”How many solar panels are required for a 1.5-ton AC?” is one of the most common questions homeowners in Karachi ask today.
With rising KE bills and long summers, people want a reliable way to run their air conditioners without worrying about costs.
This guide provides a clear and simple answer. You’ll learn the power requirements of a 1.5-ton AC, the number of panels needed, and the additional factors that can impact your setup.
Moreover, by the end, you’ll know exactly what solar setup can keep your AC running!
Understanding AC Power Needs
Before calculating the number of panels, you need to know how much electricity a 1.5-ton AC actually uses. On average, a 1.5-ton inverter AC consumes between 1.5 kW to 2 kW per hour,depending on its efficiency, usage, and weather conditions.
- In moderate settings, it may use around 1.5 kW per hour.
- On hotter days or at full cooling capacity, the usage can go up to 2 kW per hour.
To put it simply, if your AC runs for 8 hours a day, it will require about 12 to 16 units (kWh) of electricity daily.
This is the baseline we’ll use to figure out how many solar panels are needed to power it.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need
Now that we know a 1.5-ton AC requires about 1.5–2 kW per hour, we can calculate how many solar panels are needed.
Most commonly in Karachi, homeowners use 550W or 600W Tier-1 solar panels.
Here’s a quick calculation:
| Panel Type | Panels Required | Daily Units Produced |
|---|---|---|
| 550W Panels | 4-5 Panels | 10-12 Units |
| 600W Panels | 4 Panels | 11-13 Units |
- 550W panels → 1.5 ton AC (needs ~2 kW) ÷ 550W = 4 panels minimum. For stable performance, plan for 5 panels.
- 600W panels → 2 kW ÷ 600W = 3.3 panels, so you’ll need 4 panels minimum.
👉 Keep in mind, these numbers are for running just the AC. If you also want to run fans, lights, or other appliances at the same time, you’ll need extra panels.
Read: How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Home in Karachi?
Cost Estimate (Karachi, 2025)
Below is a practical ballpark so readers know what to expect. Actual prices vary by brand, stock, and PKR–USD rate.
Scenario A — On-Grid (no batteries)
- Array: 4×600W or 5×550W Tier-1 panels (≈2.4–2.75 kW)
- Inverter: 3 kW on-grid
- Balance of System: mounting, DC/AC wiring, protections (MC4s, breakers, SPD, earthing), labor
- Optional: net-metering application & meter upgrade
- Estimated total: Rs. 450,000 – 650,000
What this covers: Daytime AC running when the sun is out. During load-shedding, the AC will turn off (no backup).
Scenario B — Hybrid (with backup batteries)
- Array: 2.4–3 kW (same as above)
- Inverter: 3–5 kW hybrid
- Batteries: 5–10 kWh (size depends on backup hours & tonnage)
- BOS, protections, labor, commissioning
- Estimated total: Rs. 900,000 – 1,000,000
What this covers: Daytime solar + AC during load-shedding (for the backup hours your batteries allow).
Quick Notes
- Premium brands, higher wind-rated structures, and longer cable runs can add cost.
- If you plan to run lights/fans alongside the AC, consider one extra panel for headroom.
- For night-time AC, battery size is the main driver of cost (1.5 ton AC can draw 1.5–2 kW; size your kWh accordingly).
Want a precise quote for your rooftop and usage? Message Solar Karwan on WhatsApp and we’ll size it exactly for your AC hours, budget, and roof.
Read: Best Affordable Solar Inverter Under PKR 200,000 in Karachi
Extra Factors to Consider
Knowing the number of panels is just the start. A few other factors decide whether your AC will run smoothly on solar:
- Inverter Size → For a 1.5-ton AC, you’ll need at least a 3 kW inverter. If you also plan to run other appliances like fans and lights, go for a 5 kW inverter.
- Battery Backup → On-grid setups won’t keep your AC running during load-shedding. For backup, a hybrid system with 5–10 kWh batteries is recommended.
- Roof Space → A set of 4–5 panels needs about 200–250 sq. ft. of shade-free space. If you’re planning to expand later, make sure your rooftop can handle extra panels.
- Panel Quality → Tier-1 panels (LONGi, Jinko, Canadian Solar) perform better in Karachi’s hot and humid climate. Cheap panels may degrade faster and give lower output.
👉 These points can make or break your solar AC setup. That’s why it’s better to plan properly instead of just counting panels.
Savings & ROI
Running a 1.5-ton AC on KE power alone can quickly push your monthly bill above Rs. 20,000–25,000 during the peak summer months. With solar, those costs drop sharply.
Example:
- A family with a Rs. 22,000 monthly KE bill (mostly due to AC usage).
- After installing a 2.5–3 kW solar setup (around 4–5 panels), their bill drops to about Rs. 5,000–7,000.
- Over the course of a year, that’s Rs. 150,000+ saved.
ROI Timeline:
- On-grid systems usually pay back in 3–4 years.
- Hybrid systems with batteries take longer (around 5–6 years), but they also keep your AC running during load-shedding.
👉 The more hours you run your AC on solar, the faster your system pays for itself.
Final Thoughts
To run a 1.5-ton AC on solar in Karachi, you’ll generally need 4–5 Tier-1 panels (550W–600W each) paired with at least a 3 kW inverter.
This setup costs around Rs. 450,000–650,000 for an on-grid system and Rs. 9K–1.9 million for a hybrid system with batteries.
A roof space of 200–250 sq. ft. is enough for this setup. With Karachi’s long summers and high sunlight hours, such a system can cover most of your AC usage and cut bills by 50–70%, while paying itself back within 3–6 years, depending on the system type.
Read: Karachi Solar Guide: Prices, Setup, Types & Net Metering Explained
Conclusion
The bottom line is simple: a 1.5-ton AC can run smoothly on solar with just a handful of high-quality panels and the right inverter.
If you’re tired of heavy KE bills and want cooling without the stress, now is the best time to invest in solar.
👉 Message Solar Karwan on WhatsApp today to get a personalized system design, cost breakdown, best deals/packages, and a hassle-free installation plan that fits your home.
FAQs– How Many Solar Panels Are Required for a 1.5 Ton AC?
1)How many solar panels are required for a 1.5-ton AC in Karachi?
You’ll need 4–5 Tier-1 panels (550W–600W each) with at least a 3 kW inverter to run a 1.5 ton AC smoothly.
2)Can I run a 1.5-ton AC on solar without batteries?
Yes. An on-grid solar system can run your AC in the daytime. But during load-shedding, the AC will turn off unless you add batteries.
3)How much roof space do I need for 4–5 solar panels?
You’ll need about 200–250 sq. ft. of shade-free rooftop space.
4)How much does a solar setup for a 1.5-ton AC cost in Karachi?
An on-grid system costs around Rs. 450,000–650,000. A hybrid system with batteries can cost between Rs. 9K–1.9 million, depending on battery size.
5)Which solar panel brands are best for running ACs in Karachi?
Tier-1 brands like LONGi, Jinko, and Canadian Solar perform well in Karachi’s hot climate and give stable long-term output.
