In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Picks
Attic fans are designed for the primary purpose of providing ventilation. They are mainly located in the attic of homes, and some are mounted on the roofs or the gables. Choosing the best solar attic fans for your home reduces and removes the hot air out of the attic. This also helps to regulate the temperature inside the attic.
A thermostat usually sets these solar attic fans to turn on and off as needed. The attic fans can be wired into your home’s electric supply, or you can opt for a solar-powered attic fan if your roof receives enough direct sunlight during the day.
Here is the List of 10 Best Solar Attic Fans:
- Remington Solar 40-watt
- iLiving Solar Exhaust Fan
- Remington 30-watt Attic Fan
- Eco-Worthy 25-watt Solar Powered Attic
- Amtrak 50-watt Exhaust Fan
- Broan-Nutone 345SO Ventilator
- Eco House Solar-Powered Attic Fan
- 4 Seasons Solar Vent
- Solatek Solar Fan
- Amtrak 70-watt Solar Attic Fan
Top 10 Best Solar Attic Fans – A Product Review
In today’s homes, it is essential to have energy-efficient appliances. Solar-powered attic fans are designed to help ventilate the room to maintain the right temperature. The attic must always have a suitable temperature all year round to avoid potential temperature problems in the future.
To ensure that you are getting the best and most practical solar-powered fan for your home, we searched for the best ones on the market today.
Here are the best solar attic fans in the market today:
1. Remington Solar 40-watt
The first best solar powered attic fan on this list is the Remington Solar 40-watt attic fan. This fan is powered by free solar energy. It also helps fight mold and moisture trapped inside your attic. Trapped mold can cause severe consequences on your family’s health.
Aside from its health benefits, this solar attic fan can also save you a lot of money in the future. It comes with a hybrid adapter that automatically runs during the nighttime. It also houses a humidistat and a thermostat that automatically changes the airflow in your attic depending on the situation and temperature.
Another thing that makes this fan a powerhouse is its brushless motor that avoids friction. It ensures that the engine does wear out quickly, making it long-lasting. This fan can ventilate rooms of up to 3,400 square feet.
Parts Included:
- Solar Panel
- Fan with Housing
- Humidistat/Thermostat
- Hinges
- Mounting Screws
- 110v Hybrid Adapter
Pros:
- Cools your attic
- Uses solar power
- Save on electricity bills
- Can ventilate a large room
- It comes with a hybrid adapter
- It does not generate noise
Cons:
- You cannot reverse the fan
- A bit tricky to install
- Replacement parts may take time to arrive
Why you should buy this solar attic fan:
This fan will help you avoid expensive roof repair fees. It is practical and efficient. Also, it does not make noise so that it won’t bother you even at night.
2. iLiving Solar Exhaust Fan
The iLiving Hybrid smart solar attic fan is one of the ideal exhaust fans to help cool off your homes. This attic fan lets you save big on your bills because it is equipped with a powerful 20W, adjustable polycrystalline solar panel.
It is also waterproof with an IP68 rating. This solar-powered attic fan also houses a brushless motor that allows cooling of up to 2,000 square feet.
It also comes with a Smart Thermostat with a control of up to 65-135 degrees Fahrenheit. Its enable and disable features give you more freedom to control and manage the fan any way you want.
This solar-powered fan is also ready for new features such as a non-stop running AC power supply, and on and off switch, and a protective screen guard. However, these add-ons are sold separately. For your convenience, this attic fan comes with a 15-year warranty.
Pros:
- It comes with a smart thermostat control
- Water-resistant and brushless motor
- It comes with a 15-year warranty
- Allows cooling of up to 2,000 square feet
Cons:
- Other features are sold separately
- The charge does not last all night
Why you should buy this solar attic fan
This fan is relatively easy to install. If you are in a rush and need a sturdy and practical attic fan, this one is for you.
3. Remington 30-watt Attic Fan
Another solar-powered fan on this list comes from Remington Solar. This 30-watt solar attic fan comes with a lifetime warranty for its fan. It also comes with an impressive 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product.
This functional and practical solar attic fan ensures you a lower electricity bill. This fan also improves the HVAC and furnace performance in your home. This solar vent fan makes your attic feel cooler, in turn, making the rest of your home cooler as well.
The solar-powered attic fan is fueled by sunlight and naturally fights off mold and moisture stuck in your roof and home. This fan will not only save your wallet, but it will also protect your family’s health.
Its brushless motor is weatherproof. The motor also does not create any friction making your motor safe from wear and tear, allowing your fan to have a longer life. Another bonus is that the motor is quiet, making it ideal for homes with small children or people who have trouble sleeping.
