A residential air conditioning system incorporating an Arkla Solaire absorption chiller and Corning Glass Works evacuated tube collectors is simulated and the design parameters studied. Mathematical models of the evacuated tube collector and Arkla absorption chiller based on experimental results of the components have been created and incorporated into a complete system simulation. The chiller model includes transient start-up effects and the evacuated tube collector model includes numerous optical effects. A standard Arkla chiller in a humid climate (Washington, D.C.) and an Arkla unit with a modified charge for dry climates (Fort Collins, Colorado) are studied. Design parameters considered include the use of chilled water storage to reduce transient start-up effects of the absorption unit, the effects of removing heat from the solar system for preheating service hot water, the use of a tempering valve to prevent over-firing of the absorption unit in dry climates, and solar storage sizing considerations. The study results and conclusions are used to specify a cooling system design.