Solar Friendly Air Conditioners

If you wish to add air conditioning to a structure while powering it with solar power, this is what you need:

High Efficiency Mini-Split DC Inverter Heat Pump System.
SEER Rating of 18-27 is preferred. Do not use traditional air conditioners if you plan to run it off solar. You will have a bad time.
A well insulated structure.
Before you install any HVAC system, you need to seal doors/windows and use double paned windows. If you do not, using solar to heat or cool your structure will be nearly impossible.
A large solar power system.
If you plan to heat/cool your structure, you will need a ton of power! Build it as large as you can afford.

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EG4: A Heat Pump that Anyone can Install!

This is hands down my favorite mini split on the market. Not only is it the easiest to install, but it has a fantastic warranty and efficiency.

EG4 uses pre-charged lines so you can install it safely without an HVAC tech. You can install this with basic tools in a couple hours!

Reverse cycle heat pump, so it is an air conditioner during summer, and a high efficiency heater during the winter! And a dehumidification setting that works great.
High efficiency: 22 SEER (most home air conditioners are 13-16 SEER)
Comes with everything you need to install it. All you need is a few wrenches and drill attachments that you can buy from any local hardware store. This is the only heat pump on the market that anyone can install!

EG4 Solar Mini-Split

A powerful, energy-efficient heat pump designed for simple installation and year-round comfort. Cool your space in the summer and keep it warm when temperatures drop — all with one compact system.

EG4 AC/DC High Efficiency Heat Pump

A high-efficiency mini split built for off-grid and solar-powered setups. Run it from AC power or directly from a solar array for powerful cooling and heating without the complexity of a traditional HVAC system.

Need to run a mini split with solar without a battery?

There is nothing else like it on the market:

Can run from AC source (the grid or offgrid inverter) or directly from a solar panel array! No batteries/solar controller required. Direct connect a few solar panels in series and you are set!
High Efficiency: 25-38 SEER!! This is more efficient than the competition, and ideal for offgrid solar use
Cheaper than the competition, especially Mr. Cool. Save hundreds of dollars
High quality compressor
Reverse cycle allows you to use it as a heater during the winter

Dirt Cheap Mini Split

When filming my mini split video series, I found that the cheap models have the same compressor and components as the more expensive ones! These require a vacuum pump to hook up, and it takes an extra hour or two, but you can save some serious money with this method!

Diamante Essenza

What I currently use to cool and heat my 1000 Sq Ft work shop is a 36,000 BTU Pioneer Mini Split with DC Inverter Technology.
Not easy to install, and not as efficient as my mr. cool mini split, but it does work well. If you have an HVAC tech on hand, go for this unit. If you are doing a DIY install, use mr. cool instead.
If I were to choose a mini split for my shop, I would have gone with Mr. Cool or the new EG4 heat pump up above. They are amazing.