This solar roof ventilation fan also houses a built-in humidistat and thermostat, which automatically changes the airflow based on your attic needs. You can also get a Hybrid Adapter to help your fan run smoothly at night. However, it is sold separately. This fan can cool up to 2,200 square feet.
Parts Included:
- Solar Panel
- Fan with Housing
- Humidistat/Thermostat
- Hinges
- Mounting Screws
Pros:
- Lifetime warranty for the fan
- Solar-powered, which means lower electric bills
- Weatherproof and silent brushless motor
- Built-in automatic humidistat and thermostat
Cons:
- Hybrid adapter sold separately
- A bit difficult to install
- It is designed to work only while the sun is up (unless you get the hybrid adapter)
Why you should buy this solar attic fan:
The Remington Solar attic fan is ideal for people looking to cut on electrical costs, especially during the summer season. It is efficient and does its job as advertised.
4. Eco-Worthy 25-watt Solar Powered Attic
The Eco-worthy solar-powered attic fan is made with a premium quality high volume solar ventilator. The endurance and tolerance of the vent fan are tight, and it runs considerably silently. This ready-to-use attic fan is easy to install for your home, garage shed, and even on your RV.
It also houses a pre-installed 8-inch solar cable. It comes with a quick connector, while the solar panel comes with a 16-feet solar cable, which ensures easy installation with its quick-connect wires. You can install it in the gable vent or anywhere you like in the attic.
This efficient fan will work even when using low voltage. The lowest voltage can go as low as 4V. So even on cloudy days, you can get adequate ventilation. Because the solar fan cools your roof, it minimizes the load on your AC system, in turn cutting your electric power bills.
Parts Included:
- One-piece 25W Attic Fan
- One-piece 30W Foldable Solar Panel with 16 feet Solar Cable
- Six pieces Mounting Brackets
- Four pairs of Screws
Pros:
- Made with high quality materials
- Quick and easy installation
- Works great even in low conditions
- Affordable and saves on electric bills
Cons:
- Not completely weatherproof
- The fan does not blow as hard as others
- The cable may not be long enough for some
Why you should buy this solar attic fan:
If you are in the market for a sturdy yet affordable solar attic fan, then this is the product for you. It helps you save money while taking care of your home.
5. Amtrak 50-watt Exhaust Fan
The Amtrak 50-watt solar-powered exhaust is another powerhouse fan that is easy to install. It houses quick-connect wires and a reversible push-and-pull, 10-piece wide fan blade. This attic fan also has a high torque motor that features a sealed ball bearing and thermally protected fan motor to enable balanced and efficient fan blades.
This way, it ensures minimal noise and longevity. The fan can cool areas of up to 2,250 square feet.
Another highlight is their free thermostat. You can receive a thermostat, instructional manual, and extra connectors free of charge if you request it upon ordering.
You can easily install these exhaust fans in your gable vents, greenhouse, sheds, cabins, garages, and even your RV because the set also comes with an extra 15-inch wire and brackets.
Amtrak also boasts the best warranty in the industry. Since their products are of premium quality, they offer a 25-year warranty on their products and parts.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Quiet and long-lasting fan
- Can cool large areas
- It comes with a free thermostat
- 25-year warranty
Cons:
- Does not create enough airflow during low conditions
Why you should buy this solar attic fan:
If you are in the market for an affordable but sturdy and long-lasting product, then this is the solar attic fan for you. This product has the best warranty compared to its competitors. So if you are still on the fence on what to get, opt for a company that will return your money if you are not satisfied with their product.
6. Broan-Nutone 345SO Ventilator
The Broan-Nutone 345SO attic fan houses a 28-watt solar panel that secures and captures sunlight throughout the day. It conveniently and effortlessly converts sunlight into electric power to keep your homes’ attics dry and cool all day. It also features a 537-maximum-CFM and 365 days of protection for your house’s structure.
The exterior housing frame is a color-dyed, ABS plastic designed for UV stabilization to withstand and endure extreme weather conditions like hail. It can also overcome fading and will remain pristine for many years.
It also houses a frame feature that makes the dome easy to install. The fan also includes stainless steel fasteners and steel brackets for longevity and endurance because it is resistant to corrosion.
The housing is compatible with most paints, so you can paint to match your roof’s color. Its cohesive and straightforward design is made for the fan to look attractive and unnoticeable at the same time.
