Best Solar Attic Fans

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With global warming become more real, we can sense temperature rising each year. Resultingly, many homeowners extensively use ACs. However, do you want to figure out a way of keeping your house cool without further contributing to global warming?

If you care about house temperature and the environment, you should invest in a solar attic fan.

These handy fans are ideal for sucking all the hot and humid air from your attic. By doing so, your entire house’s temperature gets positively affected.

So, what are you waiting for? Buy an attic fan now! To help you make the right purchasing decision, we have reviewed seven of the best products out there!

Read on for our expert reviews of the best solar attic fans available. Check the latest prices to ensure you get a great deal!

Our Top Picks

7 Best Solar Attic Fans

1. Remington Solar 40-Watt Solar Attic Fan with Thermostat/Humidistat/Adapter

We feel ecstatic to start the list with one of the most feature-packed and well-acclaimed solar attic fans out there. Let’s look at what the Remington Solar Attic Fan has to offer.

Features

Comes with Built-in Thermostat and Humidistat

Since this product comes with a built-in thermostat and humidistat, it will smartly detect when the room needs ventilation and provide it. Since the fan will automatically turn on or off according to the attic’s condition, the blades will not be overworked, and therefore, the entire machine will stay with you for longer.

Environmentally-Sound

While being a solar device itself passes for an environmentally sound product, this fan makes things further. With high-quality construction by environmentally friendly materials, this is one of the best products out there to reduce your carbon footprint.

Silent Functioning

Due to the brushless motor that powers the fan, this machine produces little to no sound while functioning. Therefore, you can bid farewell to pesky noises from the top of your house while keeping it cool and clean.

Weatherproof

Made of the highest-grade materials, this product is completely weather resistant. Therefore, whether it is an extremely sunny day or there’s a hailstorm coming in, this solar attic fan will not budge.

2. Amtrak Solar Powerful 50-Watt Galvanized Steel Solar Attic Fan

Brand quality and reputation play a massive role in determining how well a solar attic fan will be. After all, only a good brand will provide maximum durability, quality, and reliability. Let us look at the Amtrak Solar Attic Fan’s features and why it stands its ground against its competition.

Features

High Quality

If galvanized steel doesn’t speak quality, we don’t know what does. This solar attic fan by Amtrak is made of the highest grade of steel to ensure longevity, quality performance, weatherproofing, and a spectacular look and feel.

High Torque Motor

This solar attic fan features a high torque motor that allows quick and easy functioning. Moreover, it is due to this motor that the machinery runs smoothly and efficiently. That is also the biggest reason why the machine does not emit any unwanted noise, making the functioning as comfortable as possible.

Option to Get a Thermostat

While good solar attic fans come with a built-in thermostat, this one gives you an option to have one or not. This option is necessary since, in case you do not want to buy an overly expensive machine, you can get one without the thermostat. However, we recommend you get the thermostat if your budget allows it.

Best Warranty

No other company can offer a generous 25-year warranty as Amtrak has offered with this solar attic fan. Imagine availing of free replacement any time the fan’s solar panel, motor, or blades go haywire!

3. GBGS Solar Powered Exhaust Fan

Hybridity and adjustability are the two things that make a simple machine and take it ten times better. GBGS recognizes this and has created a solar attic fan that is no less than a dream to anybody who wants a futuristic machine.

Features

Hybrid Functioning

This solar attic fan is well-powered through the solar panel. However, it also comes with an option to connect it to an AC/DC source. Therefore, even if you want ventilation throughout the night or if where you live doesn’t get too much sunlight, your fan will be good to go.

Solar Panel Adjustability

This solar attic fan’s solar panel is completely adjustable. Whether you want to move it vertically or horizontally at 15, 30, or 45o angles, you can do it. This adjustability makes sure that the panel gets all the light it needs and always gets enough input to produce the right amount of output. What’s better is that you can even mount the panel remotely.

Brushless Motor

Much like many other good-quality devices, this particular machine comes with a brushless motor. The benefit of this motor is that it does not emit a lot of noise. Due to the smooth ball bearings, the motor is almost completely quiet. Moreover, the motor s waterproof to increase longevity.

