Hybrid Solar Assisted Air Conditioning

This thing definitely takes today's "Bad Ass" award.

Basically, the SolCool Hybrid HVAC System is a 2 ton AC unit that runs off of a combination of solar power and standard 110 volt electricity. The thing also has battery back-up system that'll power the unit, as well as home lighting and ceiling fans, during a black out.

The company claims that the SolCool can lower electricity costs by up to 50%!!!

The sad part is that the 2 ton model is as big as it comes right now, which is a real bummer. I think my dad's house uses a 3 or 4 ton machine that doesn't quite make the cut. The website claims that the system can actually be extended into the 5 ton range through some sort of compartmentalized in-duct fan system, but I don't really know enough about air conditioners to know if that's bullshit or not.

If this thing is all it claims to be, though, I might actually be able to live in Florida again. Though no reduction in cooling costs will ever adequately reduce the suckitude of that place.

Anywho, back to whatever it is I was doing.

Via Treehugger.