Using solar energy to keep homes cool

[jpak]

http://news.com.com/Using+solar+energy+to+keep+homes+cool/2100-11392_3-6168616.html?tag=nefd.lede

http://www.solcool.net/

(this was sent to me by another DUer - thanks!!)

SolCool One has developed what many people would expect to already be commonplace: An air conditioner that runs off the sun.

Later this week, the California-based company will launch the SolCool Millennia version 4, which it calls a hybrid solar air conditioner.

The air conditioning unit--sized to cool the space of a large room--can be run on solar panels, from a wall socket or, in a pinch, batteries.

Regardless of the power source, the system will lower electricity costs substantially, according to company executives. Potentially, if these units get used in a widespread manner, they could also reduce the odds of summer power outages, often caused because homes and buildings crank up their air conditioners. The unit operates at a maximum of 500 watts, far less than half what typical air conditioning units eat up.

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[silverweb]

1. 'bout time!

[madokie]

2. I've often wondered why heat isn't used for the energy input on air conditioning

directly or like this indirectly