Built-in Thermostat

This solar attic fan comes with a powerful built-in thermostat regulated when the fan’s power turns on and off. Resultingly, the fan turns on at 770 F and turns off at 65o ­F. Imagine how hard the fa will be working, considering an attic can get as warm as 1600 in the bloom of summer.

4. iLiving Solar Roof Exhaust Fan Attic Gable Ventilator

If you’re looking for an easy-to-install and use gable-mounted solar attic fan, you shouldn’t be looking any further. The iLiving Solar Roof Exhaust Fan Attic Gable Ventilator is ideal for utilizing the sun’s light and your attic’s gable to create a cool environment inside.

Features

Built-in Thermostat

As with most good-quality solar attic fans, this product comes with a built-in thermostat. This thermostat dictates when the fan will be enabled and disabled according to the temperature in the room. The thermostat is set to the 65 – 130o F range. However, you get the option to adjust that range.

Adjustable Solar Panel

Since the solar panel is separate from the fan, you can easily place it remotely or even adjust it horizontally and vertically. Whether you want a 0, 15, 30, or 45o angle, you get to choose with this product.

Large Square Foot Capacity and CFM

Due to its high-functioning blades, this small fan has the capacity to cover about 2000 sq. ft. at 175 CFM. The 20W motor is ideal for covering a lot of areas while using as little energy as possible. Therefore, even if you have a large attic, this fan will work just fine.

Waterproof

With an IP68 rating, this fan comes in with extensively weatherproof construction. No matter the weather outside, this product will keep functioning to its full capacity.

5. Broan-NuTone 345SOWW Surface Mount Solar-Powered Attic

Who said that a solar attic fan or ventilator could not be nice to look at? The Broan-NuTone solar attic fan proves that these products are manufactured for utility and aesthetic appeal.

Features

Ideal Machinery

This solar attic fan comes with a 537 CFM brushed motor that will neither create noise nor leave any warm air inside. The 28W characteristic is ideal for converting sunlight into electricity quickly, allowing the fa to work quickly.

Durable Construction

This fan is made of only the best materials, such as tempered glass, ABS plastic, and other such materials. Since all these materials are UV-stabilized, this product is surely here to stay.

Easy Installation

No more do you have to run about looking for professionals to install your solar attic fan. With easy manual and procedure, you can fix this product on your roof yourself as well. All you have to do is ensure getting a product that is compatible with your vent hole.

Beautiful Design

If you want your house to look like a fairytale, this is the product for you. The beautiful design is ideal for enhancing any room’s quality and aesthetics. This solar attic fan is the right cross between functioning and looks!

6. 4 Seasons PRO Solar Powered Polycarbonate Vent

Sturdiness is the name of durability, and that is exactly what you get with the 4 Seasons PRO Solar Powered Vent. If you live in a place where many animals and climatic adversities are frequent, this is the right product for you.

Features

High Quality

This solar attic fan is made of some of the best materials out there. Be its tempered glass, galvanized steel, or even monocrystalline silicone; this product has it all. Therefore, getting exceptional durability and performance does not come as a surprise.

Wildlife and Weather Resistant

This product comes with a water-tight flashing that not only keeps harsh winds, dirt, and rain from coming in but also protects the panela and your attic from wildlife. No matter what wildlife steps upon the fan, you will not have to deal with damages.

Spectacular Blades

Due to the heavy 14″ fan blades, the product has some exceptional performance and coverage. It is a 400 CFM fab that can cover about 500 sq. ft. area to cool your attic at ease. Moreover, the blades are such that they will vent out all the unnecessary warmth while pushing cool air from outside at the same time.

Easy to Install

While you might need some help, you will not have to contact a professional to help you install this solar attic fan. The vent comes more-or-less, completely assembled, and the heavy-duty constriction makes sure that you do not accidentally chip anything off. As long as the fan fits into the designated wet hole, you’ll be good to go!

