Air conditioners use a lot of power throughout the day and are one of the largest consumers of power inside a home, RV, or cabin.
Regardless of the type of AC unit you are using, it will almost always require a solar generator with a powerful AC inverter and large battery capacity.
However, it’s important to note that not all AC units can be powered by a solar generator. Below I’ve compiled three ideal solar generator systems to use that can power small to moderately sized air conditioners.
Here’s the layout of this post:
- Can solar generators realistically power an AC unit?
- Ideal solar generator sizing for AC units along with my top picks.
- My #1 pick and why it’s among the best for AC needs.
- My second choice offers the most output power, but has the least solar input allowance.
- My last model has great power and solar capabilities, but it lacks a 240V configuration.
Can a Solar Generator Power an AC Unit?
Overall, a solar generator can power an AC unit as long as it’s within the power output range of the solar generator. Small AC units are ideal for use with solar generators since most air conditioners require significant amounts of power to run.
As a general rule, there are three aspects that help determine if a solar generator can power an AC unit:
- High battery capacity
- Powerful AC output
- High solar input
Depending on the AC unit, the starting surge required as well as the running wattage may be too high for the solar generator to handle. This is especially the case if the AC unit is not equipped with a soft starter.
Generally, home air conditioners consume lots of energy and aren’t compatible with most solar generators – this goes for even the most powerful ones.
Smaller AC units can be used with some large solar generators. The type of AC used and its power consumption is needed to pair it with a capable solar generator.
What’s also important is the number of hours per day that your AC runs. This is typically for about 12 hours per day, but that number can easily change depending on your location.
What Size Solar Generator Do I Need to Run My AC?
An AC unit running at 500W of power for 30 minutes every hour consumes 6,000Wh of energy in a 24-hour period. In this case, a solar generator with 5,000Wh of batteries and 1,000-1,200W of solar panels can continuously run the AC every day as long as there is good sunlight available.
The Bluetti AC300+B300 solar generator is the best system for running most small AC units due to its 2,400W solar input, 3,000W AC output, and battery expansion capabilities. This model also can utilize 240V of power (6,000W) by connecting two modules together.
Below are the three models I’ve chosen for running different AC units.
| Ranking | Model | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Best Overall | Bluetti AC300+B300 | – Expandable batteries up to 24,576Wh – High input/output power – Long-lasting batteries – Mobile app-enabled |
| 2. Best AC Power Output | EcoFlow Delta Pro | – Expandable batteries up to 25,000Wh – Mobile app-enabled – High power output – Long-lasting batteries |
| 3. Best Modular Design | Point Zero Energy Titan | – Can stack batteries on top of each other – High input/output power – Unlimited batter expansion |
Below I have some additional specs for each solar generator along with their pricing for one unit.
Best Solar Generators for AC Units – Quick Specs
| Ranking | #1 | #2 | #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | AC300+B300 | Delta Pro | Titan |
| Brand | Bluetti | EcoFlow | Point Zero Energy |
| Image |  |  |  |
| Battery Capacity | 3,072Wh+ | 3,600Wh+ | 2,000Wh+ |
| AC Inverter | 3,000W Continuous; 6,000W Surge | 3,600W Continuous; 7,200W Surge | 3,000W Continuous; 6,000W Surge |
| Price | $3,599 | $3,599-3,699 | $2,995-3,395 |
All three of these models can be configured with multiple battery packs. The Delta Pro and Bluetti systems have a 240V function, where two power modules can connect to produce a higher power output.
Since AC units vary significantly, I put together a list of five different air conditioners and listed their specifications and power requirements.
You’ll also find all of the basic specifications of these AC units to get a better idea of how I put together estimated running times for the generators.
AC Units Used to Estimate Solar Generator Running Times
| AC Model | EcoFlow Wave | LG DUAL Inverter | BLUERIDGE | Dometic Brisk II | AirEase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model # | N/A | LW8022IVSM | BM09Y18 | B57915 | 4SCU20LX124 |
| AC Type | Portable | Window | Mini-Split | RV | Central |
| BTU Rating | 4,000 | 8,000 | 10,300 | 13,500 | 24,000 |
| Starting & Running Watts | S: 600W R: 410-460W | S: N/A* R: 500-550W | S: N/A* R: ≈800W | S: ≈8,200W** R: ≈1,500W | S: ≈3,200W R: ≈1,700W |
| Energy Consumption | ≈3,500Wh @ 8 hrs/day ≈5,300Wh @ 12 hrs/day | ≈4,200Wh @ 8 hrs/day ≈6,300Wh @ 12 hrs/day | ≈6,400Wh @ 8 hrs/day ≈9,600Wh @ 12 hrs/day | ≈12,000Wh @ 8 hrs/day ≈18,000Wh @ 12 hrs/day | ≈13,700Wh @ 8 hrs/day ≈20,400Wh @ 12 hrs/day |
| Voltage Requirement | N/A (battery powered) | ≈120V | ≈240V | ≈120V | ≈240V |
| More Info | – EcoFlow | – Energy Star | – Alpine Home Air | – AC spec sheet – Wattage chart | – Energy Star – AC spec sheet |
*Starting wattage isn’t necessary since these AC units use soft starters.
