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    • What Is The Ideal Solar Panel Size for AC and Home Appliances?

    Along with the growing popularity of solar energy systems in residential homes, there is also a growing wave of small solar panels. No bigger than a backpack, these miniature powerhouses have a wide variety of uses for both indoors and outdoors, and may even be able to power air conditioners! Want to know about wattages and specific appliances you can run on small solar panels? Let’s dive into the details:

    Types of Solar Panels

    Standard Rigid Panels

    • Description: Similar to rooftop panels, but smaller.
    • Construction: Aluminum frame and glass casing for protection.
    • Power Range: 10 watts to 100 watts.
    • Size:
      • 10-watt panel: ~7×9 inches.
      • 100-watt panel: ~40×20 inches.
    • Uses: Power various devices, standalone units on poles, kits, and electric vehicle charging.

    Flexible Panels

    • Description: Inexpensive and unique, can bend around curved edges.
    • Construction: Made with thin-film technology, no rigid aluminum frame.
    • Characteristics:
      • Very lightweight.
      • Easy to acquire and install.
    • Ideal For: Camping activities, RVs, boats.
    • Downside: Less efficient at generating electricity and more prone to damage.

    Fold-Up Portable Systems

    • Description: Designed for portability and traveling.
    • Construction: Made of 4-5 small panels linked together, foldable into a wallet.
    • Characteristics:
      • Highly portable.
      • Designed to be the thinnest among the three types.
    • Downside: More prone to scratches and damage.

    Fueling Your Off-the-Grid Adventures

    Imagine this: you’re camping and you’re about to take a picture of a deer who happens to just pass by, but your phone has no battery. With a small solar panel discreetly installed by your tent, you can:

    • Keep your phone charged for capturing moments.
    • Power camp lights to keep your adventures bright even after sunset.

    Be Prepared for Anything

    Power outages can come unexpectedly, but having a small solar panel with a rechargeable battery can:

    • Keep electronics like emergency lights and radios running.
    • Power porch lights and security cameras, assisting your home’s needs.
    • Ensure portability, so you’re always prepared during emergencies.

    Recommended Wattage for Household Appliances

    Appliances display running wattage, required to power the device normally, and starting wattage, needed to turn it on. Including both in your calculations ensures a sufficient power supply.

    Air Conditioners

    • Energy Usage:
      • Starting wattage: minimum of 3.5 kilowatts (kW).
      • Running wattage: around 1.7 kW to maintain comfort.

    TVs and Refrigerators

    • TVs:
      • 30” LCD screen: ~50 watts.
      • 42” plasma screen: up to 250 watts.
    • Refrigerators:
      • Running wattage: 500-700 watts.
      • Starting wattage: 2 kW.

    Here’s a table including other electronics for comparison:

    • Laptop: 50-100 watts
    • Microwave: 600-1200 watts
    • Washing Machine: 500-1500 watts
    • Coffee Maker: 900-1200 watts

    Common Appliances

    Running Wattage

    Starting Wattage

    TV 32” LCD

    50

    		 

    TV 42” Plasma

    250

    		 

    Refrigerator

    500-700

    2000

    Microwave

    1000

    		 

    Vacuum Cleaner

    300-1500

    		 

    Radio

    45

    		 

    Light

    40-100

    		 

    Coffee Maker

    1700

    		 

    Air conditioner

    1200-1700

    3500-8000

    Battery Powered Home

    A 4 kW solar panel system can potentially generate enough electricity to run your air conditioner during peak sunlight hours, from 9 am to 3 pm. If you have a battery system that can store a huge amount, that’s even better! You can store that energy during the day when no one is home, and let your stored up solar energy power your AC during the night.

    Plug Back into the Grid

    Battery systems can cost quite a sum, but plugging back into the grid is always an option, especially if you live around New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, where there are net metering incentives to gain.

    Small solar panels are widely available in the market especially for their efficiency and portability, but in order to run high-wattage electronics, you must first understand different wattages and required electrical input in order for systems to run smoothly. Sometimes, a tailor-made solar panel system that is fit for your home is what you need.

    Consult a Solar Energy Expert to tailor recommendations to your specific needs. Here at SunLife Solar, we can guide you on the right wattage and system setup for your household appliances. And the best part? You can get this expert advice for FREE! You may call us at +1 833 4786 669, or you can visit our website SunLife Solar to book an appointment now!