7. ECO-WORTHY 25W Solar Powered Attic Ventilator Gable Roof Vent Fan

If eco-friendliness is what you care for the most, the ECO-WORTHY 25W Solar Powered Attic Ventilator is the right match for you. Let us dive into its features below.

Features

Ideal Even in Low Light Construction

This solar attic fan comes with such a powerful solar panel to work properly even in low light conditions. It requires the minimum possible voltage to function but will massively reduce the load on your other HVAC appliances.

Affordable

Unlike many solar attic fans, this product does not cost too much. However, don’t worry; the low price does not compromise the product’s quality.

Easy to Install

This product is more or less ready to use. You will not need any professional help in setting up or understanding how to use this product.

Warranty

Many solar attic fan users complain about the unavailability of spare parts. However, that is not an issue with this product since the company guarantees that you will easily find parts at least ten years after the product’s manufacturing.

Solar Attic Fan Buying Guide

The best purchases are characterized by thoughtful consideration and efficient decision-making.

Are you looking forward to buying a solar attic fan but do not know what to look for? No fear when we are here!

In this section, we will help you decide whether investing in a solar attic fan is the right thing for you to do in the first place. And is yes, we will tell you what to look for and the things you need to be aware of to make an informed and prudent decision.

Key Takeaways

• A solar attic fan helps cool your attic by expelling hot and humid air, which can positively impact overall house cooling and reduce AC usage.
• The benefits of solar attic fans include improving overall house cooling, maintaining a clean and healthy roof, reducing utility bills, and being environmentally friendly.
• When choosing a solar attic fan, consider factors like dimensions, air volume (CFM), wattage, tilt adjustment, solar power capacity, noise level, thermostat, humidistat, hybrid functionality, durability, ease of use, ease of installation, weatherproofing, and warranty.

What Is a Solar Attic Fan?

As the name suggests, a solar attic fan is a fan that is purposed to cool your attic while functioning on the solar panel.

The word ‘fan’ doesn’t mean that the machine spins and circulates the air already in the attic. Instead, the fan works as a ventilator and throws all the hot and humid air out of the room.

Believe it or not, your attic temperature can rise to about 160o F in the summer, affecting your entire house’s temperature and comfort. Since attic cooling can positively affect overall house cooling, a solar attic fan serves as a great addition to your house’s HVAC system.

Therefore, in essence, a solar attic fan is a lot like a ventilator. It may or may not come with a thermostat and humidifier to ensure that your attic is as inhabitable as possible.

How Does a Solar Attic Fan Work?

As a house for a ventilating fan, a solar attic fan follows very simple functioning. The fans are titled at such angles to pull all the hot and humid air in the attic and push it out. Moreover, the fan can pull outside air with the soffit vents that must already be present in the eaves.

As the fresh air comes into the attic, a solar attic fan will push all the stale and undesirable out of the room. Therefore, your room will always stay fresh and breathable.

According to the solar attic fan’s quality and features, it might or might not have an automatic on/off feature and a no-noise functioning. Both these things make the fan even more effective, especially if you want to spend some time in the attic.

What Are the Benefits of Solar Attic Fans?

Let us look at some of the biggest reasons why you should not skip installing a solar attic fan at your house.

Overall House Cooling

Most people tend to negate attic cooling because they do not directly use it. However, the warmer your attic, the warmer your entire house will be. Therefore, your AC might have to be overused. With a cool and ventilated attic, you will feel your entire house’s temperature fall drastically.

Maintaining a Clean and Healthy Roof

Imagine what a room can look like without proper ventilation and constant humid air in it. Doesn’t sound nice, right? That can be your attic without a solar fan attic. These products create proper ventilation in your house and keep your attic a respectable and usable part of your house.

Pocket-Friendly

It is basic physics; if the top of your house is scorching hot, the cooling will not be effective enough no matter how much you cool it below. Therefore, with an unventilated and unattended attic on top, your ACs will have to overwork, putting additional pressure on your utility bill. A solar attic fan will reduce those bills since it itself energizes solar energy.

