Solar Air Conditioner For Camping

Solar Air Conditioner For Camping

Solar energy has become a more popular energy source and is implemented for a variety of devices and appliances that it had not been applied to in the past. As it has become more mainstream as a power source, it has been able to be used with ease!

One of the things that solar energy can be used for is a solar air conditioner.

Read on to learn more about what a solar air conditioner is, as well as for a list of some of the best solar air conditioners so that you can get a jump start on research for the best air conditioner for a camping trip! 

What Is a Solar Air Conditioner?

If you are thinking of investing in a solar air conditioner for your camping trips, you will first want to be sure that you understand what a solar air conditioner is in the first place!

Essentially, a solar air conditioner is an air conditioner unit that uses solar panels to power it, rather than using traditional power sources like fossil fuels.

Some of the benefits of a solar air conditioner, when compared to a traditional air conditioner unit, will be discussed in more detail further on in this article. 

Also Read – Best Solar Laterns for Camping

Benefits of a Solar Air Conditioner

Choosing a solar air conditioner instead of a traditional air conditioner unit can have a few different benefits. One of the large benefits of solar power is that it is a renewable resource and can be collected for free. This means that any solar device will save you money when you are running it. 

Solar energy is also a sustainable energy option that does not emit carbon emissions and will not increase your pollution output or carbon footprint.

If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint and live in a warm climate, then a solar air conditioner can be a great choice!

Another benefit of a solar air conditioner is that the solar energy that powers it allows you to use them off the grid or in the wilderness— such as on a camping trip! More on this below. 

Best Solar Air Conditioners For Camping

When you are spending time outdoors in the summer, it can be very hot— but a solar air conditioner can solve that problem and keep you comfortable. Take a look below for a roundup of some of the best solar air conditioners out there for camping trips!

Jntech 12000BTU Solar ACDC Inverter Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner with Heater

The first solar-powered air conditioner on this list is the Jntech model. It is one of the pricier options on the list, but it also can be used to provide heat, rather than cold air, in cold weather!

It is a wall-mounted option, so you would want to install it in your RV or camper in order to take it on any camping trips that you may be planning on undertaking.

It can be controlled with a remote control, making it easy for you to be comfortable in your RV and change the temperature without getting up to press a button. You can also add a 3 or 4-year protection warranty with an additional purchase to protect your appliance. 

(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JYKFVZK?tag=track-ect-usa-728881-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

Douglas D20 Rooftop Air Conditioner, 9800BTU 12V, Black, No Idle, Battery Powered Complete Unit

Next up is the Douglas D20 model of solar air conditioner! This is a rooftop air conditioner that can be installed on the roof of your RV or camper for comfortable camping trips, even in the height of summer!

As a rooftop unit, it is smaller than some of the other solar air conditioner units on this list. However, it is still heavy, weighing in at 110 pounds— so it needs to be transported by camper and is not something you would want to take with you if you have to carry all of your things!

Luckily, the Douglas D20 is easy to install, and comes with a manufacturer warranty of 3 months for labor and 12 months for parts.

(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089KVZ254?tag=track-ect-usa-728881-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

RecPro RV Air Conditioner Low Profile 13.5K Non-Ducted | Heating or Cooling Option | RV AC Unit | Camper Air Conditioner | (Black)

The RecPro RV solar air conditioner unit is another air conditioner that you can install on your RV or camper. It is also designed to be low profile, meaning it is small and compact, and will not get in the way while you are driving or trying to squeeze your vehicle through tight spaces.

Like the Jntech model that we discussed above, this air conditioner is also one that can be used as a heating option as needed, too. The RecPro comes in black or white, so you can choose a color to blend in with the paint color on your RV, or you can simply choose the shade that you like better!

It comes with a remote, too, for easy control and temperature adjusting. 

(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089N826FY?tag=track-ect-usa-728881-20&linkCode=osi&th=1)

EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA, 1260Wh Solar Powered Generator with 6 x 1800W AC Outlets, Solar Generator(Solar Panel Optional) for Outdoor Camping

Another option for a solar air conditioner is the EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station. This one, as the name suggests, is more of a power station.

However, it can be used to provide air conditioning for you while you are camping or off the grid! It can be used to power your air conditioner, but can also double as a charger for your RV or other devices.

This can be helpful because you can bring this one device with you, instead of investing in, and then having to transport, more than one solar-powered device to get the job done. 

(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083FR3762?tag=track-ect-usa-728881-20&linkCode=osi&th=1)

ApooDr 12000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner Ductless Inverter System 16.5 SEER with Heat Pump 110V 1 Ton,with Installation Kit

The last solar air conditioner on this list is the ApooDr 12000 BTU air conditioner. This is another air conditioner unit that should be mounted. It has a sleek, modern look, so it will be aesthetically appealing when mounted in your RV or camper.

It also has 5 different modes— one of which is heat, so it can be used as a heater, too— and can be easily controlled via remote control. The warranty for the ApooDr air conditioner is 5 years for the compressor and 2 years for the parts. It is important to note that this model does require professional installation.

(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JTVX86D?tag=track-ect-usa-728881-20&linkCode=osi&th=1)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a solar-powered air conditioner?

If you are a frequent camper, you will likely be interested in solar power appliances or devices. After all, using solar power has plenty of benefits, including the fact that it can be utilized anywhere— even when you have no access to an outlet, for instance.

One solar-powered device that you could use is a solar-powered air conditioner, which is definitely useful on hot summer days while you are camping out. 

What is the best portable air conditioner for a tent?

If you are camping or tenting, you will likely want a heater in the colder months, and an air conditioner in the warmer months. This will keep you comfortable and allow you to extend your camping season into times of the year that may have otherwise been too uncomfortable for your to camp out in.

If you are looking for an air conditioner to take with you, above all, it will need to be portable.

The best air conditioner for your tent will depend upon your own unique needs, but the ZERO BREEZE MARK 2 is often said to be the best camping air conditioner on the market.

How many solar panels does it take to run an AC on a trailer?

When you are camping in a trailer or an RV, you have some options for air conditioning or heat. Even better, you do not have to get a portable unit to carry around with you, as you can utilize the built-in AC or heat on your RV instead.

If you are running your RV on solar power, it is important that you be sure you have enough solar panels to collect the energy that can power your AC.

On average, an air conditioning unit in an RV will need about 1800 watts of electricity to start and 650 watts an hour to keep the space cool. A set of 16 x 100-watt solar panels should be able to fill these needs! 

How to make a homemade air conditioner for camping?

It is possible to make your own air conditioner for your camping trip, too! You will need to cut holes for the fan and duct into an old ice cooler. Then, fit the fan and a 90-degree plastic bend into the holes.

Fill the ice cooler with ice, which will help to create cold air that will cool down the air in your space. Then, connect the fan you attached to a battery or a solar panel to power your homemade air conditioner!