The attic can be the hottest part of the house for most people and in any weather. Because of this, you may need the best solar attic fan to cool the heat that collects in your attic.
Many times your attic may be hot because of improper insulation especially in warmer weather. Your attic is a crucial factor in keeping your whole house cool, so if you want to reduce the heat in your house, you need to start there.
Many people place important equipment, documents and family keepsakes in the attic, but in the summer, the hot air can damage everything stored within a short time.
On the other hand, when you make your house warm in the winter months, it causes moisture to form on the upper side of the attic leading to more damage.
To deal with the issue of heat in your attic without costing you a fortune, you need to buy the best solar powered attic fan to meet your needs. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list to make this easy.
8 Best Solar Attic Fans (2021)
Brand | Wattage | Weight | Rating | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Remington Solar Attic Fan Editor's Choice | 20W | 25 lbs | 100% | |
2. QuietCool Solar Attic Fan High Performance | 40W | 42 lbs | 99% | |
3. Amtrak Solar Attic Fan Budget Friendly | 50W | 12 lbs | 96% | |
4. iLiving Hybrid Fan | 20W | 30 lbs | 97% | |
5. Natural Light Solar Attic Fan | 36W | 39 lbs | 95% | |
6. ECO-WORTHY Attic Fan | 25W | 13 lbs | 94% | |
7. Broan-NuTone | 28W | 21 lbs | 98% | |
8. Eco House Solar Attic Fan | 25W | 10 lbs | 93% |
1. Remington Solar Attic Fan
Best Solar Attic Fan (Editor's Choice)
The Remington Solar Attic Fan is the best solar attic fan on the market. Solar attic fans are convenient because you spend less money on power. This 30W attic fan is great for the environment because is capable of meeting its energy needs via the sun. Solar powered attic fans have built in solar panels.
Features
What is special about the Remington solar attic fan is that's it has an exceptional integration design with a thermostat and a humidistat. This means that you don't have to buy them in addition to the solar fan thereby saving you money.
It is also convenient that's the fan works with a brushless motor so that the noise is reduced even though it works too cool your attic. This noise reduction design is complemented by the solar fan’s sleek aesthetic.
The fan has a 24V DC motor and is capable of cooling 2500 square feet of space.
2. QuietCool Solar Roof Mount Attic Fan
High Performance
The QuietCool Solar Roof Mount Attic Fan is one of the best in its class because of quality. It comes with a 40 watt solar panel so it does a great job of capturing energy for your cooling needs.
Features
Its preset thermostat can help you maintain a constant temperature that you require, especially if you store valuable items in your attic that must stay at a certain level of coolness.
You can also benefit from the ultra-energy efficient DC motor, durable heavy duty steel housing, which would save you money in the long run. The included AC/DC inverter permits the fan to operate 24/7.
The fan will use solar power only, from its large connected solar panel, when there is sunlight outside, but it will switch to AC power and remain in operation during the night.
This solar attic fan can extend the life of your roof and air conditioning while helping you save up to 30% on A/C costs. With a QuietCool Solar Attic Fan, you also get the benefit of easy installation. Simply mount the fan to your roof and plug in the inverter to enjoy 24/7 cooling and ventilation in your attic. It has an easy plug and play design.
It keeps attic within 10 degrees of outside temperature and the brushless DC motors are an innovative advantage that allows the fans give more without using more energy.
3. Amtrak Solar Attic Fan
Budget Friendly
The Amtrak Solar fan is a great selection because of its durability and performance. It is a well-designed superior attic fan with a lot of amazing functions and features. If you want an effective and thoughtful solar-powered attic fan, you should definitely try it out.
Features
It is also a powerful ventilator and can be used for the garage and your RV, for those of you who love camping. Because they are great ventilators they can be used to help to reduce moisture build-up that creates mildew and mold. This is because these organisms tend to thrive in humid environments that attic fan can prevent.
Maybe it's most salient feature is its large fan head at 14 inches with an easy-to-open louver. There is also no complication with installation and use because it comes with integrated wires.