Pros:
- Solar-powered attic ventilator
- Weatherproof housing
- Resistant to fading and corrosion
- Simple and discreet design
Cons:
- Warranty is only suitable for one year
- The fan power is not as strong compared to other brands
Why you should buy this solar attic fan:
If you are looking for the best solar attic fan that will last you a long time, then this product is the one you should consider getting. Its weatherproof features will save you time and money in the long run.
7. Eco House Solar-Powered Attic Fan
The Eco House solar attic fan is 100% powered by solar energy. It is also automatic with zero electrical consumption. Making it 100% power saving compared to other motor-based fans. This also functions effectively even at night because of its built-in battery that recharges during the daytime for continuous usage even at night.
Another benefit of this attic fan is its easy and straightforward installation. You won’t need to look for extra wires and a power supply—mount the base using 5-inch screws. The holes are already provided for your convenience.
Aside from your attic, you can also install this solar-powered fan in your boats, greenhouse, and even your RV. This will help avoid and prevent heat build-up that could easily ruin your roof.
Keep in mind that you must place it under direct sunlight for the fans to work at high speed. During cloudy days, the fans will still work; however, not as strong.
Pros:
- 100% solar-powered fan
- Saves on electrical consumption
- It comes with a built-in battery
- Works 24 hours a day
- Ideal for homes, boats, and RVs
Cons:
- Reliant on the sun
- Will work not as efficiently during cloudy days
Why you should buy this solar attic fan:
If you are looking for a handy solar attic fan for your home or your boat, consider getting this product from Eco House.
8. 4 Seasons Solar Vent
If you are looking for an efficient and effective solar vent, then the 4 Seasons solar vent is for you. These solar vents are specifically designed for sloped roofs. Just like other solar fans, it uses solely the power of the sun to work effectively. It does its job entirely while taking out hot and humid air from your attic, promoting healthy air circulation.
This solar vent works 12 hours a day, but since it has a similar size and shape to a traditional vent, it can work as a passive vent when sundown arrives.
It is a versatile and durable model designed to last even during harsh and extreme weather conditions. Its casing is both anti UV and antifreeze. You won’t have to worry about rain, hailstorms, strong winds, and snow.
With its 10-watt solar panel, it efficiently works even during cloudy weather. The impressive brushless motor will work for ten years or more if paired with Japanese ball bearings.
Pros:
- Designed for sloped roofs
- Uses solar power
- Energy efficient
- Made with a durable casing that can withstand extreme weather conditions
Cons:
- It won’t work as effectively during low weather conditions
Why you should buy this solar attic fan:
If you are in the market for a silent type and sturdy solar attic fan, the 4 Seasons solar vent is the best attic fan for you.
9. Solatek Solar Fan
Solatek Solar Fan is part of this list because of its impressive features. This fan is fully powered by sunlight, water-resistant, and completely silent. This solar attic fan works during the daytime, even with a shadow covering the solar panel. During the evening, the solar vent will turn off and will only spin again once the sun comes back.
This product comes with an in, off, and out switch. It also houses an exhaust and intake blade that enables the air to move up to 1,000 cubic feet per hour when the sun is out. This attic fan helps prevent heat from rising to make your home or any area more comfortable. It also prevents damping, filling up space with fresh and cool air. Installation is also hassle-free.
This solar fan is ideal for attics, greenhouses, boats, trucks, offices, garages, dog houses, kitchens, barns, and caravans.
Parts Included:
- 1 set of screws
- One solar ventilation fan
- One installation manual
Pros:
- Fully powered by sunlight
- Quiet fan
- Durable casing
- Works efficiently even in low conditions
Cons:
- It does not work during nighttime
Why you should buy this solar attic fan:
If you are looking for a product that is an excellent bang for the buck, the Solatek solar fan is the best attic fan for you.
10. Amtrak 70-watt Solar Attic Fan
The Amtrak 70-watt solar attic fan is the last product on this list. With a whopping 25-year warranty, this could be the best solar attic fan for homeowners looking for a long-term product. With its hassle-free and easy-to-install feature, this solar fan will leave no holes in your roof.
This solar-powered fan fits perfectly in your gable or attic. It is ideal for your garage, greenhouse, and even your RV. It also comes with 25-inches of extra wire and brackets for your convenience.
Pros:
- Completely solar-powered
- Easy installation
- It comes with a 25-year warranty
- Silent and efficient fan
Cons:
- It does not work as effectively during cloudy days
Why you should buy this solar attic fan:
If you want a long-term solar attic fan, then the Amtrak attic fan is for you. This solar fan will quietly and effectively cool and protect your home from potentially hazardous elements.
