Solar-powered air conditioning is finally practical: a handful of PV panels, a DC-inverter mini-split, and the 30% tax credit can reduce your hottest-hour electricity use by half, often for under $ 8,000 in parts. This guide breaks down the numbers and the know-how so a DIYer can decide, “Is a. . Solar air conditioners are solar-powered air conditioners designed to efficiently and effectively provide cooling to a room. Solar air. . In simple terms, solar ACs use solar panels to power the air conditioning system. They convert this energy into power. That power either goes directly to the air conditioner or to a battery where it's stored until the AC needs it.