True solar power-able energy efficient A/C

[Off_Grid_r]

I thought I would Post a recent upgrade I did to BoonDock'R Since i have read all over the place that you cannot run A/C on Solar power and that there is no Efficient means of Cooling an RV in the Heat of summer. The Unit I chose to use is a Haier Brand Model ESAD4066 with a energy efficiency rating of 12. Its 500 watts and 4.5 amps with 6k BTU of Cooling power. Now this unit will not cool a large rv but will cool a smaller one or a section of a large unit. I have mine setup to cool the Rear bedroom with no other insulation/efficiency upgrades. Other upgrades like energy star Elastomeric rv roof coat will help reduce heat buildup by 30% and is planned for Boondock'r Late this Summer. The A/C Unit also acts as a Dehumidifier when in use and works great for late winter humidity buildup. I did install this unit in the Rear emergency exit but is constructed to be able to be pulled out easily enough in an emergency still allowing access. A couple dabs of Geocel adhesive/sealant in the right spots helps stop vibration or movement of A/C while still being able to "Rip away" in an emergency.

[jayw900]

It's an interesting idea. Please keep us updated on the details. LIke how the batteries age.

[Off_Grid_r]

Well Before moving into the Class A I rebuilt A rotting 1972 Aristocrat Landmark 20' With a Custom R30 roof and R15 walls. I had this whole setup installed with an extra set of 6 volts and 250 watts more in solar and Never ran into an issue of over 3 years of full time living. So far this year I have had the batts get a little lower by morning but it charges up before the heat and then just kicks on and off to keep up and doesnt run @ night it has a timer set for an hr before sunset. Should mention I have mostly Energy star appliances inside also and try to be efficient about everything. We also are not into the Heat of summer and I plan on doing insulation work and the Paint job to help keep things cool.

[2oldman]

daveshan wrote:

2oldman wrote:

daveshan wrote:
he has 710w of solar, and a battery bank to back it up.

If he has a rig big enough to carry that, the a/c is way too small to cool it.

I think he covered that

Yah.. and it was sort of a joke.

[daveshan]

2oldman wrote:

daveshan wrote:
he has 710w of solar, and a battery bank to back it up.

If he has a rig big enough to carry that, the a/c is way too small to cool it.

I think he covered that

Off Grid'r wrote:
I thought I would Post a recent upgrade I did to BoonDock'R Since i have read all over the place that you cannot run A/C on Solar power and that there is no Efficient means of Cooling an RV in the Heat of summer. The Unit I chose to use is a Haier Brand Model ESAD4066 with a energy efficiency rating of 12. Its 500 watts and 4.5 amps with 6k BTU of Cooling power. Now this unit will not cool a large rv but will cool a smaller one or a section of a large unit. I have mine setup to cool the Rear bedroom with no other insulation/efficiency upgrades. Other upgrades like energy star Elastomeric rv roof coat will help reduce heat buildup by 30% and is planned for Boondock'r Late this Summer. The A/C Unit also acts as a Dehumidifier when in use and works great for late winter humidity buildup. I did install this unit in the Rear emergency exit but is constructed to be able to be pulled out easily enough in an emergency still allowing access. A couple dabs of Geocel adhesive/sealant in the right spots helps stop vibration or movement of A/C while still being able to "Rip away" in an emergency.

[time2roll]

And how do you recharge batteries from running the air all night?

I speculate you can run the air on just solar only you need 3 to 5 times the solar wattage vs a/c wattage. You will end up with a lot of shade to help stay cool.

[2oldman]

daveshan wrote:
he has 710w of solar, and a battery bank to back it up.

If he has a rig big enough to carry that, the a/c is way too small to cool it.

[daveshan]

2oldman wrote:

Off Grid'r wrote:
Its 500 watts and 4.5 amps with 6k BTU of Cooling power.

If you have 800+ watts of solar, you're all set.

According to his sig he has 710w of solar, and a battery bank to back it up. Although 464AH may be a bit on the small side for that load, you never get 100% out of panels unless they're on a tracker (i.e. home use)

[2oldman]

Off Grid'r wrote:
Its 500 watts and 4.5 amps with 6k BTU of Cooling power.

If you have 800+ watts of solar, you're all set.