As the mercury rises and you turn up your air conditioner (AC), have you ever wondered if your solar battery can back it up? If you have, you’re not alone. At Supreme Solar & Electric, a leading Fresno Solar Company, we receive this question often. Homeowners in Palm Desert and Fresno, California, are increasingly interested in how solar batteries can help during those scorching summer days. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key factors that determine if your solar battery can back up your AC, and for how long.

The most vital factor you need to consider is the storage capacity of your solar battery, which is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A typical residential AC unit consumes between 3,000 to 5,000 watts (or 3-5 kW). If you have a 10 kWh battery, theoretically, it could run a 3 kW AC unit for slightly more than 3 hours (10 kWh ÷ 3 kW = 3.33 hours). To figure out the best battery for your needs, consult with a solar panel installer from a reliable solar panel company.

Your AC unit won’t be running continuously; it cycles on and off. The actual runtime depends on several factors like the size of the room, outdoor temperature, set temperature, insulation, and the AC unit’s efficiency. Therefore, you might find that your battery can power the AC for longer periods than initially calculated.

During the day, especially when it’s sunny, your solar panels can directly power your AC unit and other household appliances. Supreme Solar & Electric specializes in high-quality solar panel installation in Fresno and Palm Desert, helping you generate enough power for your needs. The excess energy can then charge your battery, which can take over when the sun goes down.

Solar batteries have a maximum discharge rate, limiting the speed at which they can supply power. If your AC’s demand exceeds this rate, the battery may not fully support it. During a solar service call, our experts can guide you on the optimal discharge rates for your battery and how they align with your AC’s power consumption.

Batteries are not entirely efficient. There is some loss of energy when storing and discharging, usually ranging from 85%-95% efficiency. This loss can impact how long the battery can back up your AC.

Some batteries have a recommended Depth of Discharge (DoD), meaning you can only use 80% or 90% of the total capacity to prolong the battery’s lifespan. Make sure you take this into account when calculating the backup time for your AC.

If you’re using the battery to power other household loads like lights or appliances, the backup time for your AC will reduce. Always factor in these additional energy requirements when planning your solar system.

If you’ve worked with a smaller solar panel company or if you have an older installation, you might find that your system isn’t efficient enough to both power your AC and charge your battery simultaneously. When in doubt, schedule a solar service call to get expert advice.

Modern solar and battery systems often come with smart features that can manage energy usage intelligently. For example, some systems can be programmed to turn off or reduce the AC’s output when the battery reaches a certain level. Supreme Solar & Electric offers such advanced solutions to its customers.

If you have a grid-tied system, you can pull electricity from the grid when your battery is depleted. Conversely, you can also feed excess energy back into the grid, depending on your area’s net metering policies.

If you’re considering backing up your AC with your solar system, it’s crucial to get an accurate estimate of your AC’s energy consumption and size your battery system accordingly. Supreme Solar & Electric, a trustworthy Fresno Solar Company, offers consultation services to help you make the best decision. From solar panel installation to understanding your battery needs, we are your one-stop-shop for all solar-related queries. Don’t endure another hot summer without the backup power you need—contact us today!