**You will need to install a soft starter for the Dometic Brisk II because the solar generator may not be able to surge to 8,200W to start it.
As you can see, these ACs are vastly different from one another. Each one has a different BTU rating and power requirements. Now, let’s dive into the most capable model.
1. Bluetti AC300+B300
The AC300+B300 is one iteration of this solar generator system. You can add more batteries and a second AC300 power module together to have a completely off-grid system to power your AC.
Depending on your air conditioner, you may need more batteries and more power from the generator.
As you’ll see in the table for this system, both battery capacity and solar recharging speed are critical for using solar generators with AC units long term.
| AC Run Times w/ Bluetti AC300+B300 | EcoFlow Wave | LG DUAL Inverter LW8022IVSM | BLUERIDGE BM09Y18 | Dometic Brisk II B57915 | AirEase 4SCU20LX124 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Type | Portable | Window | Mini-Split | RV | Central |
| BTU Rating | 4,000 | 8,000 | 10,300 | 13,500 | 24,000 |
| Configuration | 1x AC300 2x B300 | 1x AC300 3x B300 | 2x AC300 4x B300 | 2x AC300 8x B300 | 2x AC300 8x B300 |
| Est. Run Times w/o Solar | 20 hrs | 25 hrs | 22 hrs | 23 hrs* | 20.5 hrs |
| Est. Solar Input Range for 24/7 Use** | ≈1,000W | ≈1,200W | ≈1,800W | ≈2,400W | ≈2,400W |
NOTE 1: All of the estimated running hours with this solar generator are calculated with an 85% depth of discharge and 85% AC inverter efficiency.
NOTE 2: All of the estimated running times are based on the AC unit running for 12 hours per day.
*You will need to install a soft starter for the Dometic Brisk II because the solar generator may not be able to surge to 8,200W to start it.
**Solar input is based on five hours of optimal sunlight per day
Massive Solar Input
Since the AC300+B300 is capable of 2,400W of solar input, it can recharge its batteries fast enough to continue running these air conditioners throughout the night.
The largest AC example from my table is a 24,000 BTU central AC unit that runs at 1,700W normally.
Since the Bluetti’s max input from solar is 700W higher than this number, it can recharge its battery even while it’s being used to power the appliance.
Customizable Sizes & Power Output
What makes this power station excel is its ability to be used for needs big and small. It has the ability to expand its battery capacity to just under 25,000Wh with multiple B300 batteries.
Plus, you can double its power output from its AC ports with the Split Phase Fusion Box. This is sold by Bluetti and it connects two AC300s together to be able to produce up to 240V of output for large AC units.
Final Thoughts on the AC300+B300
The AC300+B300 can run several different kinds of AC units because of its input power, output power, and battery capacity.
Although there’s much more to this system than those three things, it has the core requirements needed for consistent off-grid use with an air conditioner.
I recommend checking out Bluetti’s website and Shop Solar Kits for more information as well as different setups with the AC300+B300.
2. EcoFlow Delta Pro
The Delta Pro is one of the most popular large solar generator systems currently available.
It can also be customized for several different needs, but what makes this a second-place contender is its solar input power.
Although 1,600W for a system of this size is relatively impressive, it cannot power larger AC units for extended periods of time because it can’t replenish its battery capacity fast enough.
| AC Run Times w/ EcoFlow Delta Pro | EcoFlow Wave | LG DUAL Inverter LW8022IVSM | BLUERIDGE BM09Y18 | Dometic Brisk II B57915 | AirEase 4SCU20LX124 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Type | Portable | Window | Mini-Split | RV | Central |
| BTU Rating | 4,000 | 8,000 | 10,300 | 13,500 | 24,000 |
| Configuration | 1x Delta Pro 1x Smart Battery | 1x Delta Pro 1x Smart Battery | 2x Delta Pros 1x Smart Battery | 2x Delta Pros x4 Smart Batteries | 2x Delta Pros x5 Smart Batteries |
| Est. Run Times w/o Solar | 24 hrs | 20 hrs | 19.5 hrs | 20.5 hrs* | 21 hrs |
| Est. Solar Input Range for 24/7 Use** | ≈1,000W | ≈1,200W | ≈1,600W | N/A*** | N/A*** |
NOTE 1: All of the estimated running hours with this solar generator are calculated with an 85% depth of discharge and 85% AC inverter efficiency.