Environmentally- Friendly

Just as a solar attic fan is a light on the pocket, it also is light on nature. Imagine how massive your carbon footprint will be with the additional use of ACs! Energy efficiency shoots off the charts with an effective solar attic fan in your house.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Solar Attic Fans?

No product or service can be completely right or wrong for you. Everything has its pros and cons, and solar attic fans are no different. Let us compare their pros and cons here, and you can decide whether they are the right investment for you!

Pros:

• Runs of renewable solar energy
• Allows your attic and house to be cooler
• Extends the roof’s life by keeping humidity out
• Much less expensive than complete ventilation systems
• Increases energy efficiency in your house

Cons:

• More initial cost than motor powered attic fans
• They are not as powerful as their motor-powered counterparts
• Not ideal for places where sun availability is scarce or uneven

What are the Different Types of Solar Attic Fan?

Without proper attic ventilation, your house and utility bill are in huge trouble. Therefore, you should surely buy an effective solar attic fan for yourself. Here are the three types you can choose from:

• Roof-mounted: These fans require a vent hole n the roof as they will sit there over a metal or plastic base. With the right fitting equipment and procedures, this fan will be more or less permanently placed on your rooftop.
• Gable-mounted: A gable mounted attic fan fit on your attic’s gable. It has the same functioning as a roof-mounted fan. The only sizable difference is that these fans are round and cover the only open part of your attic.
• Portable: Portable attic fans just sit somewhere in your attic and do not have to be permanently installed. Therefore, you can shift them from one place to another, especially if your AC suddenly bails on you in the middle of a hot summer day.

What Is the Span of a Solar Powered Attic Fan?

Each solar attic fan has a different span according to its construction quality and intensity of usage. However, if we try to estimate, a good quality solar attic fan will easily last you 15 years with proper maintenance with HVAC specialists.

You can get a fan with a span of over 25 years, depending on what the manufacturer offers and how well you maintain it.

You should never invest in a solar attic fan with a lifespan of under 12 years without maintenance and with heavy usage.

How Do Install a Solar Attic Fan?

Installing a solar attic fan might feel intimidating. However, if you know the right process and steps and have beginner handyman skills, you can do it yourself. Here are the steps to install a solar attic fan:

1. Mark the right location for the attic fan on the roof between two rafters
2. Drive a nail through the vent location
3. Install the roof brackets and the fall-arrest system
4. Use a homemade dowel compass to scribe the vent’s flashing outline
5. Use a utility knife to cut shingles along the fan’s outline
6. Pull the nails and remove the shingles
7. Scribe a hole for the vent with the help of the compass
8. Use a reciprocating saw to cut a vent hole into the roof
9. Remove all the shingles to make way for the machine
10. Soften the vent hole with the help of tri-polymer roofing cement
11. Screw the fan’s flashing to the rooftop
12. Apply caulking in and around the flashing
13. Replace all the shingles with 1.5-inch roofing nails

Features to Look for in Solar Attic Fans

Did you think choosing a solar attic fan will be a piece of cake? Well, it can be if you know what to look for. Here’s a list of things you should consider while buying a solar attic fan for yourself.

Dimensions

If you buy a gable-mounted solar attic fan or one for a pre-existing vent hole on your roof, you’ll have to be careful about the dimensions. After all, the attic fan should be snugly fit to function properly. Make sure you measure the space you have and buy a fan accordingly.

Air Volume (CFM) and Square Footage

An attic fan’s efficiency can be measured by its CFM and square footage value. CFM is the volume of air a fan can push and pull out your attic. Anything under 400 CFM should be completely unacceptable. The square footage denotes the fan’s distance reach, i.e., the area it can cool at a time. AT least 500 sq. ft. of coverage is the minimum requirement for a medium-sized attic.

Wattage

The higher the wattage of a solar attic fan, the more effective it will be since it will convert energy quicker. Therefore, wattage plays an incredible role when it comes to coming to a purchasing decision. The minimum wattage you can expect from a good quality solar attic fan is about 20W. However, you can easily get one with up to 60W power.

