In the last 50 years the thermal solar panels have been developed mainly for the production of sanitary hot water, but also as an additional source for heating plants. Actually, during the summer season, there is a surplus of thermal energy which can be used as an interesting solution to produce cold by using a simple adsorption system: this can contribute to the air cooling problem with low COP values. The most beneficial adsorbent both for its thermal/physical and low cost is the silica gel, a polymer of silicon dioxide, commonly used for its dehydrating properties, especially in the preservation of electronic material. In this study, a performance thermodynamic balance of a small size system has been made (about 2 kW), adequate to cool an apartment of 70-80 m(2) and a TRNSYS simulation has been made to assess in what conformation (surface, storage volume, etc.). A new generation solar power plant is able to guarantee a continuous operation during the summer period. The use of an adsorption system would be favored further in climates in which the solar energy is available, for example in the Arab countries and in some Central Africa countries. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.