Can You Run a 1.5 Ton AC on Solar Panels? (2026 Updated Guide)
Your electricity bills are skyrocketing. That 1.5 ton AC running 8 hours daily is burning a hole in your pocket. You’re wondering:
Can solar actually power my AC and save money?
Yes, you can run a 1.5 ton AC on solar panels.
A 3-5 kW solar system handles it perfectly. With government subsidies, payback happens in 3-4 years. After that?
Free cooling for 25+ years.
Here’s the complete 2026 breakdown for Indian homeowners.
How Much Power Does a 1.5 Ton AC Actually Consume?
In 2026, most ACs are more energy-efficient, but they still require significant power. The consumption depends heavily on the Star Rating and compressor type (Inverter vs. Non-Inverter).
| Star Rating | Power Usage (Approx.) | Daily Energy (8 Hours Usage) |
| 5-Star (Inverter) | 1,100 – 1,300 W | 8.8 – 10.5 kWh (Units) |
| 4-Star | 1,300 – 1,500 W | 10.4 – 12.0 kWh (Units) |
| 3-Star | 1,500 – 1,700 W | 12.0 – 13.6 kWh (Units) |
| Old Non-Inverter | 1,800 W+ | 14.5+ kWh (Units) |
Pro Tip: A 5-Star Inverter AC is critical for solar setups. It avoids sudden power spikes (start-up surges), making it easier for solar inverters to handle the load and consuming 30–40% less energy than older models.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?
Update for 2026: We no longer use 250W or 330W panels. The standard for residential rooftops is now 550W Mono-PERC or Bifacial panels. Higher efficiency means you need fewer panels to get the same power.
To run a 1.5 Ton AC for 8–10 hours a day, you typically need a 3 kW to 4 kW solar system.
- For 4–5 hours/day usage: ~6 panels (550W each) $\approx$ 3.3 kW System
- For 8–10 hours/day usage: ~8–10 panels (550W each) $\approx$ 4–5 kW System
- For Full Day + Night (Battery): ~10–12 panels $\approx$ 5–6 kW System
Calculation: A 1.5-ton AC consumes roughly 10–12 units (kWh) for 8 hours of running. A 3 kW solar system generates approximately 12–14 units per day in India, which is just enough to cover the AC plus basic home load.
Solar System Options for AC Usage
Option A: On-Grid System (Most Cost-Effective)
- How it works: Your panels generate power during the day. If you run the AC during the day, it uses solar power directly. If you run it at night, you pull from the grid.
- Net Metering: The excess power you generate during the day is “exported” to the grid. At night, the grid gives it back. You only pay the difference.
- Best For: Urban homes with rare power cuts.
In simple – Your solar panels generate power during the day, and any excess electricity goes back to the grid through net metering.
Option B: Hybrid System (The 2026 Standard)
- How it works: Connected to the grid and has a battery backup.
- Benefit: You can run your AC even during a power cut (if the battery bank is sized correctly).
- Cost: Higher due to Lithium-Ion or Tubular batteries.
Option C: Off-Grid System
- How it works: Completely disconnected from the utility company. Requires a massive battery bank to run an AC at night.
- Verdict: Generally not recommended for running ACs due to the extremely high cost of batteries required to sustain heavy loads overnight.
2026 Cost Breakdown & Subsidies (PM Surya Ghar Yojana)
The government subsidy landscape has changed. Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, you get a flat subsidy amount directly into your bank account.
Estimated Cost for a 3 kW Solar System (Sufficient for 1.5 Ton AC)
| Component | Estimated Cost (₹) |
| Solar System (3 kW) | ₹1,50,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| Govt. Subsidy (PM Surya Ghar) | (-) ₹78,000 |
| Net Cost to You | ₹72,000 – ₹1,02,000 |
Note: Hybrid systems (with batteries) cost an additional ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 depending on battery capacity.
Subsidy Structure (2026):
- 1 kW System: ₹30,000 Subsidy
- 2 kW System: ₹60,000 Subsidy
- 3 kW System & Above: Fixed at ₹78,000
Is It Practical for Indian Homes?
Absolutely.
If your electricity bill is consistently above ₹2,500–₹3,000 per month, a solar system is a no-brainer.
- ROI (Return on Investment): With the ₹78,000 subsidy, a 3 kW system typically pays for itself in just 2.5 to 3 years.
- Lifespan: Solar panels last 25+ years. After the first 3 years, your electricity is effectively free.
Expert Recommendation
At Kondaas, we recommend a minimum 3 kW On-Grid System if your primary goal is to offset AC bills.
- Don’t skimp on the inverter: Get a high-efficiency string inverter.
- Use Bifacial Panels: If you have a reflective roof (white paint/tiles), bifacial panels can generate 10–20% more power in the same space.
- Apply for Net Metering: This is essential to “store” your daytime energy for nighttime AC usage.
Conclusion
Running a 1.5-ton AC on solar is not just possible; it is the smartest financial decision you can make in 2026. By utilizing the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, you can slash your installation costs by nearly 40-50% and enjoy cool air without the “bill shock.”
Ready to say goodbye to high electricity bills?
Contact Kondaas, India’s trusted solar installation partner, for a free site survey and customized savings report today.