Solar Powered Attic Fans
An active ventilation system, the solar attic fan, is usually installed on an attic roof. These fans are powered by solar panels that collect sunlight energy to power fan blades. This provides constant airflow to the attic space.
According to scientific consensus, warm air rises and cold air sinks. Attics are the best place to store heat in a house. These spaces can reach 160 degrees on hot summer days even though the outside temperature is only 95oF-97oF.
If an attic isn’t well insulated, homeowners can experience high energy bills, mold growth, and cold winters. A solar attic fan is one of the best ways to solve these problems.
Attic fans are a well-known invention. These devices can reduce heat transfer from ceilings to attic duct systems.
According to a Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), photovoltaic fans can lower summer temperatures by more than 20 degrees. But, they are not as effective in well-insulated attics.
Because of their photovoltaic component, they significantly cut energy expenses and environmental effects. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about your power source going out.
Solar attic fans are highly recommended for homes who have issues with insulation.
This solar attic fan effectively removes warmth from attics. This will preserve your roof and heating systems while also improving your home’s comfort.
The solar attic fan will help keep your attic fresh. They not only extract warm air from your roof and leave it to cool, but they may also function without energy, saving you cash on your utility costs. It is a sustainable, efficient, and effective choice.
A solar attic fan is a smart investment. Before you upgrade the ventilation system in your attic, you must first pick which solar fan is best for you. There are no two solar attic fans that are identical, so you will have to take into account the layout of your house.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Attic Fans
Attic fans can be used to cool the attic in summer or remove roof moisture in winter. The solar attic fan offers more benefits than the powered models. Solar attic fans can be a good choice for you. Here are the top 15 pros and cons.
Pros
There are many great qualities to consider when buying a solar fan for your attic. Here are some bright spots in the debate about solar attic fan pros and cons.
- Installation is free of cost – There are no ongoing costs after your solar attic fan is installed, unless there is an emergency. Solar attic fans will not increase your electricity bill.
- Lower Attic Temperature – Using a solar attic fan can be an excellent solution for heat management, especially in the summer when temperatures can reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit. It can truly aid in the reduction of heat.
- Will Not Steal Cool Air from the Rest of Your House – Don’t be concerned that solar fans might steal cool air from your home. The solar fans will not steal cool air from your house. However, powered attic fans can siphon cool air from your home, making air conditioner work harder.
- Noise is not an issue – The noise of solar attic fans is almost as low as that of powered fans.
- No Electrician Needed – A solar attic fan draws its power from the sun so you don’t need an electrician. However, electric fans can burn out and become fire hazards.
- There is no danger from carbon monoxide – Powered attic fans with their power can create negative pressure zones that draw carbon monoxide from combustion devices into the attic. The carbon monoxide risk from solar attic fans is not present.
- Save Your Roof – The winter heat rises up to the attic. Solar attic fans pull the heat and moisture out of the attic, helping to prevent roof damage due to mold, wood rot and ice expansion. It can also prevent ice dripping.
- Keep adjacent areas cooler – The temperature of rooms closer to a solar fan is noticeably lower.
- Good for the Planet – The planet is better off using solar energy. We can make a difference in the future by choosing sustainable energy sources over other forms of power. You can visit our homepage to learn more about sustainable energy sources.
- Visually More Appealing – Solar attic fans are less visible than powered attic fans. They are more visible and less distracting than their alternatives. This is why solar attic fans are so popular.
Cons
While solar attic fans offer many benefits, they also have their drawbacks. Here are some of the cons to solar attic fans.
- Less Efficient if Overcast – Solar energy isn’t always the best, especially after the sun sets. A house can still be hot regardless of whether it is in the sun exposure.
- Low Monetary Savings – One year of solar fan testing resulted in a 1000-square foot house that was air-conditioned. It saved 460 kWh of energy. This is a savings of only $40 per year.
- Roof Leaks – Roof leaks can be caused by solar attic fans (unless they are installed by professionals who know what they do), especially if the flashing is not done correctly. Proper maintenance is another important consideration. Consider the possibility of water damage if the vertical gable wall is used instead of the roof
- Expensive – An average solar-powered attic fan costs around $600 and can be installed for $150 to $300. Multiple solar attic fans may be required for your home.
- Low Air Movement – Solar attic fans move more air than powered fans. Solar attic fans might not be as powerful as powered ones, so they may not move as much air from your attic.
THE BEST SOLAR ATTIC FANS
It is time to decide which one will be the best match for your home. Your home’s layout and construction will dictate the type of solar attic fan you should choose. We’ll be discussing the three types of solar attic fans in this section.
GABLE-MOUNTED
A gable-mounted solar fan put on your home’s roof may be the finest option. This facilitates installation. Connecting the device to your roof and plugging it in is simple. This is far less difficult than installing solar panels attic fans on your attic.
