Solar Attic Fan

How a Solar Powered Attic Fan Can Save You Money!

A solar attic fan can be an excellent addition to any home as long as you understand how they function and know how many you’ll need on your home to make a real difference.

Not only can you save money, but you can prolong the life of your roof and prevent heat damage from the build up of excessively high temperatures during warmer weather.

How Do Solar Attic Fans Work?

There are two types of solar power attic fans: gable-end and rooftop. In order to operate a solar fan in your attic, you’ll first install solar panels onto your roof. The energy captured by the solar panel is stored in a battery so that when the sun isn’t shining down directly, there is power available to run the attic fan (at night for example).

An attic fan will remove the hot air that gathers inside the attic on those extremely hot days. Attics without proper air circulation run the risk of mold or mildew developing as a result of too much moisture gathering and being trapped inside the attic space.

Solar power attic fans are installed on the inside of the attic of your home and on the exterior roof (you’ll have to make a hole in the roof to install). Attic fans can be a nice supplement to a solar air conditioning unit. These solar fans are best utilized in climates where the sun shines most of the time.

Easy to Install Yourself

You’ll need a few things in order to install your attic fan(s). The fan itself is the easiest part of the install process. The installation of the solar panel is a bit trickier, so if you think you’d like to have help with that part, hire a professional (just for the solar panel).

For installing the fan, you’ll need the following:

  • Wood screws, washers, nuts, screws, wire connector nuts

  • Standard electrical box (plastic)

  • Lumber

  • Pre-assembled solar attic fan kit

  • 12-volt DC attic fan

  • Bracket mounts – Z shaped

  • 14-gauge electrical cable

  • DC powered thermostat

  • Sealant – rubber butyl

  • Timer (if desired, optional)

  • Basic tools – drill, pencil, saw, tape measure, wire stripper pliers

Benefits to Using Solar Power Attic Fans

There are, as with any solar powered appliance or equipment, pros and cons to a solar attic fan. On the plus side, they cost nothing to operate once they’re installed and can have a dramatic effect on your energy costs when it comes to cooling the home. These fans operate quietly, so you don’t even realize they are working.

Professional installation is not required since there is no electricity involved, so you’ll save a lot of money in that area too. It is possible that the life of your roof and your home could be extended with the use of attic fans because moisture doesn’t have a chance to build up and cause damage.

Some Limitations of Using Solar Fans

However, there are some considerations with attic fans of which you should be aware prior to making the decision to purchase one or several for your home.
  • Solar power attic fans only work efficiently when the sunlight is hitting it directly

  • Unless you have battery backup power, the fan stops working on cloudy days and at night (allowing hot air to continue to build up)

  • Depending on the size of your home, positioning to the sun, and the climate in which you live, it could require several attic fans to significantly lower your cooling energy costs.

    This could become a dilemma for some homeowners who wouldn’t appreciate the appearance of several attic fans on their roof.

The cost of a solar attic fan runs roughly $300 to $500, depending on the style you choose.

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