Best Solar Attic Fan of 2021: Top 5 Recommendations
Surprisingly, the conditions of an attic room can affect the entire house. Depending on the season and regional climate, the specifics on how the attic conditions the home will vary. In cold regions, and especially in winter, a warm attic can often cause the snow on the roof to melt, which could lead to roof damage if it is not maintained properly. Keeping the attic cool during winter and snowfall will ultimately prevent this problem.
Conversely, in summer, and especially in hot and humid regions, an unventilated attic that is not being cooled will trap the hot air and cause it to recirculate, creating a warmer house than is necessary. This will also cause damage to the roof. In the case where moisture begins to form, which is especially common in humid regions, it will develop mold and mildew all over the house.
Finding an energy-efficient way to cool the attic is of importance if you intend to condition your home into a livable place. For this reason, the best and most efficient means to control the temperature of the attic is to install a solar-powered attic fan. Not only will it improve ventilation, but it will also keep the attic cool without spending too much energy. In fact, most attic fans that are powered by solar cells will not hike up the utility bill at all. Here we have compiled a list of the best solar powered attic fans on the market.
Comparison Chart
Best Solar Attic Fan Reviews
Natural Light 12W Solar Attic Fan
One of the best and most simple solutions you will find is the Natural Light Solar Attic Fan. It is a solution that will save you money, effort, and all of the complications that any other solution would have. Although it is suitable for the attic, it has been designed for numerous purposes, including the ability to be installed in workshops or barns. It is entirely powered by solar energy and does not require any use of batteries or any external source of electricity.
Review
This product is designed to be installed easily anywhere it might be required, without the need for wiring, hiring a qualified electrician, or requesting a certification permit. It can be installed on any roof, including a fiber-glass pitched roof that is commonly used in the architecture of attics. It is also versatile enough to be fitted on roofs that are unique in its design.
Keep in mind, though, if it is to be installed on a tile roof, the required turret extension and flashing kits are sold separately. It is driven by a powerful 12W motor that has the capacity to cool a space of up to 1,260 square feet efficiently and is rated at providing an airflow of 893 cubic feet per minute.
With the company’s 25-year warranty, you also get a high-impact photovoltaic solar panel. The solar panel is made with an adjustable mounting bracket. This allows the installer to fit it in an optimized position that will enable the panel to catch sufficient sunlight and ensure that the fan operates at its best performance.
In addition, the mounting bracket is designed to provide continuous air circulation to keep the unit cool and operating at the highest sufficiency. The unit’s housing is made from 1100 series pure grade commercial aluminum and is made completely seamless to prevent any leaking. It is also protected against environmental conditioning through a powder coating both on the inside and outside, ensuring that the unit will stay protected against any foreseeable damage.
Unfortunately, the thermostat and fire safety switch must be bought separately as they are not included in the package. Additionally, the required installation parts needed for tile roofs are also not included.
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Natural Light 36-watt Solar Attic Fan
Another one of Natural Light’s trusted products, the 36W Solar Attic Fan, is among the most powerful options on the market and is designed for larger attics that require more powerful cooling. Like its smaller counterpart, it is designed to be easily installed on a variety of different roofs, including barns and workshops. However, a specific model is sold for flat roofs. It is powered by solar energy, and will not require any wiring or external power source.
Review
The Natural Light 36W Solar Attic Fan is one of the most trusted products on the market and comes recommended by many construction contractors because of its high durability, energy-efficient design, and powerful output. It is powered by a 36W DC motor that has the capacity to cool 2,625 square feet of space, by providing a strong airflow of 1,628 cubic feet per minute.
The solar panel’s mounting bracket is designed to be adjustable, allowing placement to capture sufficient light to provide the fan motor with optimized energy to perform at its best. The bracket and casing are made from the same high-grade commercial aluminum, like the other Natural Light Solar Attic Fans. Likewise, it is designed to allow air circulation to cool the unit, which will enable it to run at optimum performance continuously.
In addition, the casing is also created seamless to prevent leakage and is powder-coated to prevent any environmental damage. As with the other products by the same manufacturer, the thermostat and fire safety switch are sold separately, as is the required turret extension and flashing kits to mount it on tile roofs.