Why You Need a Solar Attic Fan
If you have an attic or a bedroom upstairs that gets very hot during the summer, it is best to consider getting a solar-powered fan. Solar fans operate using the power of the sun. It pulls heated air out of your attic or bedroom and replaces it with cooler air coming from the outside.
This helps reduce and lessen the load and work your HVAC system has to do in order to cool down your upstairs living area.
It is worth noting that attic fans do more than just regulating the temperature in your attic. They work to take moisture and humidity out of your upstairs rooms or attic. This is vital because this helps prevent harmful elements such as mildew and mold from forming.
Homes today need these solar attic fans to prolong the lives of roofs, save on electric bills, and preserve and maintain the attic’s structural strength and durability and your home as a whole.
Types of Solar Attic Fans
There are plenty of advantages to getting a solar attic fan. These fans are a kind of ventilation unit that adjusts and regulates the attic’s temperature levels. Basically, they pull out hot indoor air and expel it outdoors.
There are two different kinds of attic fans. The roof-mounted attic fan and the gable mounted attic fan. Here are the differences:
Gable Mounted Attic Fans: A gable attic fan helps to ventilate your attic efficiently. They lower the risk of wear and tear on your attic’s materials while decreasing the area’s temperature. It also helps bring down your electric bill.
Roof-Mounted Attic Fans: The roof-mounted attic fan requires a vent hole at the top of your roof. This fan sits on top of a plastic or metal base over its vent hole. Once the fan is mounted, you will place shingle sheets around and over its base flashing. Just like the gable-mounted attic fan, roof-mounted attic fans decrease your electric bill significantly.
Choosing Between Gable-mounted Attic Fans and Roof-mounted Attic Fans
Here are some things to consider before choosing between the two types of attic fans:
Energy Efficiency: Most roof-mounted attic fans are not solar-powered. These fans get their electricity from its mounted solar panels. However, some gable-mounted models use solar power, but despite that, they need more exposure to sunlight and are known not to be as efficient.
Cooling Capacity: If we are talking about larger areas, gable-mounted fans have a more significant advantage over roof-mounted attic fans because they are made considerably bigger than the latter.
Maintenance and Installation: Roof-mounted attic fans are much easier and simpler to install compared to gable-mounted fans unless your home already has a gable vent available.
How to Take Care of Solar Attic Fans
Maintaining and taking care of your attic fan is an on-going process. It is essential for getting the most out of your investment. Despite being made of sturdy and high quality materials, it is still best to take good care of your solar panels and fans.
In turn, you will get to enjoy its benefits for a more extended period. Here are some tips on how to care for your solar attic fan:
1. Keep debris off the roof and around the fan
In time, gubbins and debris like leaves and branches will collect on your roof. It is vital to keep your roof clear of this debris to maintain your roof’s durability and integrity at the same time, protecting your solar fan.
When debris gets caught in the blades of your fan, it can cause potentially severe mechanical failure. Tree branches can also cause some cracks and scratches on your solar panel unit. Make it a habit to clear off debris at least once every few months.
2. Occassionaly check your solar panels for obvious damage
Since you are already on the roof clearing debris, check your solar panels for some apparent damages, damages like cracks, scratches, and chips. These types of defects will weaken the stability and toughness of the solar panel while lowering its efficiency.
In case you find any damage, you can always contact the contractor who installed your solar attic fan for possible repairs or part replacement.
3. Always use a damp towel to clean your solar panels
Solar fans run entirely on power generated by its unit’s solar panel. To maintain optimum power efficiency, you have to clean its panel regularly. In time, layers of dust and pollen will build upon the solar panel’s surface. Cleaning solar panels are relatively easy and simple to do. Just use a damp towel to wipe off any dust on its surface, and you are good to go.
Your location depends on how often you have to clean your solar panels. If you live near a desert area with plenty of dust, you need to clean more often than someone who lives in a cooler or wetter climate where it rains more frequently.
4. Keep a clear line of sight from your solar panel to the sun
For maximum efficiency and effectiveness, ensure that your solar attic fan has a clear line of sight to the sun all day long. If needed, trim tree branches that may be covering or shading your solar panels.
5. Check your unit for rodent damages periodically
Your attics and garages often attract rodents like mice. One mouse can cause significant damage to the unit. It is best to check your units often for chewed fan blades and wires. Chewed wires can cause the unit to shut down completely, and it can also pose a fire hazard. At the same time, damaged blades can affect your fan’s airflow.
Things to Consider When Buying a Solar Attic Fan (Buying Guide)
There are some key things to consider before purchasing a solar attic fan. The appearance and functionality of a solar attic fan can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. These fans come in different sizes, shapes, and even colors.
