太阳能空调即任何使用太阳能驱动的空调系统。太阳能空调有很多种，其中一种是以太阳能光伏皮肤产生辅助电源，供普通空调运转的节能空调，但目前节能效果不是很明朗。

在十九世纪后期,最常用的流体去吸收制冷为将氨和水混合。时至今日，溴化锂与水的组合是常用组合。

Solar air conditioning refers to any air conditioning (cooling) system that uses solar power.

This can be done through passive solar, solar thermal energy conversion and photovoltaic conversion (sunlight to electricity). The U.S. Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 created 2008 through 2012 funding for a new solar air conditioning research and development program, which should develop and demonstrate multiple new technology innovations and mass production economies of scale. Solar air conditioning might play an increasing role in zero-energy and energy-plus buildings design.