Harnessing solar energy is one of the best ways to power an air conditioner. Here's what you need to set up a solar power system in your off-grid home: (h/t to Hillsborough-Homesteading.com)

How solar panels power an off-grid air conditioner
You can generate your own electricity using solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar thermal systems. PV panels directly convert sunlight into electricity and operate only when the sun is shining. Meanwhile, solar thermal systems collect sunlight, convert it to heat, store it and later transform it into electricity. They have limited applications and work best at heating water and indoor air.

You need the following items to power an off-grid air conditioner:

PV panels
A rack system to hold the panels
An inverter to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC)
AC is an electric current that reverses direction for a number of times per second. Electric grids supply AC power into the power plugs in your home. Most air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators and other household appliances run on AC power.