Are solar power and HVAC systems a viable combination to cool your home effectively and at a lower cost? The concept is certainly attractive: The same solar energy that makes the house hot in the summer can also be utilized to run the air conditioner that cools the house. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, monthly AC expenses to keep the house comfortable can be up to 27% of the total energy expenditure in the home, depending on the local climate.
Currently, the most widely utilized option is solar photovoltaic (Solar PV) units. This technology links the AC to solar panels that are now becoming common on rooftops. Solar PV air conditioning uses electricity produced by the panels to run a specialized, split central AC.
Typical Installations with Solar Power and HVAC
A residential hybrid system can utilize power from the panels combined with electricity from your local utility grid. This cuts overall costs while still ensuring seamless operation whether the sun is shining or not. A system may share electricity from rooftop solar panels that also serve other household uses, or it may use a smaller installation of dedicated panels connected to the air conditioner alone.
Things to Think About When It Comes to Solar Power and HVAC
If you’re seriously considering solar air conditioning, keep these facts in mind:
- The number, size, and rated efficiency of your solar panels will directly affect the amount of solar electricity available for air conditioning.
- Average daily hours of AC operation also impacts savings from a solar system. Hot climates use more hours of air conditioning, which may require the system to draw a larger proportion of electricity from the local utility grid.
- In general, in a location with typical sunlight exposure and standard photovoltaic panels, you should expect that a solar system will supply at least 50% of electricity required to run a central air conditioner. More and larger panels, plus more daily hours of sun exposure, can potentially eliminate all air-conditioning expense.
Ask Paitson Bros. for more information about the benefits of combining solar power and HVAC systems. Since 1922, we’ve been your source for options to reduce costs while ensuring indoor comfort.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922