NOTE 2: All of the estimated running times are based on the AC unit running for 12 hours per day.
*You will need to install a soft starter for the Dometic Brisk II because the solar generator may not be able to surge to 8,200W to start it.
**Solar input is based on five hours of optimal sunlight per day
***Solar input max not strong enough to keep running 24/7
Most Powerful AC Output
With EcoFlow’s X-Boost enabled, the Delta Pro can power appliances needing up to 4,500W. Without this feature enabled, or in standard mode, it can still output 3,600W.
This is higher than the other two on this list as the AC300 and Titan share 3,000W of continuous AC capability.
Build Your Own Delta Pro Kit
Similar to the AC300, the Delta can be adapted for long-term off-grid power with expandable batteries (up to 25kWh).
The Delta Pro also shares the split-phase feature with Bluetti, which doubles the power output by allowing you to use up to 240V.
Delta Pro – Final Thoughts
Although it can’t power certain AC units for as long as the AC300, the Delta Pro has the advantage when it comes to AC output power.
If you intend to power smaller window air conditioners with your power station, then this model is capable of doing so with ease.
Also, the EcoFlow Wave AC that I used in my tables is ideal for the Delta because it comes from the same company.
3. Point Zero Energy Titan
The Titan is a highly versatile portable solar generator because it’s built with some of the most efficient, quality components available in the solar energy industry.
It has two MPPT charge controllers that give it the ability to take in up to 2,000W of solar panel input.
It also features a modular design that is unique to the Titan. This means that you can stack each of its 2,000Wh batteries below the power module (output section).
Stacking the batteries in this manner means that you can store the Titan in small spaces in your home, RV, or trailer.
| AC Run Times w/ Point Zero Energy Titan | EcoFlow Wave | LG DUAL Inverter LW8022IVSM | BLUERIDGE BM09Y18 | Dometic Brisk II B57915 | AirEase 4SCU20LX124 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Type | Portable | Window | Mini-Split | RV | Central |
| BTU Rating | 4,000 | 8,000 | 10,300 | 13,500 | 24,000 |
| Configuration | 1x Titan 3x Batteries | 1x Titan 4x Batteries | N/A (240V not available) | 1x Titan 10x Batteries | N/A (240V not available) |
| Est. Run Times w/o Solar | 23 hrs | 26 hrs | N/A | 22.5 hrs* | N/A |
| Est. Solar Input Range for 24/7 Use** | ≈1,000W | ≈1,200W | N/A | N/A*** | N/A |
NOTE 1: All of the estimated running hours with this solar generator are calculated with 85% AC inverter efficiency.
NOTE 2: All of the estimated running times are based on the AC unit running for 12 hours per day.
*You will need to install a soft starter for the Dometic Brisk II because the solar generator may not be able to surge to 8,200W to start it.
**Solar input is based on five hours of optimal sunlight per day
***Solar input max not strong enough to keep running 24/7
Removable & Expandable Lithium Battery
This innovative approach will expand your level of portability and flexibility with respect to what you can power with your solar generator. To do this, you only need to add more battery packs.
It is amazing how easy and quick this model makes it for you to expand and replace your batteries. By separating the battery from the other components, you can easily carry each component.
Large Battery & Powerful AC Inverter
It comes with a 2,000Wh lithium battery plus a 3,000W high-efficiency pure sine wave inverter. Its battery is among the largest available today for a solar generator. Its durability is also top-notch as it works with an estimated lifespan of 10 years.
Recharges Fast for Its Size
The Titan’s solar panel input measures at up to 1,000W with one battery and up to 2,000W with two or more batteries.
This means that you can recharge from solar panels alone in as little as 2.5 hours with one or two batteries attached.
Although this power station is older than the others on this list, it’s still one of the highest-performing systems available.
Is the Titan Ideal for Powering an AC Unit?
Given the specifications of Titan, it is not totally out of place to say yes. However, it cannot be used with 240V air conditioners because it lacks a split-phase feature.
Although it is basically designed to serve as a substitute in the event of a power outage, it can serve as a source of power primarily for air conditioners that both operate on low-watt demand and use 120V outlets.
I recommend reading my review of the Titan solar generator to get a better perspective on what it can power and for how long: Titan Solar Generator Review – The Best Large Solar Generator?.
Conclusion
The topic of solar generators with respect to AC units is a complex one. Since so much power is required for them to work, finding a capable solar generator is crucial.
The ideal model is an energy-efficient window air conditioner because they tend to use much less power than other AC styles.
With this setup, you can get a smaller solar generator and save a lot of money compared to getting one with several additional batteries and solar panels.