condominium owners are also considered property owners but will need confirmation that solar systems are approved in their condominium agreement. 

Do you have minimal shading?

Solar panels require sufficient amounts of sunlight to work efficiently. If trees and other structures are not directly affecting the shade on your roof, you can move forward with the solar process. The Solar Bear team can help you decide if tree removal is necessary for

an optimal solar array.

Is your electrical system up to date?

To ensure a smooth solar process, your electrical system should be current and code compliant. If you’re unsure what updates are needed in your attic, electric panel, or wiring, an electrician can confirm this before installation. The cost of any required electrical upgrades for solar installation can be claimed as part of the federal solar tax credit.

If your home meets these foundational requirements, it’s a great time to go solar! Solar Bear Tampa can create a customized solar installation system, help with financing resources, and answer any questions you may have on local and state incentives. Get started with your free estimate today!