How We Picked And Tested
Solar attic fans are an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to using air conditioners. They basically exchange warm air inside for the cold air outside, thus, preventing any mold and mildew from damaging your roof. Since it is also solar-powered, it can also help reduce electrical expenses.
Due to the numerous advantages it gives, solar attic fans are quite popular among homeowners. This great demand has resulted into an abundant supply of types and styles in the market. This makes the task of purchasing one a bit overwhelming.
Of course, only you can say truly say what the best solar attic fan is. This all depends on how much it can meet and satisfy your needs. To help you out, here are a few key factors you need to remember when youre in the market.
Adjustable solar panel
One of the most important parts of a solar attic fan is its solar panels since this is where the collection of solar energy happens.
A good rule of thumb is to buy a model that comes with an adjustable solar panel. With this, you can adjust it to an angle that can get the optimum amount. An adjustable solar panel is also recommended for roofs that are at an angle that dont get a lot of sunlight.
Aside from that, also look for one that is made out of high-quality materials.
The other important component of the solar attic fan is its fan blade. More blades equal to a more efficient unit. With this, the solar attic fan can hasten its air exchange process.
Quiet motor
Durability
Capacity
Mounting
How Does It Work
Like all solar products, the solar attic fan runs on solar energy. Solar attic fans basically act as the gateway between cool air and warm air and, thus, help in regulating the temperature inside your home.
The solar attic fan runs on two essential components: the solar panel and its fan.
Solar panels are responsible for collecting solar energy. The size of the panel depends on the model one bought. The size and capacity of your home is also a factor to consider.
The fan inside the solar attic fan is in charge of the actual ventilation. The fans speed varies depending on the solar energy it gets.
The solar attic fan can be used in all climates, especially during the summer and winter months.
In summer, attics can usually reach up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter due to constant solar exposure. This heat then disperses around your home, resulting into an overworked air conditioner and higher electrical bills.
A solar attic works by exchanging the warm air inside with the cold air outside. Little by little, the living space can get cooler, resulting in reduced electricity consumption.
In winter times, there are tendencies for moisture to build-up as well when the warm air inside your home meets with the cold underside of the roof. Moisture breeds molds, which can damage your home.
The solar attic solves this problem by exchanging the warm air inside for the cold air inside. This way, you will have a drier roof and attic.
Easily Install A Proper Solar Attic Ventilation System To Reduce Your Energy Bills
Natural Light’s Solar Attic Fan is a simple and environmentally sensible solution to proper attic ventilation that can protect your home and save you money. Powered completely by free solar energy, this sleek and efficient vent is both compact and quiet.
The roof mounted solar attic fan is Natural Light’s most popular model for residential installations and can be installed either on a pitched or flat roof. Place wherever you need improved circulation: attics, lofts, workshops, storage sheds, garages and even barns.
Powered completely by free solar energy, this sleek and efficient vent is compact, quiet and long lasting with no maintenance. It offers a powerful venting capacity–16 watt: up to 1,184 cfm , 32 watt: up to 1,560 cfm , 48 watt: up to 1,881 cfm , 65 watt: up to 2,105 cfm .
Unlike most attic fans made with plastic or galvanized steel housing, Natural Light’s fans are built to last they won’t ever rust because almost all components, such as housing, flashing, and blades are made of commercial grade 1100 aluminum. And they won’t leak because there are no seams and everything is powder coated in gray, bronze or black satin inside and out.
To back up their claim, Natural Light offers a 25 year warranty on the solar panel, housing and the motor which is the best in the industry.
This item description was written by JoelHirshberg
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Who Is This Product For
Not sure if an attic fan is worth the investment? Check out our post Do attic fans really work to learn more.
Natural Light solar attic fans are for all types of homeowners looking for an efficient and highly-durable solar attic fan that can accommodate virtually any roof style. These fans are also a great choice for those who prefer DIY installations since every kit includes detailed and illustrated instructions.
Because of their precision-balanced blades, Natural Light solar attic fans can be the perfect unit for homeowners who want fans with low motor vibrations and low motor noise. If theyre also looking for versatile solar attic fans, this product line can be installed in other areas such as sheds, barns, workshops, detached garages, and lofts.
Rand Solar Powered Attic Fan
- Free solar energy
- Can cool or ventilate 700 square feet
- Less powerful than others in the same category
- Not for larger spaces
Rand Solar is a tried and tested brand that has been around for many years. You can count on it in terms of the quality and performance of its products. This ventilator is a top rater in the category, and for reasons. Take a look at the most trusted solar roof ventilator if youre looking to get a reliable attic fan that delivers.
The 8-Watt roof ventilator is the solar energy product that youre looking for if you have a smaller space. It has worked perfectly from the beginning and for a long time because it is made from top-quality materials.
