Since we shared our very first RV solar video we’ve been asked the same question over and over:  Can I run my air conditioner with all that solar power? We’ve always responded with a “NO” since we felt it wasn’t realistic based on the battery banks and inverters we’ve had in our previous motorhomes.  With our current RV, we installed some serious Off-the-Grid technology and for the past several months we kept thinking, maybe we can run our a/c without being plugged in?!? An opportunity landed in our laps as we unexpectedly crossed paths with our friends John and Peter The RV Geeks near Joshua Tree National Park. It’s almost like the stars aligned: The Geeks are RV DIY install gurus, the desert temps were rising, the sun was brightly shining and the wind was calm so we could actually talk to the camera. So, we decided to put the question to the test! Will we really be able to run our RV air conditioner off our solar setup? Please remember we’re not RV Solar or Air Conditioner professionals. 

We’re simply sharing our experiences and I’ve done my best to explain our test results and I hope the information below makes sense. Oh yea, and don’t forget the most important part of this equation: We’re only discussing running 1 A/C unit in full sun.  If your RV so large you have to run 2 or 3 A/C units to effectively cool it, or you wish to park the RV in the shade, well…I think you’ll need to tow a trailer full of solar, battery and inverters to handle it.  how many watts do ac units useOr you could just run the generator or plug-in to shore power and say “fahgettaboudit”.air conditioning unit energy efficiency The missing link for us is the Soft Start. air conditioning heating units comparison

After making this video the Micro Air people decided to offer a $50 discount coupon if you use the code “GWTW” at checkout. We think that’s pretty nice so we’ve passed it along to you. What do you think?  Any plans to install a giant off the grid kit to run your air conditioner?  Think we’re crazy for even suggesting it?  Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below because I know you’ve got an opinion on this RV mod. Disclaimer – This video and post are solely based on our testing experience. We were not sponsored by or swayed by the mfrs of these items. The soft start discount was offered by Micro Air after we created this video, we receive a small commission and you get a discount so we think everyone wins. « Corporate CPA and Designer Turned Self Employed Nomads Resurrecting Dinosaurs – Influencing RV Design Changes »Please log in to continue Not yet a member? Sign up up to Springwise Access today to unlock the following: + Exclusive content and thought leadership.

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Dometic launches new Air Tower AC unit, hosts solar exhibit at MATSDometic Group announced that it is launching the Dometic Air Tower, a new device designed to distribute auxiliary air-conditioning flow more efficiently around a truck cab than with built-in ducts alone, here at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS). The company also is hosting a solar exhibit. According to the company, the Dometic Air Tower is engineered to maximize air flow from the Dometic Blizzard Turbo auxiliary air conditioning unit to produce quicker cool-down in the cab by directing cool air where it's wanted. "Staying comfortable and cool on hot days is critical for drivers. With this in mind, Dometic's engineers designed the Air Tower to help drivers target air flow exactly where it is most needed," said Mark Minatel, senior vice president. "Our modular Air Tower's components interlock to form the tower, providing fast, easy and simple installation — far less invasive than cutting into the truck's built-in ducting system.

The Air Tower improves overall air flow, enhancing driver comfort." The Air Tower kit is available in two duct sizes: The kit with four-inch ducts includes two Air Towers, with one tower stacked to reach the upper bunk area. The kit with five-inch ducts includes one Air Tower with vents for the lower and upper bunk. The solar exhibit will showcase eNow's solar-powered battery-charging and power management solutions, the company said. Booth visitors can learn how eNow harnesses the power of the sun to charge auxiliary truck batteries, eliminating the costly problems of idling, high fuel costs, equipment maintenance and CO2 emissions. "Dometic is constantly looking for new ways to be more environmentally friendly and we are impressed with eNow's innovative use of a sustainable, green solution to recharge batteries that power our comfort appliances inside trucks, such as auxiliary air conditioners, refrigerators, portable refrigerator/freezers and safes," Minatel said. "Utilizing cutting-edge solar technology, we are able to capture, store and distribute power to various truck/trailer functions, such as the Dometic Blizzard Turbo auxiliary air conditioner, the Dometic CRX three-in-one refrigerator and other appliances while providing potential cost savings for owners and reducing emissions related to run time."