Air Conditioning with Solar Panels and Battery Storage

Generate your own electricity, store it in a battery and use it to power your air conditioning. At Heppelthwaite – Green Building Solutions, we design and install integrated renewable energy systems across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and South East England.

Delivering Efficient Cooling Powered by Renewable Energy

At Heppelthwaite – Green Building Solutions, we design and install renewable energy systems that combine solar panels, battery storage, underfloor heating and air conditioning. Rather than just treating each technology as a separate installation, we look at how they work together to reduce running costs, improve energy efficiency and create a more comfortable home throughout the year.

Most air conditioning systems rely entirely on grid electricity. By combining air conditioning with solar panels and battery storage, you can generate much of the electricity your system uses rather than buying it from your energy supplier.

How Solar Powered Air Conditioning Works

Modern air conditioning systems run on electricity. Solar panels generate that electricity directly from sunlight, while a battery storage system stores surplus energy for use later in the day.

During the summer, solar generation is often highest when cooling demand also increases. This allows your air conditioning to make greater use of the renewable electricity generated by your solar panels. Any surplus electricity can be stored in a battery and used later in the day or during the evening.

It helps to Heat and Cool all year round

Solar panels generate electricity throughout the year, not just in summer. In addition, modern air conditioning systems provide efficient heating as well as cooling. This means your renewable energy system can help heat and cool your home throughout the year.

Why Air Conditioning is One of the Best Uses of Solar Energy

Air conditioning is one of the largest users of electricity during warmer months. Running it on electricity generated by your own solar panels, rather than importing power from the grid, can significantly reduce running costs.

It can also help increase self-consumption. Instead of exporting surplus electricity back to the grid, more of the energy your solar panels generate is used within your home. This helps you get greater value from your renewable energy system.

For homeowners who already have solar panels and battery storage, adding air conditioning can be an effective way to make better use of the renewable electricity already being generated.

Already Have Solar Panels?

If you already have solar panels installed, adding air conditioning can be an excellent way to make greater use of the electricity your system generates.

Many homeowners produce the highest levels of solar electricity on the very days they most want cooling. Rather than exporting surplus electricity back to the grid, that energy can instead be used to power your air conditioning system, helping to maximise the value of your existing solar investment.

Solar installation Marlow

Can Air Conditioning Work Alongside an Air Source Heat Pump?

Many homeowners ask whether they need both technologies. The answer depends on your property and what you want to achieve.

An air source heat pump is designed primarily to provide efficient heating and hot water. If your home becomes uncomfortably warm during the summer, a dedicated air conditioning system offers an effective way to cool individual rooms or the whole property.

For many homeowners, combining an air source heat pump with air conditioning provides year-round comfort, with efficient heating in winter and effective cooling during warmer months.

Both technologies work exceptionally well alongside solar panels and battery storage. We will always recommend the most suitable combination for your property, lifestyle and energy requirements.

>Contact our renewable energy team for expert advice.

Why Combine Air Conditioning with Solar and Battery Storage?

Running air conditioning using electricity generated by your own solar panels makes sound financial and environmental sense. The combination works well for several reasons.

Lower Running Costs

Modern inverter-driven air conditioning systems are highly efficient, often producing three to four units of cooling from every unit of electricity consumed. When powered by solar electricity generated on site, running costs can be significantly lower than relying solely on grid electricity.

Battery Storage Extends the Benefit

Without battery storage, surplus solar electricity is usually exported to the grid. A battery stores that energy for later use, allowing your air conditioning to continue benefiting from renewable electricity after the sun has gone down.

Reduced Carbon Emissions

When powered by electricity generated from solar panels, air conditioning can operate using renewable energy produced on site. This helps reduce reliance on grid electricity and can lower the overall carbon emissions associated with cooling your home.

