Mini split units are ideal for HVAC systems that can work with solar panels.
They are widely used with home additions, garages, sheds, and many other locations.
While mainly residential, they can also be used with RVs, campers, and trailers.
They are also good for off-grid HVAC solutions since they have low power requirements, and heat pump units can both heat and cool.
They are very efficient units that have a low-power usage and are built to last many years.
Mini split units are also the best HVAC systems to use with solar panels.
Why Is a Mini Split Ideal for Solar Panels?
- Very efficient units with less power usage.
- Small and compact compared to traditional HVAC units.
- DIY installation kits.
Mini split units draw less power to start and operate compared to a traditional HVAC system.
Since they use less power to operate, they are much easier to operate from solar panels and batteries.
A system can also be installed by a DIY type person with many different kits available.
What to Look for in a Mini Split Solar Panel Combination?
Besides the build of a system, the main thing to look for with solar and mini split units is the SEER rating.
Units can vary how efficient they are and are rated by a SEER rating.
The higher the SEER rating, the less power a unit will need to run.
It is best to get a minimum of a 21-23 SEER rating for a mini split and solar panels but of course higher, the better.
There are high SEER rated units up to 25-35 SEER.
Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner Only
A heat pump mini split can heat in the winter and cool in the summer, which is ideal in most scenarios.
An air conditioner only unit will only be able to cool.
Both types work the same but a heat pump will have a reversing valve that can reverse the flow of refrigerant.
Most mini split units are heat pumps, but be sure to check since some only run in air conditioner mode.
Heat pump units have what is called a reversing valve that will let it heat or cool.
How Many Solar Panels are Needed to Run a Mini Split?
This will vary on the unit bought since every units power requirements will be different.
Many high-efficiency mini split unit needs 550 to 1000 Watts to operate.
A mini split will have a peak power consumption rating which will need to be supplied.
For example, if a unit has a peak power requirement of 990 Watts, this will need to be supplied.
In this example, five 200 Watt solar panels can be used with a 2000 Watt inverter and a battery to supply power.
There are many solar panels, inverters, and battery combinations.
120-volt vs. 240-volt Units
While both 120-volt and 240-volts units can both be solar powered with the right setup, 120-volt units are the easiest to install.
This is mainly because inverters are mostly set up to manage 115-volts, and a 240-volt 60Hz inverter costs more.
Any voltage type can be used but keep in mind the cost and what you have available to power the unit.
There are also mini split units dedicated to being powered by solar, which can have inputs in DC, but they usually cost more.
A high Seer, 120-volt unit will likely be the best in most solar-powered setups.
So What is the Best Solar Powered Mini Split?
There is no single best set up with many different opinions.
There are many units available that can be used in combination with solar panels, power inverters, and batteries.
There are a few systems that are set up to work with solar panels and use DC voltage.
Many people use a standard mini split unit and use an inverter to supply the AC voltage needed.
There are many good units available, with some of our favorite picks below.
As always, be sure to read the reviews on Amazon, forums, here, or elsewhere to be sure a unit is a good fit for you.
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Our Picks for Best Solar Powered Mini Split Heat Pump
- MRCOOL DIY Kit
- Jntech 12000BTU Solar ACDC
- YMGI Solar Assist Ductless Mini Split
- HotSpot Energy ACDC12C
Mr. Cool mini split units are very popular and one of the easiest to install.
They are set up for the DIY-type person with a line set that comes in a vacuum. This means there is no need for a vacuum pump to pump the line set down.
They also have 120-volt units, which are usually the best fit into a solar-powered setup.
The new units are 22 SEER making them very efficient units. They are also heat pumps which means they both heat and cool when needed.
There are dedicated solar-powered mini split units listed below, but for the cost and a few modifications, the Mr. Cool units are worth a look.
Jntech has a 12000 BTU solar assist mini split available.
Solar assist units use power from both the solar panels and grid power when needed.
For example, during the night, they would use power from a grid, and during the day, when the sun is bright, it will use solar.
It is rated at 22 SEER, which is a good rating making it one of the more efficient units currently available.
It is also a heat pump making it able to heat in the winter and cool in the summer.
Highly efficient mini split units mean less power consumption, which makes them ideal for a solar panel setup.
A Jntech mini split unit would be one such system that would be a good fit in a solar setup.
YMGI has several options available, including solar panel assist units.
Solar panel assist options still require power from a city supply but offset it with solar energy.
This helps to reduce running costs since the panel will output a lot of energy on a very sunny hot day.
It can operate from a 220-volt power source or has a dedicated solar panel input.
Even though these types of units are sold to lower utility costs like any unit, they can be modified to work with solar only.
The HotSpot ACDC12C unit is set up to operate directly from solar panels without an inverter.
It can pull extra power from grid power if necessary but is mainly built to be used with solar power.
It has both 220 Volts AC hookup (Left) and dedicated Solar hookup (Right).
The ACDC12C can get power from three 300W solar panels, or six 300W panels for running when the sun is not at full strength.
It is a hybrid system that can also be connected to a 208-240 AC power source.
It can also be used with DC, AC, or AC-DC setups making it highly versatile.
How To Install a Mini Split with Solar Panels
A mini split has three main parts the inside wall unit, outside condenser, and line-set.
The outside condenser is located outside and dissipates hot or cold air away.
The inside wall unit mounts on a wall and blows air into a room.
A line-set is two cooper lines that transfer refrigerant between the two units, which transfer hot or cold air.
The outside condenser needs to be placed on a solid surface.
Electrical will also need to be run to the unit, which will vary on the system’s power requirements.
Every install will be different and need to fit the scenario.
Summery
Setting up a mini split with solar panels is ideal for many reasons, most of all for lower energy costs.
While mainly used for lower running costs, they also can be installed in RVs, campers, and trailers.
Many installs use 4-6 solar panels on a roof to supply power.
More or fewer panels can be used in combination with batteries and an inverter if necessary.
Have you installed a mini split system with solar panels? Let us know your thought below.
What happens if I DIY the assembly of this unit would it void the warranty?
Thx
Freddy
I’m considering a system for an off-the-grid camp as a always on heat source in the winter, occasional cooling in the summer. Considering Mitsubishi mini-split. My question is what happens to the minisplit when power is lost (inverter shuts down), but then comes back up the next day when the sun shines again? Are these minisplits able to handle the on-off-0n-off power supply?
HI Matthew.
You need a battery bank. So you need the correct solar product that will capture and store the energy in large batteries to supply the system when the sun goes down. It’s available!
If you might have the time to give me some advice on what my best option might be to go with for a mini split heat pump. I am a new boondocker of 2 yrs in the area of the black hills of the mid to northern part in south Dakota. Piedmont(Tilford)SD. Living in a 2004 keystones Montana 3575rl 36ft. I would like to run the system on solar,wind and battery for 24hr. Was wondering if needed to go with 2 units due to the 5th wheel area not being the same temp as the main living area. If you need any more info that might help please let me know and I will do my best.
Thank you for your time
Anthony
I installed a YMGI 12,000 BTU unit to cool a 240sq/ft. wine cellar in the Central Valley of California. It replaced a 240 volt/ 25,000BTU window air conditioner. It gets hot in the summer here. The old unit could only keep the cellar at 63F, the Mini Split keeps it at 58F. No need to cool in the winter. I added a layer of reflective insulation in the attic above the cellar and plan to add a solar powered side vent to move the hot air out of the attic when the sun shines. It will save me between $600 to $800 per year in cooling costs. Considering that I installed it my self and sourced the 4 solar panels used from a local solar installer for $50 each, the unit will pay for itself in 4 to 5 years.