pianotuna wrote:
48 volt dc air conditioners do exist. They are not cheap.
I've been able to run roof air since 2009.
I wish I had redone the solar instead of caving into running a generator. In the long run, it would have been cheaper.
They are not worth the time and effort.
HERE is one that claims 12,000 BTU, uses 48V DC and draws a max of 1008W..
They claim for "entry level"..
"Depending on conditions, the entry-level setup can operate up to 10 hours per day using 4 x 250w panels. A configuration
of 6 panels can provide up to 15 hours of daily operation, with 8 panels yielding up to 20 hours. A 10 panel configuration
can handle up to 24 hours per day operation. Batteries and charge controller must be sized appropriately. "So, you would need 2,500W worth of panels, plus the battery capacity to go with it and you will be 1,500 BTUS shy of standard 120V 13,500 BTU AC.
12,000 BTU Might work in a TC or a 15ft travel trailer but then you run into the issues of where to put 2,500W worth of solar panels plus the battery capacity..
A generator is still far less expensive over the long run when you factor in the cost of 2,500W worth of solar, battery capacity to handle the load and the cost of that 48V A/C unit..
I suspect you would be in it for north of $10K US just to get 24 hr operation and that would just be for the A/C only.. Add in other normal items you want to power in your RV and I suspect you might be over $15K US.
Makes a $1K US for a generator look better and better even if you factor in cost of oil changes and fuel for the gen.
