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This is the 5th generation of our ACDC12x solar air conditioner series with a new key feature we've had so many requests for - our new "C" model ACDC12C solar air conditioning technology
requires no grid connection. Like previous versions, it also needs no batteries, no inverter, no charge controller - just
plug in the solar panels and start saving up to 100% on daytime cooling or heating costs. A grid connection can be added to automatically allow operation at night, as well as to provide higher daytime capacity & uninterrupted operation during cloudy or low sunlight conditions. See ACDC12C Spec Sheet
During the day the ACDC12C can run exclusively on solar power with no AC power or grid connection when solar is strong enough. The maximum speed/capacity will be based on the level of available solar power available. If also connected to AC power source, the unit can run at full speed whenever needed, and will add in just enough AC power, if/as needed, while still primarily using available solar DC power. |
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ACDC12C IDU (Indoor Unit)
Digital Display Off |
The HotSpot engineering team created the world's first DC solar air conditioner in 2007 and has led the world in solar AC design and quality manufacturing for more than 10 years. We are pleased to offer our 5th generation solar AC, the model ACDC12C. Like our previous solar hybrid versions, the ACDC12, and ACDC12B, the ACDC12C blends solar DC power directly with AC power to deliver a seamless cooling or heating experience while making the best use of free DC solar power. But unlike previous versions, the ACDC12C does not require an AC backup connection to operate during good sunlight conditions. During the day it can operate on 100% solar power.
Displays at right are built into the indoor unit and visible only when the unit is on. Shows power usage. Shown in heating mode, 90 ⁰F setting.
First image shows a unit using all DC/solar power with no AC power connected. Second image shows AC power connected, unit running at low speed on DC/solar power. Color adjusted for photo contrast, indoor unit is white. |
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When connected to both solar and an optional AC power source, the ACDC12C only
uses small amounts of power from the utility company, if and
as needed. Hybrid operation eliminates the need for batteries
and allows use of the system 24 hours per day. The system
primarily uses solar power, and mixes it with
normal AC power, if available, at times when solar availability is reduced due to clouds, overcast sky, or at night. When a grid connection is present, the ACDC12C can use all of the available solar power before using any contribution from the grid and should have 3x 72-cell solar panels of 400w or larger. If no AC connection is available, the ACDC12C estimates the amount of solar power available in real time based on panel voltage and reduces its speed to match the estimated amount of available solar power, less a buffer to prevent brownout or frequent cycling on/off. The brownout/cycling buffer can be as high as, or more than, 50%, so for a fully offgrid application we suggest 6x 72-cell panels 400w or larger as being optimal. Note, a 144 "half cell" panel is essentially the same as a 72 cell panel. Of course, the unit will not run without an AC connection in low sunlight conditions, or at night. The ACDC12C includes a digital power display so you can get an idea of how much AC and/or DC power is being used in the system. We also have an ACDC18C that works in a similar manner and should have 4x 72 cell panels >/=400w panels for normal grid connected use, and 6 connected 72-cell panels when used without grid power. If using 60-cell panels, the above panel recommendations can be +1 or +2. Note, the maximun total voltage of a panel string can never be >325v open circuitrating.
For home or office use, this system can cool an area for free
with up to 100% of the energy coming from sunlight.
In addition to cooling, the ACDC12C solar heat pump will provide
solar powered heating, operating all the way down to an outside
ambient temperature of 5 ⁰F. No matter how far north or south
you are, this is the right system for you. No net metering needed. Single indoor unit.
How It Works
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ACDC12C solar air conditioners need no batteries, and
uses three or more (up to six) solar PV panels to deliver a huge savings. During the day, when air conditioning is needed the most,
you can operate this unit with very little or no draw on your
utility meter. At night, you continue to save due to the official SEER 22 rating on this unit. This solar mini-split air conditioner
design allows you to put solar cooling into the area where
it's needed the most and avoid the security issues of an
unsightly and noisy window unit. If your location needs heat
during the winter, take a full 1-ton of the daytime heating
load off of your main heating system for free and get
a head start on evening heating requirements. Since it's a ductless system, it allows 100% of your
heating or cooling to be delivered to where it's needed without
the loss that occurs in a ducted system. Note - this is not
an "off-grid battery powered" unit,
although adding batteries is possible, it is not the recommended use. If you have no AC power and
need a 24x7 off grid solar air conditioner, see our 48v. off-grid solar
AC here.
