Introduction:
As the keeps growing requirement for renewable energy results in more companies and homes are thinking about converting their air conditioners to solar energy. Meanwhile one of the most frequently asked questions is “How many solar panels required for 1.5 ton AC?”. This article will offer a thorough response and take into account local factors. Which may include sunshine availability, panel wattage, energy usage, and solar system efficiency.
The average sunshine your area gets, the extent of shade around your residence, the kind of inverter installed, and the available roof space for solar panels all influence the number of solar panels required for a 1.5 tonne air conditioner. Let’s examine more closely how each of these elements affects your power generation and the specific requirements you need to fulfill for your air conditioning system.
Knowing How Much AC Power We Use:
The power consumption of a 1.5-ton air conditioner normally ranges from 1.5 kW to 2 kW per hour. It may also depends on the AC brand, energy efficiency rating (EER), and the type of inverter. Meanwhile both the solar panels and the air conditioner depend on the wattage of a solar system. These watts determine a 1.5-ton AC unit’s power consumption. Moreover, this will determine the capacity you should be dealing with.
| Type of AC | Approx. Power Consumption (Per Hour) |
|---|---|
| Inverter 1.5 Ton AC | 1.2 – 1.5 kWh |
| Non-Inverter 1.5 Ton AC | 1.8 – 2.2 kWh |
The AC would use around 12 to 16 units of power per day if it ran for eight hours every day.
Things to Take Into Account Before Solar System Sizing:
In order to calculate the required number of solar panels, we need to take into account:
- Energy use per day (in kWh)
- Daily average production from solar panels (depending on location)
- Wattage of the panel
- Efficiency of the system and possible energy losses (10–20%)
- Grid-tie or battery backup system
How Much Power Can a Solar Panel Produce?
An average 330-watt solar panel produces around 1.5 units (kWh) of energy daily in regions like the Middle East, India, or Pakistan where 4–5 peak sun hours are typical.
Thus:
- 1.5 kWh per day for one panel
- 15 kWh per day with 10 panels
How Many Solar Panels Does a 1.5-Ton AC System Need?
The wattage of solar panels you use and the length of time you want to operate the air conditioner will determine how many solar panels you need for a 1.5-ton AC with an inverter. Generally speaking, you require 10 to 12 250 watt solar panels to run an air conditioner of this size or a comparable system that can generate 3 to 5 kWh.
Assume:
- AC consumes 2 kW per hour.
- runs for eight hours every day.
- Total consumption per day = 2 kW × 8 = 16 kWh
- Every 330W panel produces about 1.5 kWh per day.
Without Direct Grid Tie (Battery Backup):
An off-grid system is a system that will only use solar energy. When it comes to air conditioning, this may restrict your usage to times of day when there is sunshine (unless you utilise a solar battery). An off-grid system uses solar energy exclusively. When it comes to air conditioning, this may restrict your usage to times of day when the sun shines (unless you utilize a solar battery). Although solar batteries can help you store energy for later use, you must consider future storage.
To reach 16 kWh per day:
- 10.6 panels (16 kWh / 1.5 kWh each panel)
- Round up to 11 330W panels
Size of the entire system: 11 × 330W = 3.63 kW
Using a hybrid system with battery backup:
You must figure out how many hours you need to run your air conditioner and save up the required quantity of electricity if you want to really maximise the amount of sunshine you receive. This would entail having a more potent system that you could utilise when the sun is at its strongest and store the extra for later use.
Add inverter inefficiencies and 20% energy loss:
- 19.2 kWh/day (16 kWh × 1.2).
- 12.8 panels (19.2 / 1.5).
- Round up to 13 330W panels
Size of the entire system: 13 × 330W = 4.29 kW
Summary Table:
| Scenario | Daily Usage | Panels Needed | System Size |
|---|
| Grid-Tie (No Battery) | 16 kWh | 11 Panels | 3.63 kW |
| Hybrid with Battery | 19.2 kWh | 13 Panels | 4.29 kW |
Performance-influencing factors:
Systems with solar panels can continue to operate at their best as long as you:
- Make use of energy-efficient solar panels.
