Solar Powered Mini Split: Can Solar Generator Run a Mini Split

Solar-powered mini-split is the latest innovative technology popular because of its cost-effectiveness and efficiency. They reduce energy demand and electricity costs and help overcome greenhouse gas emissions. A solar mini-split uses solar power from the sun, which is later converted into electricity. Solar power has become the most popular technology because it is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective to produce electricity.

What Is A Solar Powered Mini Split

A solar-powered mini split comprises solar panels, an inverter, a charge controller, and batteries. Solar panels capture the energy from the sun. This energy can be used live, or it can be stored in the battery. However, this energy is in DC mode, then converted into AC using an inverter. Now, you can connect your split air conditioner with a battery through an inverter and connect it with grid power. So, you can switch between both energy sources without any extra equipment.

Solar Powered Mini Split VS. Solar Generator for Mini Split

Solar power has many benefits, including better environmental impact and increased power efficiency. You can power your mini-split as a solar-powered mini-split or use a solar generator to power your mini-split. There is a difference in the methods used to employ solar power.

Types

Usages

Features

Pros

Cons

Solar Powered Mini Split

They are used indoors and in RV, camping and boating.

Precise thermostat.

Easy to operate

Less energy requirement.

No fuel.

No greenhouse gas emissions.

Less efficient

Solar Generator for Mini Split

Can be used indoors and outdoors

Multiple devices can be powered.

LED display to show charging and other stats.

No fluctuations

Safe and secure.

No greenhouse gas emissions

No fuel

Quiet operation.

Low maintenance.

Need recharging

Solar-Powered Mini Split

Solar-powered mini split units are used with HVAC systems that can work with solar panels. These units are used in homes, garages, sheds, and other places. They are also very popular for RVs, campers, and trailers because of their low power consumption and durability.

Pros

  1. Solar-powered mini splitunits are very energy efficient.
  2. They come with a DIY solar power mini split kit.
  3. Solar-powered mini-split units also draw less starting power than traditional HVAC systems.
  4. They can run on both solar and grid power hence switching is effortless.

Cons

  1. They are more expensive than traditional ACs.
  2. Solar-powered mini splitunits will work best in bright sunny locations.
  3. They might not be as efficient as other air conditioners.
solar powered mini split

    Solar Generator for Mini Split

    A solar power generator is a portable power station that runs on solar panels. It uses solar panels to receive solar energy and then stores it in batteries for later use. They are very popular both indoors and outdoors. They are used for RV camping, boating, and off-grid living.

    Pros

    1. Zero fuel cost.
    2. Clean, environmentally friendly energy.
    3. No noise or fumes.
    4. Low maintenance.

     Cons

    1. Some solar generators may be sensitive to temperature changes. However, high-quality generators like Jackery are weather resistant.
    how solar generator work

    How Many Watts Does A Mini Split Use

    Before understanding the wattage requirement of a mini split, it is important to overview some important terms like voltage, ampere, and watts and their relationship.

    Voltage

    A voltage or the number of volts is the amount of energy provided to a circuit or appliance. A battery always has a fixed voltage and will work for the corresponding voltage circuit.

    Current

    Current is measured in amperes, which refers to the electricity flowing per second.

    Power

    Power is the amount of energy consumed by an appliance. It is measured in watts, and its formula is given by;

    Power = voltage x current

    Watts = Volts x Amp

    Here is an overview of the average wattage requirements of different mini-split units. It is important to note here that the running wattage is the watt requirement during the operation of your appliance, while starting wattage is the surge of power that your device needs while starting. This requirement lasts for a very short time.

    BTU Rating

    Avg. Running Wattage

    Wattage at Set Temperature

    Starting wattage

    Avg. Amperage at 115-130 V(AC)

    9000

    700 Watts

    100 - 200 Watts

    2000 - 2500 W

    6 Amps

    12000

    900 Watts

    200 - 300 Watts

    3000 - 3500 W

    8 Amps

    15000

    1100 Watts

    300 - 400 Watts

    3500 - 4500 W

    10 Amps

    18000

    1400 Watts

    350 - 500 Watts

    4500 - 5500 W

    12 Amps

    24000

    1800 Watts

    600 - 800 Watts

    6000 - 7500 W

    16 Amps

    How Much Solar Power Does A Mini Split Need

    How much solar power a mini split need depends on several factors, including;

    1. How big is the room?
    2. Insulation of the area.
    3. The difference between the temperature outside the room and indoors.

    If you require a temperature of 70°F in the room, then the rough power consumption estimation is as follows.

