A small 5,000 BTU portable air conditioner is a popular choice for many RVers and vandwellers who don’t already have a roof-mounted system. But how many batteries and solar panels does it take to run a 5,000 BTU portable air conditioner for at least eight (8) hours a day? Show
How Many Batteries and Solar to Run a 5,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner?For this article, we are focusing on the Black & Decker 5,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (see it on Amazon) because it’s the best selling unit in this size. It costs $380.00. Many RVers and vandwellers have purchased portable AC units in this size range for full time boondocking, but most power it with a generator. But if you want to run this AC unit with solar panels and batteries, here’s what you’re going to need…
Total Purchase (not counting the AC unit itself): $6,910.00 Let’s Review the Above Parts
Try Using a Portable Generator InsteadMost people use a portable generator to power a portable AC unit. They are much less cost, and require little to no installation. Here’s what you’ll need to make it work for a 5,000 BTU portable AC unit…
Total Purchase (not counting the AC unit itself): $1,200.00 Inverter-generators run very quietly and come with a built-in inverter that converts generator power into the 110-120 volt electricity that a portable AC unit needs. They have a couple of standard, 3-prong outlets where you can plug an extension cord into and run into your vehicle. Generators in the range of 3,800 starting watts (surge watts) will cost between $800.00 at the low end, to $1,200.00 at the high. Don’t buy a generator with more wattage than you will need because generators are very heavy. A 3,800 watt generator loaded with fuel and oil will weigh about 120 pounds. It may be better buy to two (2) 2,000 watt inverter-generators, and chain them together using a “parallel connection kit”. This means being able to have one generator connected to the other, to produce 4,000 watts. Each generator is lighter to carry, about 40 pounds (50 pounds with gas and oil), enough for smaller women to handle. And, on days when you don’t need to use the AC unit, you can just run one of the generators to power a microwave oven, an electric heater, or to recharge your electronics. Each of these 2,000 watt generators costs about $500.00, and the parallel connection kit usually runs about $80.00. The heavy duty security cable/chain with lock is needed to prevent people from stealing your generator. These generators must be placed outside when running because they run on gasoline and produce exhaust. Some people place these generators inside the bed of their pickup truck, and then use the cable/chain to lock them in. A generator tent is used to keep your generator dry when it’s raining. Most guys buy a single 5-gallon gasoline jug. But, these can be heavy when full and may cause you to spill when trying to pour. Think about buying a few 2-gallon jugs instead. Most portable inverter-generators will run for about 8 hours on a single gallon of gas. Will a 2000 watt generator run a 5000 BTU AC?Most of the 5000 BTU air conditioners will need a 500 W generator.
How many watts do you need to run a 5000 BTU air conditioner?For a small bedroom, a 5,000 BTU window unit should only use 450 watts. A mid-size 8,000 BTU AC should use fewer than 715 watts. A big 14,000 BTU air conditioner should only use 1,250 watts.
Will a 3000 watt inverter run a 5000 BTU air conditioner?A 3000 Watt inverter can definitely run a 5000 BTU air conditioner. However, if the AC unit is the only appliance running on the inverter, you should expect 15 to 30% losses, depending on the inverter. Meaning that the inverter would draw 15-30% more power than your AC is actually using.
Can an air conditioner run on a 15 amp circuit?Most common voltage ratings for AC units are 115, 125 and 220 volts, and amperage rating can run from 15 to 20 amps.
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