Depending upon where you live, the summer months simply demand air conditioning. Some locations will see summer temperatures reach the lower 100s; other areas will experience a sweltering heat index effect that can make outdoor temps feel as if they are more than 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, environmentally conscious individuals desire comfort without adversely affecting the planet. This has produced a movement in which people are looking for alternative methods of powering air conditioners and other appliances.
Goal Zero offers safe and sustainable solar products that can power a number of household items; in addition, they offer a home backup system that provides comfort in the event of an outage or a natural disaster. With the motto, “Power. Anything. Anywhere.” Goal Zero utilizes innovation to provide a cleaner method of running electronics. A Goal Zero power station can provide power to a wealth of products for hours at a time.
Can a Goal Zero Power an Air Conditioner?
In most cases, air conditioners consume a great deal of energy. The American Home Water & Air Company says that most central air conditioning units consume between 3,000 and 3,500 kWh of use. Portable air conditioning units may use between 2,900 and 4,100 kWh, depending upon the size of the unit.
The amount of energy air conditioners require often leads consumers to believe that solar generators could never power the appliance. However, this isn’t always the case.
In order to run an air conditioning unit, the solar generator must have the appropriate output range. If the power output isn’t high enough, the solar generator simply can’t run the air conditioner.
Goal Zero produces multiple solar generators that can power air conditioning units, including the Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium, the Goal Zero Yeti 3000x, and the Goal Zero Yeti 6000x.
To determine which Goal Zero will work best for your personal needs, let’s discuss solar power, the types of air conditioning systems one may power with a solar generator, and what is necessary to power an air conditioning unit with a solar generator.
The Basics of Solar Power
It’s no secret that solar power generates energy by utilizing direct sunlight. However, many consumers don’t realize that there are three units of measurement for solar power:
- Watts (w)
- Kilowatts (kW)
- Kilowatt-hours (kWh)
The average household, a family of five, can utilize a 1, 3, or 4 kWh solar system to keep their home powered. This would typically require a solar panel the size of 226 square feet. Certainly, this may be accomplished by utilizing multiple small panels. Regardless of how the panels are arranged, homeowners will need to garner an average output of 20W per square foot to power a central air conditioning unit. However, there are mitigating factors that can affect how successful your panel arrangement is at powering an air conditioning unit.
The Size of the System
The amount of power you can get from your Goal Zero solar generator will depend on the size of your system. Goal Zero offers at least three solar generator sizes that are said to have the power to keep home air conditioning units running smoothly.
The Efficiency of the System
The power stations of Goal Zero are built using an aluminum chassis, which the company chose for its sturdiness and ability to withstand years of use. The system also utilizes plug-and-play cables. The system utilizes five levels of safety, and only Tier 1 batteries are considered for use with the Goal Zero system. There are two layers of materials in the Goal Zero product to protect from short-circuiting.
The Direction the Solar Panels Face
Of course, the solar panels accompanying the Goal Zero system must get direct sunlight in order to garner maximum power.
Most experts recommend that in order to achieve maximum solar energy, panels should be set up facing the south at an angle of 32 degrees.
Goal Zero offers solar panels that are not only sturdily built, but they also offer a solar panel with a kickstand. These kickstands mean that the panels need not be fixed to the homeowner’s roof – they are portable!
Customers can use these portable panels for all types of activities, including camping or on the work site. In fact, these portable solar power stations can run power tools, varying sizes of air conditioner units, and even some small appliances. Many of the Goal Zero products offer fast charging options as well as batteries that can hold said charge for lengthy time periods.
Powering an Air Conditioner With a Solar Generator
On average, the typical air conditioner consumes 1.3 kW of power while the average solar panel system only offers between 2 kWh and 4 kWh. Homeowners must often choose between powering vital appliances such as a refrigerator or freezer and powering the air conditioning system.
In order to decide what type of Goal Zone solar power generator you’ll need to choose, first, determine how much power is necessary to run the air conditioning unit itself. Plus, you’ll need to determine what appliances you might need to run in the event of a power outage in your home. Those two factors will determine the size of the Goal Zone solar generator you should choose.
Customers will also need to decide if they are in need of a home backup system, which can kick in for both brief and long-term power outages.
Solar Generator Companies are Stepping Up to the Task
A mere five years ago, most solar panel companies and solar generator production companies weren’t producing products that were intended specifically to power appliances that require a great deal of energy. This includes air conditioning units. Customers should research the type of air conditioning unit they are considering to determine if it is built to this modern standard and is readily able to run on a solar-powered generator such as the Goal Zero line of products.
However, companies such as Goal Zone are now utilizing innovation to create solar products that can easily power appliances such as air conditioning units.
In addition, those companies that manufacture air conditioning units are now revamping how they produce air conditioners so that they are more compatible with solar generators that consumers may use. The result is a win-win for homeowners or those who might utilize a portable air conditioner (when camping out, for instance).