Tilt Adjustment

As a solar-powered product, the solar panel must be tilt adjustable. It is only through adjustments that the machinery can get the right amount of sunlight and energy even when it is not very sunny outside. Moreover, the blades should also be tilt-adjustable since bade adjustability also determines how effective the fan will be according to your attic.

Solar Power Capacity

It goes without saying—if the solar panel is not strong enough, there’s no point in heavy housing machinery. After all, you will not use it to its full capacity unless the solar panel provides the right amount of output. Therefore, make sure that the solar attic fan’s panel can produce the right amount of energy required for the rest of the mechanism.

Noise Level

Fans are mostly infamous for producing too much annoying noise. However, good-quality solar attic fans can effectively produce low noise. Make sure that the fans are well greased, and the machinery is smooth enough not to produce any noise. After all, nobody wants to be in a house with constant annoying fan noise on the roof.

Thermostat

Most solar attic fans come with a built-in thermostat that will automatically turn the fan on or off according to the temperature in your attic. Buying an in-built one rather than installing a new one is the best way to go. Also, ensure that the thermostat is adjustable so that you can be in control of your house’s temperature regulation.

Humidistat

Just like a thermostat, only the best solar attic fans come with a built-in humidistat. This small feature will sense when your attic gets too humid and increases or decreases ventilation accordingly. A humidistat is the best way to keep your attic clean and healthy.

Hybrid Functionality

While solar energy is the preferred energy source for solar attic fans, power might not always be available. Moreover, since these fans do not come with batteries, being able to harness AC/DC energy is also important. After all, will you not need more ventilation on rainy days to fend off the humidity?

Durability

What is the point of spending hundreds of dollars on a home-utility product that will not last you a decade at least? Make sure that the solar attic fan you want to buy is made of high-quality, durable materials that will allow the fan to function for a long time.

Ease of Use

Any product meant to make your life easier should be easy to use in the first place. If you have to spend a lot of time and energy figuring out how to use the machine, it will hardly make home chores simple. Any good solar attic fan will have easy functionality and user interface panels to help you be in control at ease.

Ease of Installation

While you can always hire professionals to install your new solar attic fan, wouldn’t it be better if you could just do it on your own? Therefore, you should buy a product that you will be able to fit and install in your attic.

Weatherproof

Obviously, a solar attic fan will always be exposed to damaging weather elements such as rain and extreme heat. Moreover, the solar panel will also be vulnerable to animals and their scratches. Therefore, if you want an effective and usable solar attic fan, make sure that it is weatherproof and will not give away after its first rainy season.

Warranty

Warranty is the biggest indicator of how durable a product can be. Therefore, before making any purchase, make sure you are aware of what the manufacturer is offering. At least five years of warranty is the minimum you should be looking for.

Case Study: Enhancing Home Energy Efficiency with Solar Attic Fans

Background

A family living in a suburban neighborhood sought to improve their home’s energy efficiency. They noticed their energy bills were higher during the summer months due to excessive use of air conditioning. Looking for a sustainable and cost-effective solution, they approached Solar Panels Network USA for advice on installing solar attic fans.

Project Overview

The objective was to reduce the family’s energy consumption by installing solar attic fans, thereby decreasing the need for air conditioning and promoting a more eco-friendly home environment. This project involved assessing the attic space, selecting appropriate solar attic fans, and ensuring a seamless installation process.

Implementation

1. Initial Assessment: Our team began with a thorough assessment of the family’s attic space. We evaluated the size, existing ventilation, and potential locations for installing the solar attic fans. The attic required a solution that could effectively circulate air and reduce the internal temperature.
2. Selection of Solar Attic Fans: Based on the assessment, we selected high-efficiency solar attic fans with the following features:
   • High CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) Rating: To ensure optimal air circulation.
   • Adjustable Solar Panels: For maximum sun exposure throughout the day.
   • Thermostat and Humidistat: For automatic operation based on temperature and humidity levels.
3. Installation Process: Our installation team followed a step-by-step process to ensure the solar attic fans were correctly installed:
   • Marking the Location: Identified the best spots on the roof for maximum sunlight exposure.
   • Cutting Vent Holes: Carefully cut holes in the roof to install the fans.
   • Mounting the Fans: Installed the fans securely, ensuring they were watertight and weatherproof.
   • Connecting the Solar Panels: Positioned the solar panels at an optimal angle to capture sunlight effectively.
4. User Training and Feedback: After installation, we provided the family with a comprehensive guide on operating and maintaining the solar attic fans. We also scheduled follow-up visits to ensure the fans were functioning optimally and to address any concerns.

