When the solar absorption and vapour compression cooling systems are viewed from the point of view of electrical energy consumption the differences between them can be expressed in terms of electrical energy saving with the former. As such, it is proposed that an economic comparison between photovoltaic‐assisted vapour compression and solar absorption cooling systems be conducted, assuming that the former receives an amount of solar electricity equal to the potential electrical energy saving with the latter. The comparison is conducted with particular emphasis on the operational conditions in Kuwait. Analysis has shown that the potential electrical energy saving with a solar absorption cooling system is equal to 16 per cent of its refrigeration generation. The cost of supplying an equal amount of solar electricity is compared with the difference between the life‐time costs of a solar absorption system and an equivalent vapour compression system. The economic comparison is conducted on the basis of the difference between the net present values of both systems. Given the current cost estimates and the prevailing climatic conditions in Kuwait it is shown that photovoltaic‐assisted vapour compression cooling systems are likely to compete with the solar absorption cooling systems. This is particularly true in such applications where cooling is required for few hours during the day, and as the cost of the photovoltaic system decreases.

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