Goal Zero’s Top Portable Solar Generators for Powering Air Conditioners
Three of Goal Zero’s portable solar generators are rated able to power an air conditioning unit:
- Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium
- Goal Zero Yeti 3000x
- Goal Zero Yeti 6000x
Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium
The Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium has been upgraded to the Goal Zero 3000x. However, it is still a possibility to purchase this solar generator.
The Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium is lightweight and easy to move. At a total of 25 pounds, this solar generator offers up to 150% more energy than comparable — and larger — solar power systems.
The Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium is both capable and lightweight. It is best utilized for recreational purposes, but the solar generator also offers work site and emergency home use potential.
The Goal Zero Yeti 3000x Portable Solar Generator
This solar generator is often looked at as an upgrade on the Goal Zero 3000 Lithium.
The Goal Zero Yeti 3000x has been on the market for some time, and it’s highly rated as a solar generator that is able to power an air conditioner.
- Power. Anything. Anywhere. With 3,032 Watt Hours, power your life at home, at work, and on the road. Run everything from power tools and refrigerators to e-bikes and electric grills; includes 1 power station, 1 solar panel, 12-volt car charger, 1 wall charger and 1 user guide
- 7 Versatile Ports, 3,032 Wh Capacity: Power phones, CPAP machines, WiFi routers, power tools and more with the Yeti 3000X, which keeps devices running efficiently with a variety of USB ports and a pure sine 2000 W (3500 W surge) AC inverter; note the Yeti 3000X integrates directly into home circuits with the Yeti Home Integration Kit (not included)
- Recharge Fully in 18-36 Hours with the Boulder 200 Solar Panel: Turn your Yeti 3000X into a solar generator and unlock indefinite power when you combine it with the included Goal Zero solar panel; our power stations feature a MPPT charge controller (Maximum Power Point Tracking), which increases solar input by up to 30 percent
- Durable Construction, Safe Electric & Solar Power: With a heavy-duty anodized aluminum enclosure and tier 1 lithium battery cell, this electric power station will provide reliable, safe power for years to come — with super quiet operation and no gas or toxic fumes
- This Is Goal Zero: Inspired by passion for adventure, respect for the planet, and a humanitarian heart, we’re presenting a new way forward in portable power use, as well as ensuring all communities have the necessary resources to reach their full potential
The Goal Zero 3000x can power an air conditioner, albeit a small one. However, in order to be able to utilize this solar generator to power a unit during the day, consumers should purchase additional solar inputs. Another cool feature of the Goal Zero 3000x is its link to the Goal Zero app. Users can monitor and manage the system all within the app.
The Goal Zero 6000x
For larger air conditioners, consumers will want to choose the Goal Zero 6000x portable solar generator.
For larger air conditioner units, the Goal Zero 6000x is a great choice. The 6000x offers fast-charging capabilities, and it holds a charge for a large amount of time.
- Power. Anything. Anywhere. Equipped with 6,071 Watt Hours and seven versatile ports for power-hungry devices and appliances, the Yeti 6000X can power essential home circuits, RVs, trailers, work sites, camping grounds and more. A heavy-duty home battery backup, the Yeti 6000X is ready for emergency and recreational use; includes 1 power station, 2 solar panels, 12-volt car charger, 2 solar panels, 1 wall charger and 1 user guide
- 7 Versatile Ports, 6,071 Wh Capacity: Power microwaves, CPAP machines, full-size refrigerators, power tools and up to four essential home circuits with the Yeti 6000X, which keeps devices running efficiently with a variety of USB ports and a pure sine 2000 W (3500 W surge) AC inverter; note the Yeti 6000X integrates directly into home circuits with the Yeti Home Integration Kit (not included)
- Durable Construction, Safe Electric & Solar Power: With a heavy-duty anodized aluminum enclosure and tier 1 lithium battery cell, this electric power station will provide reliable, safe power for years to come — with super quiet operation and no gas or toxic fumes
- Recharge Fully in 18-36 Hours with the 2 Boulder 200 Briefcase Solar Panels: Turn your Yeti 6000X into a solar generator and unlock indefinite power when you combine it with the included Goal Zero solar panels; our power stations feature a MPPT charge controller (Maximum Power Point Tracking), which increases solar input by up to 30 percent
- This Is Goal Zero: Inspired by passion for adventure, respect for the planet, and a humanitarian heart, we’re presenting a new way forward in portable power use, as well as ensuring all communities have the necessary resources to reach their full potential
The Goal Zero 6000x offers two AC outlets, so customers will want to purchase additional surge protector cords. However, with additional power cords, the Goal Zero 6000x can efficiently power a refrigerator, a freezer unit, a fan, and up to four lights as well as smaller kitchen appliances as needed.
Customers may want to consider adding a dog bone adapter should they utilize the 6000x when camping with a recreational vehicle.
The 6000x does offer two USB-A outlets, a USB-C PD fast-charge port, and a USB-C QC (quick charge). There is also a 12-volt output (cigarette lighter port). Customers may also consider utilizing the included 30a Anderson Powerpole 12-volt port for certain equipment.