Results

The installation of solar attic fans resulted in significant improvements:

• Reduced Energy Bills: The family noticed a considerable reduction in their energy bills, particularly during the summer months.
• Enhanced Home Comfort: The attic temperature decreased, leading to a cooler home overall and less reliance on air conditioning.
• Eco-Friendly Solution: The family was pleased to adopt a sustainable solution that contributed to a reduced carbon footprint.

Summary

The project successfully demonstrated the benefits of solar attic fans in enhancing home energy efficiency. By selecting the right products and ensuring proper installation, Solar Panels Network USA provided the family with a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. This case study highlights the potential of solar attic fans to transform residential energy use, making homes more comfortable and sustainable.

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Solar Attic Fans

Solar attic fans are a fantastic investment for any homeowner looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency. They help keep the attic cool, reducing the strain on your air conditioning system and ultimately lowering your energy bills.

Lead Solar Installation Specialist

When installing a solar attic fan, it’s crucial to place it in a spot where it can receive maximum sunlight. This ensures optimal performance and better ventilation for your attic, especially during the hot summer months.

Senior Solar Technician

Maintenance for solar attic fans is minimal, but regular checks to ensure the solar panels are clean and free from debris can significantly enhance their efficiency and lifespan.

Solar Maintenance Expert

Our Expertise in Solar Products

At Solar Panels Network USA, we’re not just installers; we’re enthusiasts, researchers, and users of solar attic fans. Over the years, we’ve been at the forefront of solar technology, understanding the nuances and intricacies of various solar-powered attic ventilation solutions. Our team has hands-on experience with a wide range of solar attic fans, and we’ve seen the evolution of solar attic ventilation from its inception to the advanced versions available today.

Why Trust Our Reviews?

• Hands-On Testing: Before penning down any review, our team spends weeks testing products. For this article, we installed and used each of these solar attic fans in various settings – from residential homes to commercial spaces, ensuring we understand their performance in real-world scenarios.
• Continuous Learning: We regularly attend solar technology conferences, workshops, and seminars. This continuous learning ensures we’re always updated with the latest solar tech, allowing us to evaluate products against the most recent standards.
• Feedback Loop: Over the years, we’ve built a community of solar enthusiasts. We often reach out to them for feedback on products, ensuring our reviews aren’t just based on our perspective but are a reflection of the broader community’s experiences.
• Transparency: Whenever we receive products for review from manufacturers, we ensure full transparency with our readers. For this article, some products were purchased by our team, while manufacturers sent others. However, our reviews remain unbiased, focusing solely on the product’s performance.
• Decades of Experience: Collectively, our team has over two decades of experience in the solar industry. From understanding the technical aspects of solar cells to the practical benefits of solar attic fans, our expertise spans wide and deep.

In this article, we’ve combined our personal experiences, technical knowledge, and feedback from our community to provide you with comprehensive reviews of the best solar attic fans for 2024. We believe that our expertise, combined with our commitment to transparency and continuous learning, makes us a reliable source for solar attic fan reviews.

Final Verdict

There you have it! Seven of the best solar attic fans are there reviewed and explained in one handy article. We hope your purchasing decision becomes simpler with our help.

The products reviewed in this article are nothing short of spectacular. Therefore, you can buy any of them.

We suggest you invest in the one that suits your purpose perfectly. How do you do that? Refer to our buyers’ guide and apply everything you’ve read to your purchasing decision-making process.

Let us save both ourselves and the environment by using solar attic fans!