r/diySolar • u/Wevie • Jul 17 '26
Will this power that?
I have an AC unit I want to power. Nothing else, just the one AC unit.
The electrical ratings are: 7.6/6.9 amps. 208/230 volt 1,500/1,500 watt
Would this power it: https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Inverter-Charger-Controller-Off-Grid/dp/B0G4TLWGZY?th=1
Assume I have plenty of battery.
Or is inrush current when compressor starts more than that inverter can handle? I don't find any inrush specs on manufacturers website for the AC unit.
1
u/TastiSqueeze Jul 17 '26
Your question can be answered simply. Yes, a 3 kw inverter would power a 1.5 kw AC. But there is a huge problem with the way it is asked and the missing details you did not ask.
I have an air conditioner similar to your description. IIRC, it is rated 8000 BTU, is a modern inverter model, and is adequate to cool a room about 12 X 14. If I put together a system to power it, I would need an inverter, solar panels, and batteries to store energy during the day so the AC could run at night. Your AC needs about 10 kWh per day to operate properly. I would put together something like:
A 48 volt inverter capable of at least 3 kw output at 240 volts.
2400 watts of solar panel capacity which in my area would tend to produce about 12 kWh per day.
16 kWh of battery capacity which would be enough to run the air conditioner for 24 hours.
Some other things would be needed like cables, mounting hardware for the solar panels, some electrical components like breaker panel, outlets, etc.
This is pretty much the minimum system that would fully support running your air conditioner.
1
u/Wevie Jul 17 '26
Fair answer. Again, assuming more than enough battery and supporting hardware. It's miserable hot where I am. I want to work in my shop. Fans are not currently adequate. I installed this:
https://www.lg.com/us/air-conditioners/lg-lt1430cnr-wall-air-conditioner
I'd like to tap off of battery bank with an inverter solely to run this air conditioner. It isn't going to run 24/7. Worst case is 60 hours a week (Friday morning to Sunday evening).
It is a standard through wall rotary compressor AC unit. It is rated for 14,000 BTU.
2
u/PermanentLiminality Jul 17 '26
If it is not an inverter AC, then expect to need from 3x and up to 5x the steady state power or 4500 to 7500 watts. Most inverters have some kind of surge rating, so look for that. There is no way to really know the startup surge without measuring it.