Solar Hybrid AC/DC Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete Energy Independence Package
Have you recently purchased a Solar Cooling Solar Hybrid AC/DC Mini-Split Heat Pump? This guide is for you.
Unlike a conventional heat pump, your Solar Cooling system is designed to prioritize power generated directly from solar panels (DC), while also being capable of operating from the electrical grid (AC), depending on your selected configuration.
This guide walks you through the steps following your purchase, including receiving your equipment, choosing a qualified installer, preparing for installation, and protecting your warranty.
AT A GLANCE
Your Solar Cooling heat pump system combines air conditioning, refrigeration, electrical, and depending on your configuration, solar energy technologies.
Commissioning your system may require the involvement of multiple qualified professionals, including an HVAC technician, a licensed electrician, and/or a solar installer. This guide explains each professional's role and helps you plan your installation project.
Your heat pump must be installed by a certified HVAC professional qualified to handle refrigerants. It must never be installed by an unqualified person, including the homeowner unless they hold the required certifications and licenses.
This guide is designed to help you select the right installer, prepare your project, and coordinate the installation process. Detailed technical instructions intended for the installer are provided in a separate document: the Installation Guide.
Upon Receiving Your Product
Even before thinking about installation, take a few minutes to carefully check your delivery. This step is simple, but it saves a lot of hassle later on.
- Your heat pump will be delivered on a pallet. Inspect the packaging upon arrival for any signs of impact, punctures, crushing, or other visible shipping damage to the indoor unit, outdoor unit, or accessory boxes.
- Take photos of the packaging and the equipment before opening the boxes or discarding any packaging materials. Keep these photos, as they may be required for a freight damage claim or warranty request.
- Once unpacked, verify that the model received (12,000 BTU or 18,000 BTU) matches your order confirmation and invoice.
- Locate and record the serial numbers of both the indoor and outdoor units. These are typically found on a white label attached to each unit. In some cases, the serial number label may be packaged separately inside the box rather than attached to the equipment. You will need these numbers to register your warranty.
- Verify that all standard accessories are included, including:
- Drain hose
- Remote control
- Indoor unit mounting hardware
- Owner's Manual
- Installation Guide
- Store the equipment in a dry, protected location until installation. Whenever possible, keep the units indoors.
- Do not remove the protective caps from the refrigerant line connections before installation. These caps prevent moisture and contaminants from entering the refrigeration circuit.
- Also verify that all components specific to your system configuration are present, according to your invoice. Depending on the package you purchased, your order may also include:
- Solar panels
- Solar mounting hardware or racking system
- Solar PV cables
- DC disconnects and protection devices
- AC disconnects and protection devices
- Surge protection devices (SPDs)
- Communication cable and refrigerant line set
- Battery bank, charge controller, or DC Booster (depending on your selected configuration)
VISIBLE DAMAGE OR MISSING PARTS?
If you notice shipping damage or discover that any components are missing, contact Solar Cooling Customer Service before proceeding with the installation. Please have the following information ready:
- Your order number
- Photos of the shipment and equipment
Contact Solar Cooling Customer Service at 1-800-966-7987 or by email at info@solarcooling.ca
Finding a Qualified Installer
Installing a Solar Hybrid AC/DC Mini-Split Heat Pump involves handling refrigerant and performing electrical work, both of which are regulated by law.
Depending on your system configuration, your installation may be completed by a single contractor or by several qualified professionals, including:
- An HVAC technician (mini-split installation)
- A licensed electrician
- A solar photovoltaic (PV) installer
Coordinating these professionals is perfectly normal and depends on the scope of your project. The following recommendations will help you choose the right installer.
What Certifications Should You Look For?
Your installer should have:
- A valid refrigerant handling certification, issued under the applicable federal or provincial regulations. This certification is required for anyone who opens the refrigeration circuit, performs a vacuum, or charges refrigerant.
- A valid electrical contractor's license (or the applicable trade license) if the electrical work is not performed by the HVAC contractor.
- Proof of current liability insurance.
Where to Find a Qualified Installer
- Check your province's or territory's contractor licensing authority or regulatory body to verify that the company holds the required licenses and qualifications to perform HVAC and refrigeration work.
- Visit the Find a Dealer section on the Solar Cooling website to locate an installer near you.
- Contact your local HVAC or refrigeration industry association for referrals.
- Ask friends, family members, or contractors you trust who have recently had a mini-split or wall-mounted heat pump installed.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Installer
Before choosing an installer, don't hesitate to ask the following questions:
- Do you hold a valid refrigerant handling certification? May I have your certification number?
