As summer temperatures rise, air conditioners have become a necessary part of life. While ACs offer cool comfort, they also come with high electricity bills. That’s why many people are now switching to solar energy. But a common question arises — how many solar panels do you really need to run a 1-ton AC?
What Does 1-Ton AC Mean?
Many people think the term “1 ton” refers to the weight of the AC, but that’s not true. Here, “ton” means the cooling capacity. A 1-ton AC has a cooling power of about 12,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) per hour.
On average, a 1-ton AC uses about 1 kW of electricity per hour. However, this may vary depending on the energy rating. A 5-star AC will use less power than a 3-star one. If you run this AC for 6 hours a day, it will consume around 6 kWh or 6 units of electricity daily.
How Much Solar Power Do You Need?
Now let’s figure out how much solar power is needed. A 1 kW solar system typically generates around 4 to 5 units per day, depending on sunlight and weather. This means a 1 kW solar panel setup won’t be enough to fully power your AC.
To comfortably run a 1-ton AC for 6 hours a day, you should install a 2 kW solar system. This setup can generate about 8 to 10 units per day, which will cover the AC and even some additional devices like a fan, fridge, or lights.
If you go one step further and install a 3 kW system, you’ll not only run the AC but also sell extra power back to the grid for some earnings. You could even power a 1.5-ton AC with such a system if your room is larger.
Government Subsidy Makes It Affordable
The government is also encouraging solar adoption through the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. Under this scheme, you get subsidies for solar installations:
| System Size | Daily Power (Approx) | Govt Subsidy |
| 1 kW | 4-5 units | ₹30,000 |
| 2 kW | 8-10 units | ₹60,000 |
| 3 kW | 12-15 units | ₹78,000 |
| Above 3 kW | 15+ units | ₹78,000 Max |
Even if you install a system above 3 kW, the maximum subsidy remains ₹78,000. So, it’s smart to calculate your needs before deciding on the system size.
How Many Solar Panels Will You Need?
The number of solar panels depends on their wattage. For example:
- If you use 250W panels, you’ll need 8 panels for a 2 kW system.
- With 500W panels, only 4 panels will do the job.
- Nowadays, panels range between 330W and 550W, so for a 3 kW system, you may need 6 to 10 panels, depending on the wattage.
So, to run a 1-ton AC smoothly, a 2 kW solar system is the minimum recommended, and a 3 kW system offers better flexibility and potential savings. Switching to solar not only cuts down electricity costs but also helps the environment. With the current subsidies, it’s the perfect time to invest in solar energy.
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