This item always runs on free solar power, so it is necessary for those who want to cool or ventilate a space but without adding to their monthly spending. This item has a reliable solar panel to keep the fan spinning.
I would love to have something like it in my home because I can cool the attic or space without spending on electricity. You can cut your cooling bill significantly by using this kind of product in your attic or roof.
For a very short time, this fan can also pay for itself, so there is nothing to lose. I would like to note that its good for the environment. It works effectively but without depending on fossil fuel to operate. It runs on free energy forever, so it does not add to the pollution of the environment.
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Why We Like It
We’ve been using three residential versions on our home and garage roofs since 2005 and they have worked flawlessly. They have never leaked and they cool our attic without any additional expense. It’s always surprising when a product lasts this long without problems, but that has been our experience as well as our customers.
Amtrak Solar Attic Fan
- Powerful 40W motor
- Wires might make others think of hard installation
The Amtrak Solar fan is another top pick around for its durability and performance. It offers many features and functions making for a quality and functional attic fan. You might want to check it out if you want an upgraded and operational fan for your space.
One of the things I liked about the solar fan is its powerful 40-Watt motor. While it is, it is not as noisy as other products in the same category are. If youre reading a solar power attic fan review, you might have also bumped into a feedback saying that this fan is effective in ventilating their homes, RV or garage.
With the proper ventilation, theyre able to prevent moisture buildup that would otherwise lead to mold and mildew buildup.
Also, using a solar fan like this one, they have protected their family from allergies. There is no doubt that keeping proper humidity and temperature in a space can prevent the growth and development of these organisms.
I also liked that the fan itself has an efficient and large enough fan blade. This 14-inch fan also offers an easy-to-open louver. I would like to note that this product has integrated wires, so there is no hassle in its use.
In addition, I noted that this item has an extra wire and brackets included for easy installation in Gabel vent as well as in a greenhouse, recreational vehicle or garage, to name some.
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Roof Mounted Solar Attic Fans
Roof mounted solar attic fans are the main type of solar attic fan. These attic exhaust fans are installed directly on the roof, usually on sloped roofs but sometimes flat roofs as well. Here is my install guide for solar attic fans.
The solar panel will be fixed to the main housing of the exhaust fan. Sometimes the solar panel is actually built into the housing, and these fans are called low profile solar attic exhaust fans because they are smaller and sleeker.
There are also adjustable solar attic fans which means that you can actually tilt the solar panel usually up to 45-degrees. With these attic fans, you can tilt the panel directly towards the sun to maximize the amount of solar energy you get.
The simplest attic fan has a solar panel that is not adjustable, but just fixed on top of the attic fan.
Read Also: How Do You Vent Attics Without Soffits?
Stay Cool & Comfortable
During the summer months, the temperature of your attic can exceed 160°F. Even well-insulated attics can transfer a significant amount of heat to adjacent living spaces, placing a tremendous burden on your HVAC system and driving up your cooling costs.
Our solar attic fans reduce attic temperatures by up to 50°F. As this excess heat is exhausted, your air conditioner doesn’t need to work as hard to keep your home or office cool and comfortable.
Also Check: How Many Watts Solar Panels To Run A House
Curb Mounted Natural Light Solar Attic Fan
About the Product
The Curb Mounted Natural Light Solar Attic Fan offers virtually the same qualities as the Roof Mounted fans. The only difference being the installation process and the suitable roof types.
Our Review
Like the Roof Mounted fans, the Curb Mounted fans are made of heavy-duty aluminum, which is available in bronze, powder-coated grey, and powder-coated satin black. They also come in the same 4 solar panel sizes and venting capacities as the Roof Mounted fans. And similarly, the 65-watt variant comes with a solar panel installed separately from the attic fan housing.
The Curb Mounted fans come with an adjustable solar panel. So, you can always alter the angle of the panel for better sun exposure.
While the Roof Mounted fans can be installed on flat roofs and sloped roofs, the Curbed Mounted fans are only suited for flat roofs with curbs. Additionally, the Curbed Mounted fans must be pre-installed on curbs.
More times than not, Roof Mounted fans are used in residential buildings. The Curbed Mounted fans, on the other hand, are commonly used in industrial/commercial buildings.
Pros
- The durability of the Curbed Mounted fans and the Roof Mounted fans are similar.
- When the attic venting capacity of the fan is correctly matched with your attic space, you should get enough venting to reduce the work of your HVAC system.
- They come with a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Unlike the Roof Mounted fans, the Curbed Mounted fans can only be installed on flat roofs with curbs.
Who Is Natural Light
Natural Light is short for Natural Light Energy Systems, a leading manufacturer of solar exhaust fans for residential and commercial properties.
In addition to solar powered attic fans, Natural Light also manufactures tubular skylights which allows you to get more sunlight in almost any room of the house.