- Decide on the best course for your solar panel installation. Roofs facing south are 10% more efficient than those facing north.
- Reduce shade and increase sunlight.
- Make the most of the roof space. A 3kW installation would need 17 to 21 meters of roof space. Fortunately, most homes in Pakistan can handle this.
- Maintain the panels clean, make adjustments for seasonal variations (more on this later), and carry out solar panel maintenance correctly.
- If the panels are on the roof instead of in the roof, you should space them apart from the roof to allow for cooling (7 inches between the panel and the roof can be perfect).
- Make use of a high-quality battery. You get more for your money with newer batteries since they are more efficient.
Principal Advantages of Solar-Powered Air Conditioners:
- Lower power costs
- Eco-friendly energy
- Minimal upkeep expenses
- Possible advantages of net metering
- dependable cooling (with battery) even during load shedding
Zarea’s Role in the Solar Industry:
Zarea is leading the way in Pakistan’s transition to energy independence by pushing environmentally friendly, intelligent solutions like solar energy within its extensive B2B commodities network. Zarea enables companies to invest in dependable and reasonably priced energy options by bringing together buyers and sellers of premium solar panels and associated equipment. In addition to meeting the nation’s increasing power needs, this aids in national initiatives to lessen dependency on fossil fuels. Purchasing solar solutions from Zarea, whether you are a distributor, contractor, or company owner, means supporting a cleaner, greener Pakistan and a robust energy infrastructure.
Pakistani Cost Estimate:
Depending on the manufacturer and quality, solar panels in Pakistan cost between PKR 40 and PKR 60 per watt on average as of 2025. For a system of 4.3 kW:
- The average cost is 4,300 × PKR 50, or PKR 215,000.
- Battery and inverter = PKR 400,000–550,000
Note: Location, installation firm, and subsidies might affect prices.
Extra Advice Prior to Installation:
- Verify the rooftop area (200–250 sq. ft. are needed for 11–13 panels).
- For the most sunshine, make sure the panels face south.
- To sell more electricity to WAPDA or your local grid, think about using net metering.
- Reduce the need for panels by using an energy-efficient inverter air conditioner.
- For a personalised quotation, speak with a certified solar installation.
Concluding Remarks:
In summary, daily use, panel efficiency, and whether someone uses battery backup all affect how many solar panels are needed for a 1.5 tonne air conditioner. To effectively run a 1.5-ton air conditioning system for eight hours a day, you’ll typically need 6 solar panels of 440 watts each.
In order to lower your electricity costs, this solar investment promotes cleaner and greener energy for a sustainable future.
FAQ’s:
How much solar panel is needed for 1.5 ton AC?
Six 440-watt solar panels often power a 1.5-ton air conditioner. A minimum of four to five batteries with a 150mAh cell capacity operate a one-ton air conditioner.
How many solar plates are required for 1.5 ton AC in Pakistan?
You will need 5 to 7 solar panels to power a 1.5-ton air conditioner in Pakistan, depending on the wattage of the panels you select. A 1.5-ton air conditioner uses approximately 1.5 to 2.0 kWh per hour, so you will need 6 to 7 panels if you are using 500-watt panels, and 5 to 6 panels if you are using 585-watt panels.
Can I run 1.5 ton AC on a 2kW solar system?
No, a 1.5-ton AC probably cannot be reliably operated by a 2kW solar system. 1.5 to 2 kW of power are usually used per hour by a 1.5-ton air conditioner. With a 2kW system, you might be able to run the air conditioner for a short while, but it probably wouldn’t be enough to power it for long, especially on sunny days or during peak hours.
How many solar panels do I need to run my AC?
At least 3 kW of solar panel output must be installed in order to operate a central air conditioning unit efficiently. It would take 30 panels to produce this 3 kW of power, as the majority of household solar panels produce about 100 watts.
Can I run a 1.5 ton AC on solar without batteries?
It is feasible to operate a 1.5-ton air conditioner without batteries using solar power, but doing so calls for a strong solar system and careful consideration of power needs. You’ll need a solar system that can reliably provide the 1.3 to 1.5 kW of electricity that a 1.5-ton air conditioner normally requires, even during times when there is less sunlight.
