With rising electricity bills and the push for clean energy, many homeowners are asking: Can I run my 1.5 ton AC on solar panels? The short answer is yes — but it depends on how much power your AC consumes, the number of solar panels installed, and whether you use a grid-connected or battery-backed system. Let’s break it down step by step.
How Much Power Does a 1.5 Ton AC Consume?
The power consumption of your 1.5 ton AC depends on its star rating. Here’s the breakdown:
| Star Rating | Power Consumption | Daily Energy (8 hours) |
| 5-Star | 1,200-1,400W | 9.6-11.2 kWh |
| 4-Star | 1,400-1,600W | 11.2-12.8 kWh |
| 3-Star | 1,600-1,800W | 12.8-14.4 kWh |
| 2-Star | 1,800-2,000W | 14.4-16.0 kWh |
| 1-Star | 2,000-2,200W | 16.0-17.6 kWh |
Pro Tip: A 5-star inverter AC is your best choice for solar setup as it consumes 30-40% less power than lower-rated models.
How Many Solar Panels Are Required for a 1.5 Ton AC?
The number of panels you need depends on daily usage hours and panel wattage.
- For 4–6 hours/day → 8–10 panels of 250W (≈ 2.5 kW system).
- For 8–10 hours/day → 10–12 panels of 250W or 7–8 panels of 350W (≈ 3–3.5 kW system).
- For full-day usage → 6–8 panels of 550W (≈ 5–6 kW system).
Example: A 1.5 ton AC running for 8 hours consumes ~12 kWh. To generate this, you’d need 10 solar panels of 350W each.
Solar System Setup Options
1. On-Grid System (Most Popular)
Perfect for urban areas with stable electricity connection. Your solar panels generate power during the day, and any excess electricity goes back to the grid through net metering. You can run your AC using grid power when solar isn’t available.
Benefits: Lower initial cost, continuous power supply, earn money from excess generation
Best For: City homes with reliable grid connection
2. Off-Grid System (Complete Independence)
Ideal for areas with frequent power cuts or remote locations. Requires batteries to store solar energy for nighttime AC usage.
Benefits: Complete energy independence, works during power outages
Investment: Higher due to battery costs (₹80,000-1,50,000 additional)
Best For: Rural areas, farmhouses, areas with unreliable grid
3. Hybrid System (Recommended)
Hybrid solar systems combines the best of both worlds with grid connection and battery backup. Most flexible option for Indian conditions.
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Component | Cost Range |
| Solar Panels (total 4kW) | ₹80,000-1,00,000 |
| Inverter | ₹25,000-40,000 |
| Installation & Accessories | ₹20,000-30,000 |
| Battery (Optional) | ₹80,000-1,50,000 |
| Total Cost | ₹1,25,000-3,20,000 |
Government Subsidy on Solar Panels
India offers subsidies on rooftop solar under MNRE and state policies.
- Residential subsidy: Up to 40% for ≤3 kW systems.
- State-specific susbidy : Bihar, Kerala, and others have additional benefits.
- Net metering facility to sell excess power
Installation Requirements
Roof Space Needed: 300-400 square feet
Roof Direction: South-facing preferred for maximum efficiency
Structural Check: Ensure roof can handle 15-20 kg per panel
Shadow-Free Area: Avoid locations with building/tree shadows
Real-World Performance
Summer Performance: Excellent with 10-12 hours daily generation
Monsoon Performance: Reduced but still 60-70% of peak output
Winter Performance: Good with 8-9 hours generation
System Lifespan: 25+ years with minimal maintenance
Is It Practical for Indian Homes?
Yes, but practicality depends on:
- Daily AC usage hours.
- Budget for system installation.
- Regional sunlight availability.
- Willingness to invest in batteries for night usage.
For most households in India with moderate to high AC usage, a 3–5 kW solar system is a smart long-term investment that cuts electricity bills significantly.
Expert Recommendation
At Kondaas, with decades of experience in solar installations across India, we recommend:
- Using inverter-based ACs for maximum savings.
- Choosing at least a 3 kW system for 1.5 ton AC usage.
- Exploring government subsidies to reduce upfront costs.
Can You Run AC Without Batteries?
Yes! With an on-grid system, you can run your AC during daytime using direct solar power. For nighttime usage, you’ll use grid electricity, but your daytime solar generation will offset these costs through net metering.
Conclusion
Running a 1.5 ton AC on solar power is not just possible but financially smart. With government subsidies, your system pays for itself in 4-6 years through electricity savings. After that, you enjoy free cooling for the next 20+ years!
Ready to install solar for your AC? Contact the best solar panel installation company in india today for a consultation.