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Broan 345SOWW 28-Watt Solar Powered Attic Ventilator
The Broan Attic Ventilator is the perfect unit to install on a shingle roof. It is compact and designed with a low profile, and is made to install with ease. It is fitted with a strong fan and powered by a solar panel, which eliminates the need for any wiring or need for outsourced electricity. Despite its smaller design, it has a high area rated efficiency that will be suitable for bigger attics.
Review
The Broan Attic Ventilator is built with a 12-inch diameter, single-piece aluminum fan with five blades, which is pitched at an optimum angle to provide the most efficient airflow possible. It is designed to keep your home comfortable no matter the season and will extend the life of your aircon unit, as well as save you money on the utility bill by reducing the energy consumption of your home.
The unit is rated to provide a maximum all year round airflow of 537 cubic feet per minute. And will efficiently keep an attic of 3200 cubic feet cool. It is powered by a 28W solar panel, but can not be adjusted and requires direct placement towards the sun for optimum performance.
However, the Broan Attic ventilator’s low profile design will keep your roof looking clean by not creating an obtrusive obstacle. The casing is made from durable UV-stabilized ABS plastic that will not corrode and is strong enough to withstand harsh conditions such as hail and strong winds.
Also, the compact design allows quick and easy installation that does not require the removal of too many shingles, ensuring that the roof structure is not compromised. It also features a heavy-gauge screen that keeps out rodents and pesky insects without compromising the airflow or creating leakage.
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iLIVING Smart Exhaust Solar Attic Fan
The Smart Exhaust Solar Attic Fan is one of iLiving’s best selling products and is designed to optimize the energy efficiency of your home. It is made with quality materials and designed with the best protection that the latest innovation offers. The motor of the fan also features the latest design additions that make it more energy-efficient than most other models on the market.
Review
The iLiving Smart Exhaust Solar Attic Fan is fitted with a 20W polycrystalline solar panel that features an adjustable mounting to optimize its ability to soak up sunlight. The solar panel is also equipped with a smart thermostat.
This features an enable and disable optional control and can be set to a variety of settings that range from shutdown when the temperature reading reaches 65 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The motor, which is made with IP68 rated waterproofing, provides a rated airflow of 1750 cubic feet per minute.
It is also capable of keeping an attic of 2000 square feet adequately cool. It is designed with a brushless motor and is optimized for energy efficiency. The Smart Exhaust Attic Fan is also made ready for any additional add-on features, including day and night operation switching between DC and AC, a screen guard, and a power cord extension with on and off switch.
However, these additions are to be bought separately and are not included with the original product. It is easy to install and made to fit any variety of roofs.
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Amtrak 40-Watt Galvanized Steel Solar Attic Fan
The Amtrak 40W Solar Attic Fan is a universal design that is constructed in separate units and can be installed in a variety of locations. It can be used for greenhouses, hen houses, or the attic. The fan can be installed away from the solar panel, allowing you to mount the panel in the best position possible. It is created with an optimized, galvanized steel fan that is not only durable but far more efficient.
Review
The Amtrak 40W Solar Attic Fan is equipped with a powerful crystalline solar panel that is supplied with 4 Z bracket mountings and is pre-drilled for easy installation. It is also provided with 25 feet of electric wiring that features quick-fit connectors. This allows you to place the solar panel to allow for the most exposure to sunlight. Also, it can be kept separate from the fan unit’s desired installation position.
It also comes with an optional, free thermostat if requested, and is made from the highest quality material to ensure the best energy efficiency that will last. The fan is constructed with a thermally protected motor and has been optimized with 14-inch housing and 10-inch fan blades to improve the airflow quality.
It is rated to have the ability to efficiently cool any attic or room space of 2,250 square feet. It is quick and easy to install and can be used for various purposes, including for installation in an RV. However, the fan housing has to be placed in a safe position, since it does not provide any screen guard.
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FINAL VERDICT
To optimize the energy efficiency of your home’s aircon unit, the installation of an attic fan is of the utmost importance. Not only that, but the installation of an attic fan will also hold protective advances that will reduce the risk of mildew and mold from growing on your roof supports. It will reduce the risk of snow melting, resulting in potential harm to your roof.
It would also improve the dust accumulation in your roof attic, thus making your home more suitable for family members who might suffer from allergies. Feel free to try any of these products, as each is of the highest guaranteed quality and will suit whatever purpose you have adequately.
