Julia, please listen. These guys and gals are trying to help by giving you the correct information. It's easy to misunderstand this information...and sometimes it may sound condescending. But it's rarely, if ever, meant that way here.
The fact is that a 300 watt portable power pack, solar generator, whatever terms you prefer, will not run a window A/C for very long, if at all. Even if it manages to start the A/C and run it for a few minutes, it will very likely deplete the charge in less than an hour, probably less than 20 minutes or so if the compressor is running.
Then it will take a day or two (or more!) of strong sunlight just to bring it back to full charge with a couple hundred watts of solar panels. Even a high dollar unit like a Kodiak will not run an A/C unit for very long.
Yes, there are folks who can run an A/C on solar but almost always they have a large roof area like on a motorhome, van or trailer, and that roof is populated with solar panels front to back. And probably 300-500 pounds of batteries and $2000-$5000 invested to make it all happen. And quite often they still use a backup generator for cloudy days and to replenish the battery bank during heavy usage times.
The solution for comfort when SUV-dwelling, or car-dwelling, is usually to relocate with the seasons. Or, keep feeding gasoline or propane into a noisy generator.
The fact is that a 300 watt portable power pack, solar generator, whatever terms you prefer, will not run a window A/C for very long, if at all. Even if it manages to start the A/C and run it for a few minutes, it will very likely deplete the charge in less than an hour, probably less than 20 minutes or so if the compressor is running.
Then it will take a day or two (or more!) of strong sunlight just to bring it back to full charge with a couple hundred watts of solar panels. Even a high dollar unit like a Kodiak will not run an A/C unit for very long.
Yes, there are folks who can run an A/C on solar but almost always they have a large roof area like on a motorhome, van or trailer, and that roof is populated with solar panels front to back. And probably 300-500 pounds of batteries and $2000-$5000 invested to make it all happen. And quite often they still use a backup generator for cloudy days and to replenish the battery bank during heavy usage times.
The solution for comfort when SUV-dwelling, or car-dwelling, is usually to relocate with the seasons. Or, keep feeding gasoline or propane into a noisy generator.
Dear Rabbit, you were very honest and helpful in posting the info above. Nowhere in your helpful post were you “making assumptions” nor “attacking.” You are so correct about this electrical issue and sound quite experienced. She just doesn’t sound like she is ready to accept other people’s knowledge on a very complex topic. I am sorry your helpfulness was treated like that. You were respectful, as well as helpful.
