AC Becomes a Necessity as Temperatures Rise
When the mercury crosses 40°C in the summer months, air conditioners (ACs) become an essential part of daily life, especially in North India where extreme heat lasts from April until September or even October. However, running an AC significantly increases electricity bills, costing ₹3,000–₹4,000 per month for operating a 1.5-tonne AC for just 8 hours a day.
This brings up an important question — can solar panels help eliminate these soaring electricity costs?
Why Solar Panels are a Smart Choice for Running ACs
Solar energy offers a sustainable and long-term solution for powering homes.
A 5kW solar system can easily run not just your 1.5-tonne AC, but also other household appliances like refrigerators, fans, lights, and washing machines.
Typically, such a system can generate about 20–25 units of electricity per day, sufficient to cover a standard household’s daily energy needs.
How Much Power Does an AC Consume Versus Solar Output?
- A 1.5-tonne AC consumes roughly 12–16 units of electricity when operated for 8 hours daily.
- A 5kW solar setup can produce around 20–25 units of electricity in a day under optimal sunlight conditions.
Thus, a single solar system can easily manage the power needs of an AC along with other basic home appliances.
For anyone struggling with rising power bills, installing solar panels can be a highly beneficial and cost-effective investment.
Different Types of Solar Systems: On-Grid, Off-Grid, and Hybrid
On-Grid Solar System
- Connected directly to the main electricity grid.
- Solar panels supply energy during the day; at night, power is drawn from the grid.
- Most affordable option: a 5kW system costs between ₹3.5 lakh and ₹4.5 lakh.
- With net metering, any surplus electricity can be sold back to the grid.
- However, no backup is available during a power outage.
Off-Grid Solar System
- Independent of the main grid; relies completely on solar and batteries.
- Extra power generated during the day is stored in batteries for nighttime use.
- A 10 kWh battery can run a 1.5-tonne AC for about 2–3 hours.
- More expensive: a 5kW off-grid system costs around ₹4.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh.
Hybrid Solar System
- A blend of on-grid and off-grid systems.
- Combines the benefits of battery storage and grid connectivity.
- Provides backup during power cuts and can also feed extra power to the grid.
- Price range for a 5kW hybrid system: ₹5 lakh to ₹7 lakh.
How Many Solar Panels Will You Need?
| Equipment/Load | Recommended Solar System |
|---|---|
| 1 AC (1.5 Ton) + Lights + Fans | 5kW System (10 panels × 500–550W each) |
| 2 ACs + Fridge + Washing Machine | 7kW–10kW System (14–20 panels) |
Tip: Even if your power needs are currently low, install a system with future expansion in mind — make sure the inverter and space can accommodate additional panels later.
Complete Cost Breakdown for Solar Installation
| Component | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Panels | ₹20,000–₹25,000 per kW |
| Inverter (5kW) | ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 |
| Battery (10 kWh) | ₹1,00,000–₹2,00,000 |
| Installation | ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 |
| Total Cost (5kW) | ₹4.5–₹6 lakh (off-grid/hybrid), ₹3.5–₹4.5 lakh (on-grid) |
Government Subsidy and Return on Investment
- The central and state governments offer subsidies of 30% to 50% on residential solar systems.
- For a 5kW solar installation, you could receive a subsidy worth up to ₹1.5 lakh.
- Annual electricity generation from a 5kW system is approximately 7000–9000 kWh.
- This results in yearly savings of about ₹50,000 to ₹70,000.
- You can recover your total system cost within 7–8 years through savings.
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