- Does your company hold all the required licenses and certifications to perform this type of work in my province or territory?
- Do you have specific experience installing wall-mounted mini-split heat pumps?
- Can you provide a detailed written quotation, including labour, additional materials (line set, insulation, mounting hardware, etc.), and the expected installation timeline?
- Do you provide a workmanship warranty that is separate from the manufacturer's equipment warranty? If so, how long is it?
- Will you follow the manufacturer's installation specifications, including maximum line set length, refrigerant requirements, and electrical installation guidelines?
- Will you verify whether municipal permits are required before beginning the installation?
- Have you previously installed solar-powered heat pump systems?
- Have you worked with hybrid AC/DC heat pump systems before?
Before You Sign
Before accepting a quotation or scheduling the installation:
- Always request a written quotation, not just a verbal estimate.
- Make sure the quotation clearly separates labour, materials, and any travel or service charges.
- Request an estimated installation date and confirm that your electrical panel can accommodate a dedicated circuit. If necessary, a licensed electrician may need to perform upgrades before installation.
- Before your installer's visit, provide them with the Installation Guide, Owner's Manual, Technical Data Sheet, and, if applicable, your installation diagram. These documents are included with your equipment and can also be downloaded from:https://solarcooling.ca/pages/downloads
Installation Day – What to Expect
You don't need to know all the technical details of the installation, those are covered in the Installation Guide provided to your installer. However, here's an overview of the main steps you can expect during the installation process.
Your installer should typically complete the following:
- Verify the installation site, including the electrical panel, indoor and outdoor unit locations, solar panel location (if applicable), line set and cable lengths, and any required permits.
- Install the indoor unit.
- Install the outdoor unit.
- Install the solar panels (if included in your project; this may be completed during a later phase if planned).
- Connect the DC solar circuit (if applicable).
- Install the required electrical protection devices.
- Connect the system to the electrical grid or battery system, depending on your configuration.
- Power up the system.
- Test operation using solar power and/or grid power.
- Verify the automatic operation between the available power sources.
- Complete the installation by insulating the refrigerant lines, sealing the wall penetration, and cleaning the work area.
FOR COMPLETE TECHNICAL INSTALLATION DETAILS
Each of these steps is explained in detail in the Installation Guide, including the manufacturer's installation requirements and tolerances.
Always refer to that document and ensure your installer follows it for all technical aspects of the installation.
During the Installation, it is perfectly reasonable to ask your installer to:
- Show you the system commissioning measurements, including operating voltage and current.
- Explain whether any additional refrigerant was added based on the installed refrigerant line length.
- Provide a detailed invoice that includes the installation date and their license and/or certification number.
After Installation – Keep a Complete Record
Once your installation is complete, take a few minutes to assemble a complete project file. This is one of the best ways to protect your investment and make future service or warranty claims easier.
Keep the following information:
- Photos of the installed indoor and outdoor units.
- Photos showing the routing of the refrigerant line set and the electrical panel.
- Your installer's invoice and installation report, including their name, license/certification number, and installation date.
- The serial numbers of both the indoor and outdoor units.
- The commissioning measurements recorded during startup (voltage, operating current, and refrigerant charge, if applicable).
Also keep:
- A photo of the installed solar panels.
- A photo of the DC wiring.
- A photo of the installed electrical protection devices.
- A photo of the solar panel serial numbers (if applicable).
- The electrical or installation diagram provided by your installer (if applicable).
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Many service calls initially appear to involve a defective heat pump. In reality, the issue is often related to the installation rather than a manufacturing defect.
Keeping a complete installation record helps quickly identify the true cause of a problem and can significantly speed up the warranty claim process whenever a legitimate warranty issue arises.
Warranty Registration
Register your Solar Cooling warranty as soon as the installation has been completed.
Please include the following information:
- Installation date
- Installer's name and applicable license and/or certification number
- Serial numbers for both the indoor and outdoor units
- A copy of your proof of purchase
- Confirmation that all required electrical protection devices have been installed
Your 5-Year Limited Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship of your Solar Cooling heat pump.
To qualify for warranty coverage, the heat pump must be installed by a certified, qualified professional in accordance with the manufacturer's installation requirements.
The warranty does not cover:
- Labour or service charges
- Damage resulting from improper use or misuse
- Improper or non-compliant installation
- Lack of required maintenance
- Unauthorized modifications or repairs
- Any other exclusions outlined in the official warranty terms and conditions
Questions?
If you have any questions about your Solar Cooling Solar Hybrid AC/DC Mini-Split Heat Pump, our team is here to help.
Solar Cooling Customer Service
