Solar Roof Vents

The most effective solar powered roof vents use solar power and fans to create active attic ventilation, exchanging outside air with the air from inside the attic on a regular basis.

Benefits of Using Solar Power Roof Vents

• Reduce your home's cooling costs up to 30%

• Prolong the life of your roof

• Affordable

• Environmentally friendly

• Requires no electrical wiring

• Needs no battery backup, since when the sun does not shine, the roof does not get hot.

• Can use both wind and solar energy

• Most are very quiet

• Most brands are durable and can withstand severe weather

• Some brands offer a lifetime repair or replacement warranty

• Some are built to maximize sun exposure in less than ideal circumstances

• They can work synergistically in conjunction with radiant barrier attic insulation to cool your home.

Different Types of Solar Power Roof Vents

Solar attic fans and roof vents come in many shapes and sizes. Depending on the slope of your roof, and the materials used in your roof, they can be installed under the roof, mounted on the roof, on the wall, or in the gable vents of the attic in older homes that have adequate airflow.

Some brands contain optional thermal switches so that the fan shuts off when the temperature becomes cooler, thus prolonging the life of your solar vent.

Some companies even make custom vents that are specifically designed to maximize the solar energy for that home.

Some solar vents are flat, with the solar panel on the top. Some turbine solar fans fit into existing vents on the roof.

Most turbine vents, gable vents or ridge ventsare designed to passively exchange air in your attic, but may not have enough power to actively cool your attic to reduce the temperature.

That is why some of the most effective ones contain fans which can actively move the air.

The less expensive solar powered roof vents are powered by 10 watt solar panels, which may not provide enough power depending on your attic. The 20 and 25 watt solar panels, though more expensive, provide more airflow and therefore more cooling and ventilation.

When properly installed, they can keep an attic very close to ambient room temperatures, and can keep ceiling temperatures up to 15 degrees cooler.

Solar Roof Vent Limiations

There are some situations in which solar roof vents or fans may not be the best choice. They are designed to work best for enclosed attics, so if you live in a home with drop ceilings or other features that allow a free flow of air from the house to the attic, they will not work as effectively.

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