    Outdoor Temperature

    BTU Rating

    Estimated Daily Energy Consumption (kWh/day)

    Estimated Hourly Energy Consumption (kWh/hour)

    Estimated Daily Energy Consumption (Ah/day) at 12V

    Estimated Hourly Energy Consumption (Ah/hour)  at 12V

    85°F

    9000

    8 kWh/day

    0.35 kWh/hour

    650 Ah/day

    27 Ah/hour

    12000

    10 kWh/day

    0.4 kWh/hour

    850 Ah/day

    35 Ah/hour

    15000

    12 kWh/day

    0.5 kWh/hour

    1000 Ah/day

    42 Ah/hour

    18000

    14 kWh/day

    0.6 kWh/hour

    1200 Ah/day

    50 Ah/hour

    24000

    18 kWh/day

    0.75 kWh/hour

    1500 Ah/day

    63 Ah/hour

    95°F

    9000

    12 kWh/day

    0.5 kWh/hour

    1000 Ah/day

    42 Ah/hour

    12000

    15 kWh/day

    0.6 kWh/hour

    1250 Ah/day

    52 Ah/hour

    15000

    20 kWh/day

    0.85 kWh/hour

    1650 Ah/day

    70 Ah/hour

    18000

    25 kWh/day

    1 kWh/hour

    2000 Ah/day

    85 Ah/hour

    24000

    35 kWh/day

    1.5 kWh/hour

    3000 Ah/day

    125 Ah/hour

    100°F or more

    9000

    15 kWh+/day

    0.6 kWh+/hour

    1250 Ah+/day

    52 Ah/hour

    12000

    20 kWh+/day

    0.85 kWh+/hour

    1650 Ah+/day

    70 Ah/hour

    15000

    24 kWh+/day

    One kWh+/hour

    2000 Ah+/day

    85 Ah/hour

    18000

    30 kWh+/day

    1.25 kWh+/hour

    2500 Ah+/day

    105 Ah/hour

    24000

    40 kWh+/day

    1.7 kWh+/hour

    3300 Ah+/day

    140 Ah/hour

    Jackery Solar Generator for Mini Split

    A solar power generator is the best way to power a mini split when you want to switch to solar energy. These generators are a very versatile power solution because one generator can run various devices simultaneously. Also, they are easy to carry and can be taken anywhere to be used outdoors because they are very well weather resistant.

    Jackery has a wide range of solar generators with different specifications. You can choose one according to your requirements. The high-capacity generators can power big appliances, including mini splits, refrigerators, lights, and much more. The best Jackery solar generators for mini splits are Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro, 1500 Pro, and 1000 Pro. Following is a quick overview of the Jackery solar generator specifications.

    Jackery 1000Pro

      Series

      Capacity

      Ports

      Mini Splits Watts

      Working Hours

      Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro

      2160 Wh

      AC Output:120V, 60Hz, 2200W (4400W Peak)

      USB-A Output: Quick Charge 3.0, 18W Max

      USB-C Output: 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A)

      Car Port: 12V,10A

      AC Input: 120V, 60Hz, 15A Max

      DC Input: 11V-17.5V, 8A Max, Double to 8A Max

      17.5V-60V, 12A, Double to 24A/1400W Max

      9000Rating: 700W

      2.6 H

      12000Rating: 900W

      2.04 H

      15000Rating: 1100W

      1.66 H

      18000Rating: 1400W

      1.3 H

      Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro

      1518 Wh

      AC Output: 120V, 60Hz, 1800W (3600W Peak)

      USB-A Output: Quick Charge 3.0, 18W Max

      USB-C Output: 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A)

      Car Port: 12V,10A

      AC Input:120V, 60Hz, 10.83A Max

      DC Input: 11V-17.5V, 8A Max, Double to 8A Max

      17.5V-60V, 12A, Double to 24A/1400W Max

      9000Rating: 700W

      1.8 H

      12000Rating: 900W

      1.4 H

      15000Rating: 1100W

      1.1 H

      18000Rating: 1400W

      0.92 H

      Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

      1002Wh

      AC Output: 120V, 60Hz, 1000W (2000W Peak)

      USB-A Output: Quick Charge 3.0, 18W Max

      USB-C Output: 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A)

      Car Port: 12V,10A

      AC Input:120V, 60Hz, 15A Max

      DC Input: 12V-17.5V, 8A Max, Double to 16A Max

      17.5V-60V, 11A, Double to 22A/800W Max

      9000Rating: 700W

      1.21 H

      12000Rating: 900W

      0.49 H

      15000Rating: 1100W

      0.77 H

      Solar Powered Mini Split FAQs

      1. What size of solar generator do I need to power a mini split?

      The size of the solar generator needed to power a mini-split depends on the air conditioner's size, i.e., BT rating. For example, the RV mini-split air conditioners are approximately 12000 BTU. This will initially use 900 watts of power until the set temperature is achieved and around 300 watts to maintain it.

      So, we can see that Jackery solar generator 2000 Pro can run a 12000 BTU mini split for 2 hours. The calculation is simple. Take the capacity of the generator and multiply it by 0.85. We are taking 15% as capacity loss during operation, that is why this multiplication.

      So, if the capacity of the generator is 2160 Watt-hours, then,

      Capacity after expected performance loss = capacity x 0.85

      = 2160 x 0.85

      = 1836

      A 12000 BTU mini split uses 900 Watts.

      So, working hours = 1836/900

      Working hours = 2.04 hours

      2. How big of a solar mini split do I need?

      The size of solar mini split depends on factors including;

      1. Ceiling height
      2. Quality of insulation
      3. Outdoor Climate
      4. Number and quality of windows
      5. Sun exposure

      Take the area of the room and multiply the room’s area by 25.

      The answer is the BTU average of your requirement mini split.

      Final Thoughts

      Solar-powered mini split units are gaining popularity because they are convenient in various aspects. Since they are energy efficient, they use less power; hence they are cost-effective. They are also used for outdoor adventures like RV, camping, picnic, and others. Solar generators are a very efficient method of powering your air conditioners. Since these generators are portable, they are also great camping equipment.