Formal testing undertaken on a number of solar boosted air conditioners found that some models failed to meet energy efficiency and performance claims made by manufacturers and suppliers.
The test results which were published by the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Regulator found three solar thermal boosted models failed to meet GEMS level requirements in both heating and cooling mode.
The GEMS Regulator has since cancelled the registrations of two of the solar thermal boosted models including a SolAir World SWW 7.2GW and an ICE Solar RC 60WM.
Only the solar PV boosted model met all GEMS requirements.
In cooling mode, all three solar thermal boosted models reduced energy efficiency between four to 21 per cent contradicting published claims of energy efficiency improvements in the 30 to 50 per cent range.
Test results found solar PV boosting is effective with 700W DC input from the PV panels. However, above 700W DC input and models become unstable switching between DC power and AC mains power operation negating efficiency benefits.
"A consumer is unlikely to be aware this is occurring as the change from solar electricity to mains electricity is seamless. So while a consumer may assume a sunny day means PV panels are offsetting their electricity bill, the panels may, in fact be contributing nothing," the report said.
Further information is available at www.energyrating.gov.au