For an added benefit it comes with extra wire brackets so that you can easily install it in a gable vent or maybe in a greenhouse, garage or RV. It has a one-of-a-kind thermal protected fan motor as well as high quality fan blades so that ventilation is at an all-time high. This fan can cool an area of up to 2250 square feet,
You don't have to place holes in a roof for this fan to work neither do you have to get any inspections by an electrician or special permits. The solar panel can produce energy for more than 30 years.
4. iLIVING HYBRID Solar Roof Attic Exhaust Fan
The iLIVING HYBRID Ready Smart Exhaust Solar Roof Attic Exhaust Fan is a great choice if you want a fan to be placed on the roof. It’s a bestselling fan because of its reliability and innovative design and features.
Features
Because of its compact size and solid features, this fan is chosen by people who want a product that will last a long time. For people who don't know anything much about installation of electrical appliances this fan will be a great choice because it's easy to set up.
Because of its small sleek design it is great for transport so you don't have to leave this in one place like other cumbersome solar fans. It's also made from durable materials so it can last a long time.
It features a remarkable brushless motor which is great for increasing power and reducing energy intake and noise. This solar fan has a smart thermostat control which makes it distinctive for fans in its class.
Due to the fact that it is heavy-duty and waterproof, it can run in the harsh weather conditions so no need to fear adverse conditions and outdoor changes. With its sleek and black design, you don’t have to repaint it to coordinate with your roof because it blends well with any décor.
To top it all off, this fan can cool up to 2000 square feet even with its small size. It is a product definitely worth checking out.
5. Natural Light Solar Attic Fan
The Natural Light solar 36-watt attic fan is known for its durable construction and powerful cooling technology. It is no surprise that this solar attic fan is in high demand.
Features
This 36W model, has many great benefits that would meet the requirements of most. Installation is easy on various kinds of roofs such as asphalt, shingle or fiberglass and also makes a great ventilator, which great for reducing moisture in the attic.
It features a robust DC motor that is able to competently remove the hot air and moisture from your attic whenever you need it. It has an impressive solar panel that is adjustable up to 45 degrees or flat up, so it is efficient for capturing the sun.
It can spin a powerful 1628 cubic feet per minute when exposed to full sun and can cool a whopping 2625 square feet space. For easy installation, all the hardware required is included in the kit and there is no wiring needed.
If you live in a cold climate, you can also buy the optional snap-on thermostat but the fan works great without it. It can help save money you would usually spend on the energy bill in your household.
6. ECO-WORTHY Solar Powered Attic Ventilator
Another great decision to make in the category is the ECO-WORTHY 25W Solar Powered Attic Ventilator. One of the things that make it a top choice is its ability to provide powerful cooling.
Features
It’s great because it needs a small amount of energy to operate, so it can function even with a low voltage supply. It has a minimum operating voltage of 4V, so you can get great ventilation even when the sun is not at its peak.
It can provide maximum cooling for an area of up to 1960 square feet so it’s perfect for you if you have a medium-sized attic or garage. People who own recreational vehicles or mobile homes will enjoy this product because it will keep the area cool.
With its high efficiency motor, you can expect it to operate without making much noise for the amount of cooling it offers. The great thing about this fan is that it can fight against moisture that usually results in mildew and mold development.
The durability of this fan is world-class due to its high quality construction and ability to handle changing and adverse weather conditions.
This 25W attic fan can cool your roof leading to a reduction in your air conditioning load causing you to have a lower bill while keeping your attic ventilated.
To top it all off, this fan is equipped with an integrated cable that features a quick connector, which makes installation a breeze. You can install it anywhere in your attic and gable vent.
7. Broan-NuTone Solar-Powered Attic Ventilator
The Broan-NuTone 345SOBK Surface Mount Solar-Powered Attic Ventilator is a great upgrade for your home. It is a powerful ventilator that features a 28-watt solar panel that traps sunlight to competently transform it into electrical energy, maintaining a cool dry attic at a maximum 537 CFM.
Features
Prolong the life of your AC and also save money and energy, with the 12” diameter, one-piece aluminium 5-blade fan is pitched for maximum air flow to keep your living area cooler. It creates a discreet aesthetic to your roof and you don’t have to add props or pivoting stands. Its low-profile, cohesive engineering is one of a kind and looks elegantly attractive.
