Comments on: Using solar energy to keep homes cool

SolCool's air conditioner can be run directly from solar panels, existing wiring or even, in a pinch, batteries.
Photo: Keeping cool from the sun

[Joe Real]

What we really need.

Is a storage system with high heat capacities. We pump heat out during the summer and pump the heat inside (or burn gas, or run electric heater) during the winter. Since it is too late for existing homes to be rebuilt with walls of annual averaging thermal properties, perhaps a bigger heat storage system can be used. Imagine using up all the stored summer heat during the winter, and then using all the cold media from the winter.

We can then use the electricity from solar for other things. The way things are being marketed right now is that they are pricing the system like this one so that whatever money you will save is equal to the mark-up price. I hope it would go much lower than that, like at par or slightly higher with current air-conditioning systems, then that would truly help us all, including the planet.

[superdawg1]

SolCool

I think it's the greatest thing since the light bulb.Can you imagine not having to pay for air conditioning. Well my friends the choice is yours I know it works, and I am so excited for eveyone who get's one and does not have to stress over the cost of running it. This machine runs off pixie dust.So take your savings and try to enjoy life a little more,remember we as humans have really hurt this planet and now we have to fix it for the future of our children,if we don't than who will!

[Charlene L.]

SOLCOOL

That IS the the greatest thing since the lite bulb, but now we have the CFL's, which are even better! Let's hope everyone sees the light, before there 'ain't' none! ;-)

[timinraymond]

People will buy anything....

Solar cooling is certainly possible, and even practical, but to do it with photovoltaics is sheer stupidity. PV panels have low conversion efficiency. The soloution is ages old already: Ammonia Absorbtion Refrigeration. This form of cooling can use *any* heat source, including thermal solar energy. It has no moving parts, it is proven technology, and it is extremely reliable. Power an A/C system from PV panels? That's just stupid.

[anil_bharti]

u r right but..

[sunshineman2008]

Would like to know what is the best type of solar energy on the market currently? I plan to open a business.
thanks.

[hrhkee]

sunshineman2008 - so do I... did you ever receive an answer to this question. I am trying to position myself to provide 90-100% green energy with utility backup to a specific type of buyer soon. I am doing research and have the same question.

What is the best type of solar solution for mainly cooling, then lighting and then small appliances. I am also open to wind farms and hydro/wave farms.

Going for efficiency and this ac unit is attractive but as you pointed out has its limitations and CONS.

[anil_bharti]

Very intelligentelly designed product! If you still need to refine it further .. just give me a call.. 09463495098

[anil_bharti]

People will buy anything....
by timinraymond July 16, 2007 11:20 AM PDT

You are absolutely right, but ammonia vapor absorption system is quite toxic and dangerous for homes unless you install scrubber along with it. Let them do the experiment. Necessity is mother of invention! One day it will be possible.
Lets makes things better... just help them!