Solar attic fans can either be roof-mounted or gable-mounted. The right attic fan depends on whether your home has a pitched or flat roof. It also depends on the size or square footage of your attic.
To give proper and sufficient ventilation, your fan must have the appropriate venting capabilities. The size of the solar panel can determine the venting capacity. Usually, for residential models, you can choose solar panels ranging from 10 watts to 50 watts.
Furthermore, there are more factors to consider that are also as important when purchasing a solar attic fan, such as efficiency, materials, overall quality, and warranty:
Efficiency: A solar attic fan is efficient and economical because it is powered by the sun and requires little to no electricity. When using renewable solar technology to power equipment in your home, you can easily save money and energy. At the same time, you are also making an environmentally conscious decision.
Material Quality: The best solar attic fan must have the best level of safety. Your solar-powered attic fans should also be made with durable, sturdy, premium, and strong materials. This will result in long-lasting equipment that you can depend on for a long time to keep your homes comfortable and safe.
Premium quality materials used in the making of the best solar attic fans must include:
- Tough and adjustable solar panel
- Seamless and flawless pure grade aluminum powder-coated housing
- Direct current and long-lasting silent motor
- Non-corrosive aluminum 5-wind precision balanced fan blades
- Stainless steel protective screen
Warranty: It is crucial to choose a solar-powered attic fan with a dealer warranty or a manufacturer warranty. This can cover parts and labor in the event of equipment failure. This protection will give you peace of mind when investing. However, the warranty’s duration depends on the manufacturer.
Remember, an established and reputable manufacturer will often guarantee the solar attic fan’s quality and workmanship. This warranty will protect you against defective units and incorrect installations. Keep in mind that once your solar attic fan has been put in place, contact your contractor to make sure that your new unit is registered for its warranty.
Are Solar Attic Fans Worth It
It depends.
Oftentimes, your home’s HVAC system is routed via the attic space. And even though they are insulated and are tasked to protect your whole house, it could still get extremely hot when it is in direct sunlight or during the summer season.
This means your air conditioner passing through the duct-work is more potentially less cool after going through 30 feet or so of heated attic space.
When this happens, it will make sense to remove most of that hot attic air.
The most common misconception is that solar attic fans will pull cool air from your home up into the attic and outside. This is not always the case. The attic fan is pulling air from the soffit vents around your roof edges.
You can find these vents as continuous small openings around the perimeter under the roof edges or, sometimes, separate or individual mesh vents in the soffit.
Another benefit of having a solar attic fan is that your roof shingles are less likely to be baked from both sides. In turn, making them last longer. Cooler attics equals long-lasting roofs.
So, to answer that question, if you live in a warm climate, solar attic fans will benefit you and your home.
Do Attic Fans Save You Money?
Solar-powered attic fans still qualify for a federal tax credit of 30% of installation cost and your purchase. One fan cost roughly $300 to $600 plus another $100 for installation. However, most large homes need two or three solar attic fans to work more effectively.
In places like Florida, where they get plenty of sunlight, the typical yearly savings from putting in two attic fans amounted to 460 kWh. Depending on your standard utility and electrical bills, that is roughly around $40. Even if you install the fan, it could take you more than 15 years to get back your investment.
Solar attic fans are more about comfort and peace of mind. These fans can make a massive difference if you use them regularly around your home.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Having a Solar Attic Fan
Pros:
- Saves money. Since these fans help ventilate your home, reducing moisture and molds will also help lessen your home’s overall AC and maintenance cost.
- Sustainable and eco-friendly. These fans are great for the environment because it runs solely on solar power. This will help reduce your carbon footprint.
- Relatively easy to install. Solar attic fans are easier to install than other attic ventilation because they do not require any wire installations. You can opt to get a professional to install it for you, or you can do it on your own.
- Quiet. Compared to other attic fans, solar-powered attic fans do not make a lot of noise.
Cons:
- Needs the sun. Since these attic fans rely on sunlight, the performance varies depending on whether it received enough charge or not.
- Not as powerful. Solar attic fans are not as powerful compared to conventional and traditionally motor-based fans.
- Pricy. It is not cheap to get a solar attic fan. However, it will end up saving you plenty of money in the long run.
Conclusion
Purchasing the right solar attic fan can help you cut down on your electric bills and minimize the moisture in your attic. These fans will also aid in ventilating your attic, making it nice and cool during sweltering days.
If you are in the market for the best solar attic fan, this list will help you know the best product for you and your home.