It is durable because it is fabricated from UV-stabilized ABS plastic. The sturdy, tempered glass solar panel endures large hail and will not delaminate or fade with time because of harsh weather. It is easy to install this solar fan because it has a compact base footprint permitting fewer shingles to be cut and housing frame with positive stops to "seat" the dome.
For even greater sturdiness and resistance to oxidization, it features stainless steel fasteners and galvanized steel brackets. The aluminium, heavy-gauge screen will stop insects, animals or birds from getting into the house without hindering airflow.
The optional thermostat is also simple enough to set up and restricts the motor when the temperature drops below 50-degrees, to prolong motor life.
8. ECO HOUSE Solar Powered Attic Fan
The ECO HOUSE Solar Powered Attic Fan DC Powerful Vent Fan is another wise choice because it boasts stronger air-volume at 3000 CFM efficiency. This solar attic ventilator fan can cool attic up to 4,000 Square feet of space which is one of the most powerful in its class.
Features
It features an upgraded fan motor so that it can supply greater levels of power along with more durability. You can me sure that it provides higher security because of the quality materials used like thicker wire and denser grid for extended usage times.
This fan also boasts easy-installation with 16 feet quick-connect wires and brackets. The upgraded Poly 25W 12V Solar Panel can charge the solar fan directly.
It features a state of the art short circuit protection and the pre-drilled holes make it easy to mount along with the pre-attached 9.84ft cable at panel backside. The entire package includes the12 inch solar attic fan, the solar cable with connector for connecting the fan to solar panel, 1 set of mounting brackets for the solar vent fan and a 25W polycrystalline solar panel.
What Is A Solar Attic Fan And How Does It Work
A solar attic fan is a fan that has a solar panel attached to it. It keeps your home cool and also helps with air conditioning. It brings cool air from outside and carries out the warm air that is concentrated in the attic in a sophisticated air exchange.
Since solar fans use energy from the sun it can spin faster and be more effective when it is exposed to sunlight. It can also be useful during the winter months because people keep their houses with warm with hot air. This warm air creates moisture that results in mold and mildew damage. But with the solar attic fan you can have proper ventilation and air circulation so that your attic is dry and cooler.
This means that solar fans can be used throughout the year for all seasons. The solar panel capability determines how powerful the fan will be along with the motor. The fan speed will vary based on the amount of solar energy it has to work with.
When a solar fan has a thermostat it becomes even more efficient because it monitors the temperature of your attic and can stop the motor. Thus, it can slow down the fan whenever the temperature gets too cool it can also work harder when it is too high thereby maintaining a constant level of coolness.
In the hotter months, the attic can get to temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or more because continuous sun exposure. This heat then scatters all over your home, so that you have a worn-out air conditioner and a costly power bill.
The solar attic fan eliminates these problems.
Factors to Consider When Looking For the Best Solar Attic Fan
Venting Capacity & Attic Space
In order to choose the correct fan for your attic you must first look at the amount of attic space you have in square footage. Most homes have attics that are insulated in an enclosed space so when the sun is out it becomes like an oven because of the constant heat.
The purpose of the solar attic fan is to extract the hot air from the attic and bring in cool air from the outside there by reducing the temperature. But in order to do this properly you need to know the size of your attic and the capability of your cooling fan. If your cooling fan is unable to cool the entire area of your attic it's a maybe overworked and may not be and able to do a good job.
To get a good estimation you need to look at the package for cubic foot per minute (CFM) to understand the capability of your solar fan. They may also provide you with the direct square footage that the solar attic fan can cover. This is why you need to know the size of your attic. It may be that you would need more than one attic fan depending on the size.
Solar Power Capacity
Furthermore in order to make the correct decision when choosing a solar attic fan, you must consider the solar power rating of the unit and whether it's integrated into the vent. If the solar feature has a tilt module then it's a may be properly adjusted. If this feature exists then the solar panel may be capable of generating more energy and keep the vent activated for a longer time.
Because it is a solar panel it is dependent on the weather so sometimes the weather conditions may not be suitable for solar production. If there is a season of low light, the solar attic fan may have less power. It is better to look for solar attic fans that have the option of adding more solar panels to increase the energy you can generate.
