How Many Solar Panels Are Required to Run a 1.5 Ton AC in Pakistan?

Here’s a simple explanation to help you understand how many solar panels you’ll need and what factors affect the total.

Basic Requirement

To operate a 1.5-ton AC for 8 hours a day, you’ll generally need approximately 10 solar panels of 300 watts each.

• Power Consumption: A 1.5-ton AC uses around 12 to 16 units (kWh) of electricity per day.
• Panel Output: A 300W solar panel generates around 1.2 to 1.5 units daily.
• Total Output: 10 panels can provide 12 to 15 units per day, enough to run your AC.

What Factors Can Change the Panel Requirement?

1. AC Type

• Inverter AC (Energy Efficient): Needs minor electricity → 8–9 panels may be enough.
• Conventional AC: Uses more energy → You may need 10–12 panels.

2. Panel Wattage

• Larger panels (400W): Fewer panels needed → About 7–8 panels.
• Smaller panels (250W): More panels required → Around 11–12 panels.

3. Sunlight Availability

• More sunlight (e.g., Lahore, Karachi): Fewer panels are needed.
• Less sunlight or frequent cloud cover: Consider installing additional panels.

4. Daily Usage Time

• Shorter usage time: Fewer panels are required.
• Longer or full-day use: More panels will be needed to meet the energy demand.

5. System Efficiency & Power Loss

• Power is lost in wiring and inverter conversion (around 10–15%).
• It’s wise to install 1–2 extra panels to compensate for this loss.

Other Essentials

Battery Storage (Optional)

• If you want to run the AC at nighttime or during cloudy weather, install batteries to store solar power.

Inverter

• A 3kW hybrid inverter is recommended to efficiently run a 1.5-ton AC on solar energy.

Monitoring System

• Use a monitoring device or app to track your solar generation and usage. This helps manage your system better and avoid overuse.

Final Advice

To power a 1.5-ton air conditioner with solar in Pakistan, a standard setup contains 10 solar panels of 300 watts each. However, the actual number may vary based on:

• AC efficiency
• Usage hours
• Panel size
• Sunlight in your area
• System losses

Solar power is a smart, eco-friendly solution that reduces electricity bills and offers backup during load shedding. For the best results, consult a qualified local solar expert who can assess your specific needs and recommend the ideal setup.