Solar-Powered Attic Fans

Solar powered attic fans provide ventilation and help attics cooler.

Most of these fans use a small 10- or 20-watt solar panel, which supplies energy to a DC motor during daylight hours. Solar power attic fans can exhaust hot air from the attic at a rate of 800 to 1200 cfm (cubic feet per minute). Solar power attic fans are often mounted on the roof at or near the ridge, and work in combination with the soffit or gable vents to provide a balance between both the intake, and exhaust air streams.

The operation cost of solar power attic fans is free, making then more affordable than conventional powered attic fans to operate. In addition, because they reduce the attic temperature, solar attic fans will also help to reduce the cost of summertime cooling bills.

However, if there is not enough adequate attic intake air or if there is a poor sealing between the air-conditioned area of the home and the attic, solar powered attic fans as well as electric powered attic fans can draw the cool air from the house up into the attic. This cool air can cause moisture to build up due to condensation in the attic, which can create problems. Therefore, it is vital that before you install any powered attic fan that you ensure that you have adequate attic intake air and a proper sealing and installation between the air-condition area of your home and the attic area.

The average retail price for a solar power attic fan will range from approximately $350 to $600. The actual cost will depend on the manufacturer, optional features, and the ventilation capacity of the unit.

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