Natural Light was founded in 1999 and is based in Phoenix, Arizona. In Phoenix, Natural Light operates its main facility for the manufacture, sales, and warehousing of their solar products.
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Gable Mounted Natural Light Solar Attic Fan
About the Product
Apart from the painting on the fan housing and the installation site, the Gable Mounted Natural Light Solar Attic Fan offers a similar experience as what the Roof Mounted fans offer.
Our Review
The Gable Mounted fans are available in the same 4 solar panel sizes and attic venting capacities as the Roof Mounted fans. They also use an adjustable solar panel, so you can always reposition the panels for better sun exposure.
Attic fan housings for Gable Mounted fans are mounted in gables instead of Roof Mounted fans mounted on the roof. However, their solar panels are installed on the roof. You can install them on flat or sloped roofs, wood shake, clay, tile, or asphalt.
Aluminum bronze or powder-coated aluminum is used for the roof-mounted fans, whereas aluminum is not used for the attic fan housing on the Gable Mounted fans. Still, the durability and sturdiness are pretty much the same. Although the housing of the Roof Mounted, fans are more resistant to sunlight than that of the Gable Mounted fans.
This difference is not really an issue because the housing of the Gable Mounted fans will remain in the gable where little sunlight will reach them.
Pros
Cons
- If you do not have a pre-existing roof in your house, the installation will complicate.
Remove Winter Mold And Moisture
A Solar Powered Attic Fan equalizes interior and exterior temperatures, safeguarding your home from the worst of winter.
- Removes excess humidity from showers, humidifiers, and dishwashers
- Prevents leaks and structural decay triggered by icebuildup on your roof
- Avoids damage to insulation and framing materials produced by moisture accumulation
- Fights weakening of internal structures caused by mold and fungus growth
Read Also: How Often Do You Replace Solar Panels
Commercial Pure Grade Aluminum Housing
The solar attic fan housing is constructed of 1100 series, commercial pure grade aluminum with no seams to prevent leaking. Because it is exposed to the harsh effects of the environment on a daily basis, Natural Light powder-coats the unit both inside and out for extra-durability. Many of our competitors either paint only the outside or do not paint the unit at all. Also, many of our competitors use less durable materials to house their attic fans including polypropylene , sheet metal or galvanized steel.
What To Consider When Searching For Attic Solar Fan:
GABLE-MOUNTED
The Best Attic Solar Fan positioned on the gable of your home can be the best option for you if it has a gable vent. It makes installation simple. Simply secure the device to your gable and plug it in. It is considerably more practical than mounting a solar attic fan on the roof.
Unfortunately, there is a trade-off because gable-mounted designs are less effective than roof-mounted fans due to their placement. In order to maximize the unit’s exposure to the sun, positioning is vital. This is a little challenging because of the gable mounting, but it’s not insurmountable.
ROOF-MOUNTED
Best Attic Solar Fan that is fixed on roofs are effective and strong, but their installation is considerably trickier. You must cut a hole in the roof, install the fan, and seal the opening for it to function properly. This process can be very time-consuming.
Most users of roof-mounted fans engage a professional installer because the process is so complicated. Because of this, a roof-mounted solar attic fan costs a little bit more than the other types, but its efficiency more than makes up for this.
PORTABLE
For individuals who want flexibility, portable solar fans are a great choice. The fan and solar panel are two distinct components that are wired together. You may put them practically anywhere because they don’t require a difficult installation process to set up.
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Gable Mounted Solar Attic Vent Fans
The second main type is called a gable mounted attic fan because it is installed vertically on the gable vent.
The gable vent is usually a rectangular shaped attic vent on the vertical sides of a home . The idea is that if you put an attic fan on one gable vent, it pulls in outside air from the second gable vent creating a ventilation pathway to remove heat and moisture.
With the gable mounted exhaust fan, the solar panel is installed remotely on your roof in a location of your choice at a distance of about 15 feet.
The solar panel is connected to the exhaust fan by an electrical cable. The suns hit the solar panel, and this electrical energy is sent to the exhaust fan to push out stagnant attic air.
The panel can be installed on sloped, flat, or even tiled roofs.
Read Also: What Are The Pros And Cons of Attic Vent Fans?
Natural Light Energy Systems
Natural Light Energy Systems is one of the leading manufacturers of solar attic fans and tubular skylights with many years of experience in the design, manufacturing, and sales of solar products. show their commitment to our customers by offering innovative energy saving products at affordable prices. All their products have been engineered to perform at the highest possible level. They are easy to install, require no maintenance and operate on free solar energy. At Natural Light, they back up our models with an industry leading
They show their commitment to our customers by offering innovative energy saving products at affordable prices. All their products have been engineered to perform at the highest possible level. They are easy to install, require no maintenance and operate on free solar energy. At Natural Light, they back up our models with an industry lead25-yearyear product warranty.
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