Tilt Adjustment
Some solar panels come with the ability to adjust the tilt angle and this may prove to be a very crucial feature because, not all fans would be placed on the roofs that have a slope. This means therefore that the solar panels of the attic fan may not be placed in an optimal position to collect the amount of the sun’s energy it needs for the fan to work.
If the solar panels are attached to the vents it may not be able to capture all the energy it needs from the sun in order to run at maximum capacity and cover the area that it outlines on the package.
Materials & Accessories
Solar powered attic fans are capable of lasting many years. Because of the work they have to perform that deals with air, moisture and heat, you need to choose a fan that is fabricated from high-quality materials.
Some of the usual materials used include stainless steel protective animal screen, non-corrosive aluminium for the blades and aluminium powder-coated for housing and flashing. You should also see if the manufactures offer special deals like free thermostat and humidistat. This can be are significant accessories, because they monitor and control the switching of the solar powered attic fans.
It may be also useful to have a fire safety cut-off switch or a tile roof flashing skirt to make sure that your installations are weather-tight.
Different Types of Solar Attic Fans
Solar fans a classified on the basis of how they are installed. There are three main types of solar attic fans, but they all work pretty much in the same way. They all collect energy from the sun via the solar panel which then powers the fan to cool the attic.
Firstly, there is the type of solar attic fan that can be attached to the roof. Because it is installed there, it does a great job of keeping your attic from too much heat. It can cools your home, and also, protect your roof in the long run.
Secondly, solar fans may also be installed either in the gable vents or inside the attic. These kinds of fans are typically designed to stop moisture build-up. This type is very common among cabin and recreational vehicle owners. Some models feature a remote solar panel. In this way, it’s simple for you to regulate your solar panel to attain peak sunlight.
Lastly we have the curb-mounted solar attic fan which are attached to pre-built curbs and are commonly used for proprietary and commercial purposes and tasks. These are very powerful and can vent up to 3,100 square feet.
How Many Solar Powered Attic Fans Do You Need
Based on the size of your house and your attic, you would be able to calculate how many fans you need. You can do this simply by calculating the square footage and the capability of your solar-powered attic fan.
- Multiply your attic length by the height and width.
- Next, multiply the attic’s square feet by 0.7 to for the minimum cubic feet per minute (CFM).
- Lastly, you need to add 20% if you have a steep roof, and 15% if you have a dark roof. Usually, solar attic fans are rated between 800-1,600 cubic feet per minute (CFM). So, basically 1 solar attic fan is good for a 2,200 square feet attic.
The Benefit of Using a Solar Powered Attic Fan
There are many benefits to having a solar-powered attic fan. They have become more and more important and popular for a lot of homeowners around the world.
They are great for saving you money - In addition to protecting your roof and prolonging the lifespan of your AC they will save you money on your home repairs because they reduce mildew and mold. And since they use the sun's energy they pretty much pay for itself. There is also the added benefit of keeping your prized belongings, that you would store in your attic at a constant temperature to preserve their life.
They Eco-friendly - since we are using the sun's energy we know that solar-powered attic fans are environmentally-friendly because they don't work with electricity. You can feel good knowing that you are doing your part to have the planet.
They are safer - because the fans aren't connected to AC power there's less chance of short circuit and electrical fire that comes with using electricity.
They are more convenient - there is also another benefit of not using AC power, and that is that in the event of a power outage the fans would be still operational because it uses the sun's energy.
It gives the house a more comfortable feel - this is because it improves the ventilation of your home and keeps all the rooms of your house at a cooler level because off the cooler attic.
Final Words
It should be clear by now, that Remington solar attic fan is the best choice. This 30W attic fan is great for the environment because is capable of meeting its energy needs via the Sun. Solar powered attic fans have built in solar panels.
What is special about the Remington solar attic fan is that's it has a distinct integration design with a thermostat and a humidistat. This means that you don't have to buy them in addition to the solar fan thereby saving you money.
It is also convenient that's the fan works with a brushless motor so that the noise is reduced even though it works too cool your attic. This noise reduction design is complemented by the solar fan’s sleek aesthetic.
The fan has a 24V DC motor and is capable of cooling 2500 square feet of space. This is an impressive feat for its size. With all it many feature, it is no surprise that this is our top pick.