Increased Return on Your Solar Investment

Solar and battery storage systems perform best when more of the electricity they generate is used within the property. Air conditioning provides a valuable daytime electrical load during summer, helping increase self-consumption and improving the value of your renewable energy investment.

installation of solar panels in maidenhead
sigenergy unit installed on side of house by Heppelthwaite - Green Building Solutions

Air Conditioning with Solar Panels Across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey

Our F-Gas certified engineers install modern air conditioning systems for homes across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire, South West London and the surrounding counties.

Whether you are adding air conditioning to an existing solar and battery storage system or planning a complete renewable energy installation, we can design and install a solution tailored to your property and energy requirements.

Thinking About Air Conditioning with Solar for Your Home?

If you are considering air conditioning, solar panels, battery storage or a combination of all three, our team can help.

We assess your property, your energy usage and your long-term goals before designing a renewable energy system that works as a complete solution rather than a collection of separate products.

There is no obligation and no upfront payment required. We will provide everything you need to decide whether an integrated renewable energy system is right for your home.

Get Your Free Renewable Energy Assessment Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about air conditioning with solar panels and renewable energy. However, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our expert solar installation team will be happy to help.

Can air conditioning run on solar panels?

Yes. Air conditioning systems run on electricity, and solar panels generate electricity. During daylight hours, a solar panel system can power an air conditioning unit directly. When combined with battery storage, the system can continue running into the evening on stored solar electricity.

Is solar powered air conditioning worth it?

For most homeowners with an existing solar system, yes. Air conditioning is one of the largest summer electricity loads in a home. Running it on solar generated electricity rather than grid electricity significantly reduces operating costs and makes better use of your solar investment.

Do I need battery storage with solar air conditioning?

Battery storage is not essential but it significantly increases the benefit. Without storage, your air conditioning only runs on solar electricity during daylight hours. With battery storage, surplus daytime generation is captured and used to power the system in the evening when cooling demand often continues.

Does air conditioning replace a heat pump?

Not necessarily. Heat pumps are optimised for heating and can provide some cooling. Dedicated air conditioning systems are optimised for cooling and often deliver faster, more precise results in summer. For some homes a heat pump alone covers both needs. For others, combining a heat pump with air conditioning gives the best year-round performance. We will advise on the right solution for your property.

Do you install air conditioning across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire?

Yes. We cover Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire, South West London and the wider South East England area. Contact us to arrange a free assessment.

Our Recent Installations

Explore our latest installations for homes and businesses, including solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps, and other renewable energy solutions.

Why Choose Heppelthwaite – Green Building Solutions?

The best renewable energy option for your property will depend on your budget, property space, and how much money you want to save on energy bills. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to renewable energy, we provide the full range of renewable heating and energy saving solutions, with expert guidance and advice.

Award Winning Team

The company has won multiple awards and recognitions over the years, which includes The Energy Efficiency Awards 2018 and 2019, Thames Valley Business Awards, Which Trusted Trader Winners and more.

Trusted and Approved Installers

  • MCS-certified solar and battery storage installers
  • NICEIC-approved for microgeneration systems
  • F-Gas certified air conditioning engineers
  • RECC members (no. 00039033)
  • 900+ verified five-star reviews across CheckaTrade and Google
  • Free energy assessment with no obligation
  • No deposit required – payment only on completion
  • In-house team that manage the entire installation

Thanks for all your help. You work for a very good, reputable and trust-worthy company. I have been very pleased with the attention to detail throughout the installation. I will have no hesitation in recommending your company to others.

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Chineham, Hampshire

Solar Panel Installation, Customer Review

From the outset, showed flexibility and competence, factors which were very important given the style of our house. At installation all those involved, scaffolders, roofers and electricians demonstrated professionalism and a high level of customer care. Nothing was too much trouble, and we have been left with an excellent result. We can highly recommend this organisation to anyone considering Solar energy. A pleasure to deal with and treated us and our home with utmost respect and consideration.

Cookham, Berkshire

Solar Panel Installation, Customer Review

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