Solar Air Conditioning Cooling & Heating Augmentation
Augmenting a space heating or cooling system with solar makes
perfect sense. In addition to heating or cooling a small area,
it allows you to add capacity to an existing system, or reduce
the load on an existing system, either or both of which can
save you money and add comfort. Solar augmentation also allows
offsetting of higher daytime electricity rates and reduces
the amount of early evening catch-up required by the normal
system. The ACDC12C hybrid solar air conditioner allows you
to add comfort without adding energy cost, and can sharply cut your
daytime heating and cooling bills.
Get up to 100%
of your daytime cooling (or heating) free from the sun. Plug-N-Play
solar connections make installation simple.
Over SEER 22 on
normal AC power. Calculated SEER equivalent net of DC power is >SEER 75. Requires min. 3x solar PV panels. Panels are not included however complete kits including panels are available. Give us a call!
Installation
The ACDC12C installs just like a normal minisplit air conditioner,
then you connect the solar panels using industry-standard
MC4 connectors. You can use 3 or more normal solar panels
(recommended 72 cell panels) of 290w-375w each and wired in series. You can order the panels, etc. from us or purchase
them locally, note the panels should be minimum 36vmp rated,
please review the specifications. If you use 60 cell panels (30vmp), use a minimum of four 60 cell panels. For off-grid operation during the day with no AC connection, with either type solar panel you may wish to add at least one additional panel.
The ACDC12C is shipped pre-charged with R410a, an
ozone-friendly refrigerant and we recommend hiring a professional
HVAC installer. If self-installing, you will need a licensed HVAC technician with a vacuum pump
to do the final commissioning and to comply with US federal law. The units include a 3M lineset, if a longer one is needed, you may use a standard lineset which can easily and quickly be made onsite by the installer. You can also order various length linesets (1/2" x 1/4") from various online sellers such as Home Depot, Amazon, etc.
Anti-Corrosion For Long Life
Designed to last a long time in coastal and/or island areas where salty mist, saline fog, or salt spray may come in contact with critical air conditioner components, the ACDC12C uses SeaSpray Anti-Corrosion Technology to protect major components from corrosion.
SEER
On pure AC power when no free solar energy is used, official SEER is >22. SEER is "Seasonal EER" and is a way of describing an "average EER" and considers that the system operates under part-load conditions a majority of the time. Currently, there is no official test standard for testing SEER or EER based on whether or not the energy is paid for. However, if you perform a SEER calculation and include only the paid energy, this calculated SEER can be as high as SEER 75 or above when using solar along with AC backup power.
Ordering, Pricing & Specifications
The Manufacturer's List Price on the ACDC12C is $1,895. ACDC18C cost is $2195. Solar panels, etc., are not included. Complete kits are also available, please call or email to discuss kit options. Qualified solar and
HVAC professionals who purchase in quantity should
contact us for dealer and distributor pricing. Private label branding is available.
Download ACDC12C Spec
Sheet ACDC18C Spec Sheet
Installation Accessories Guide
See
All-DC Off-Grid solar/telecom AC units
Compare ACDC12 and DC4812VRF Side by Side SeaSpray Anti-Corrosion Technology
See
Solar Air Conditioning FAQ Compare
Solar Air Conditioners
Shipping & logistics Information Warranty AHRI Certificate ACDC18C
See Metal Roof Mounting Profile See specs previous model (ACDC12b)
For AHRI certificates, use these reference numbers at the AHRI Directory:
12k: 213737306
18k: 213737307
24k: 213737308
https://www.ahridirectory.org/Search/SearchHome?
Contact
Us or call 1-800-916-2067 2015 NEC Rapid Shutdown Compliance
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