Solar powered mini split?

[Flail]

Say I have a 6kw solar array converted to 240 volt ac and is not grid-tied. What is the largest mini-spit (such as a Mr. Cool) that could run off this array? I know the compressors can have a transitory inrush current that can be high and wonder if a solar array/inverter even has balls to fire one up. Anyone with any experience?

 

[kbeefy]

Do you have a battery bank? Your batteries can run anything for a little while.
How much current are you averaging from your array? Whats the efficiency of your inverter?

I think I remember a 36k pulling about 20 amps on 220, should have specs on the unit.

I think you need to reverse engineer it, too many variables. How much battery can you recharge in a day, how much reserve do you want, and how much capacity for cloudy days? Are you using it to heat or cool? Hood river is pretty mild.

 

[ericm]

They make actual solar powered mini splits. So you don't have losses converting the panels' DC to AC and back to DC in the mini split. This one runs off DC and/or AC:

DC Solar Air Conditioner Heat Pump | Solar Air Conditioning | Solar Heating | Manufacturers

It's a little concerning that one part of that page says it can't run on battery only and another part says it can. I'd contact them and ask.

 

[Flail]

I need to change my location to Fallbrook, Ca. Hood River is mild except for when it was 116 this past summer! Except of course when it’s raining or blowing or overcast. This spring has been so wet I think even Noah would give up. Wife has decided in retirement we/she wants to live somewhere with mild sunny weather where she can ride her horse more often. She also has relatives there. I’m just sick of the mud, rain and wind. In Ca the electricity rates are high and highest between 5pm and 9pm when we will need AC the most. A 6kw array should be able to put out 25 amps at 240 volts. Thanks for the link to the DC solar air conditioner. That looks like a great option where someone else has already done all the engineering.

 

[PoorUB]

No experience with solar, but I would expect it would run two tons. If you had batteries to support the motor starting it could do a larger unit.

The other question, what other loads are on the grid? If you are running a deep freezer, refrigerator and a well pump then probably not.

 

[American Locomotive]

A 6kw array, generating 6kw could easily run a 48,000 BTU minisplit, maybe even a 60,000 BTU. They have very little inrush due to the inverter drives.

You will need some kind of battery storage system to deal with transients, though.

 

[mike93lx]

A 6kw array should be able to put out 25 amps at 240 volts.

Curious where you managed to get a 100% efficient inverter and how you are getting full output at all times

 

[Flail]

The liquid helium cooling system in the inverter sure helps with efficiency!