Because of their positioning, gable-mounted fans are much less efficient than ceiling fans. As a result, there is a tradeoff. It is critical that you set your unit correctly in order to maximize its exposure to sunshine. Because of the gable mounting, this is a little hard, but not impossible.
If you have enough room, a gable-mounted solar fan could be the best option for your home.
ROOF-MOUNTED
Although these mounted solar attic fans can really be strong and efficient, they are more difficult to install. To get it to work correctly, you’ll need to drill holes in your rooftop to allow the fan to vent. Then, close the gap. This procedure can take some time.
Because of the complexities involved in installing roof-mounted fans, many individuals engage professionals to do it. Roof-mounted solar attic fans are more expensive than other methods, but they are worth the extra money because of their effectiveness.
Despite their inconvenience, roof-mounted models are one of the most preferred solar attic fans. They are more effective than other varieties.
Roof-mounted solar fans have been the most effective since they receive the most sunlight. This could help to offset the expense of the initial installation.
PORTABLE
Portable solar fans are an excellent alternative for folks who want to be mobile. The fan and panel will be provided in two parts that are wired together. These panels are simple to install and may be placed practically anywhere.
These are excellent for attic ventilation. They can, however, be used to air small rooms such as garages or RVs. These are portable and may be brought with you as well camping or on the go.
These are all great features, but they do not offer the same power as gable-mounted or roof-mounted solar fans. These fans still work well but compromise the ventilation quality to allow for greater versatility.
SOLAR POWERED ATTIC FAN HELPS YOU SAVE MONEY
It is a matter of dispute whether solar attic fans are able to save homeowners money on cooling.
The FSEC study shows that high-quality solar fans can bring significant cooling to an attic. The cooling effect is more apparent depending on where you live and what time of the year it is. Based on their climate, states with warmer climates, such as Texas, California, Florida and California, can experience longer cooling periods. Similar cooling benefits are seen in other states with moderate climates during the hot summer months.
It is difficult to link the cooling benefits of upgrading your attic ventilation system, installing an attic fan, and direct energy savings. It is difficult to calculate how much energy is consumed because there are so many variables, such as attic insulation. Other elements to consider are home occupancy, air sealing, utility bills, and other energy consumption reliance.
All that said, a solar fan in the attic should theoretically be able provide some energy savings when combined with good air sealing
Insulation. The solar attic fan removes excess heat from an attic. This prevents heat from accumulating in the attic and radiating to cooler living spaces. You will feel more comfortable if there is less heat transferring into your living area. This reduces the need for other HVAC systems and lowers your monthly utility bills.
Solar attic fans are not only energy efficient, but can also save you money over the long-term. Proper ventilation of your attic can reduce the risk of moisture and heat buildup. A poor ventilation system can lead to costly mold growth and structural damage. These problems can lead to costly repairs and remediation that could cost thousands of dollars. It’s a smart way to combat these problems with a ventilation system that is 100% powered by sunlight.
A 26% Federal Tax Credit is available for solar-powered attic fans. This credit applies to the purchase price, installation, and sales tax. Other incentives may be offered by certain States, municipalities, or utility companies.
OTHER FACTORS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER
You should consider other factors as well, which can affect the performance of your solar attic fan.
You should ensure that the fan you buy is strong enough to ventilate your attic. You can do this by comparing the fan’s venting power with the space.
Venting capacity refers to the volume of air that is moved per minute (or CFM). Your attic’s cubic feet size will be 70% larger than the fan’s CFM.
A fan with a high wattage will produce more electricity. You might need more fans to vent your attic if the fan you want doesn’t have enough wattage or venting capacity.
If you are interested in specific features such as a thermostat or humidistat, ensure that they come with the model before you purchase it.
Best Solar Attic Fan Company
Nevada Solar Group is the best choice. It is made in the USA. Nevada Solar Group products have a 25-year warranty and have a limited lifetime warranty.
Are you ready to improve the ventilation in your attic by installing one of these amazing fans? Request a free inspection of your attic and a quote for a solar fan.
Solar Panel Company
The Nevada Solar Group is undoubtedly one of the most popular solar attic fans available today. Every Nevada Solar Group fan is made in the USA using only the finest materials. It has a reputation of high quality and efficiency.
There are many options for the Nevada Solar Group. The Nevada Solar Group is available in two versions: the roof-mounted Embedded version, which has the solar panel embedded within the device, and the traditional gable mounted and portable versions. Tilt models are also available. This enables the panel to be placed at the correct angle for highest sun exposure.
Nevada Solar Group fans come with a 25 year warranty. This will ensure that you are always satisfied with your purchase. Contact us if you are interested in a quote on materials and installation. All Nevada Solar Group products are available through us as a licensed distributor.