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Writer's pictureThe Attic Depot

How Do Solar Powered Attic Fans Work?

Updated: Aug 12


Attic fans are a lifesaver and budget-friendly way to create a cool environment. We are the most repetitive company selling attic fans. But whether solar-powered attic fans work can also be confusing.


It turns out to be


Yes, they do! These nifty gadgets are like your attic's best friend on a hot summer day. They've got these cool little solar panels that soak up sunlight and turn it into power to run the fan. 


However, how does it work? Let's talk about it in detail:

 Do Solar Powered Attic Fans Work?


So, do solar-powered attic fans work? Absolutely!


And what does the fan do?

It kicks into gear, sucking out all that hot air hanging around in your attic and blowing it right out of there. It's like giving your attic a breath of fresh air!

Attic fans help your whole house stay comfortable. When your attic is a sauna, it can make your air conditioner work overtime, trying to keep things cool downstairs. But with a solar-powered attic fan, your AC gets a break, and so does your wallet because you're saving on energy bills.

How Does a Solar-Powered Attic Fan Work?

Well, a solar-powered attic fan swoops in to save the day. It kicks into gear, sucking out all that stale, sweltering air and replacing it with fresh, cooler air from outside. We're talking about constant airflow, a game-changer for keeping your attic from turning into an oven.


The minimum ventilation rate for an attic fan is about 0.7 cubic feet per minute (CFM) per square foot of your attic space. But hey, if your place has a steep roof or dark shingles, you might need more airflow, around 0.805 CFM per square foot.

Now, when it comes to the fans themselves, the regular-sized ones can handle about 72,000 cubic feet of air per hour (CFH), while the bigger ones can handle up to a whopping 360,000 CFH! Those larger ones usually get mounted on the wall.


Here's the cool part:

An attic fan can seriously drop the temperature by as much as 50°F! It can even cool down the rest of your house by about 10°F during the hottest part of the day. And guess what? When your attic is cooler, your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard to keep things comfy inside.


Here's a neat tip: an attic fan is your best bet if you live in a hot, dry area. But if you're in a place with cooler nights and lower humidity, look into a whole-house fan instead.


Pros and Cons Of Attic Fans

The Pros of Solar Attic Fans

The Cons of Solar Attic Fans

It helps reduce attic temperature

It can increase energy consumption if overused

Lowers temperature in the rest of the

It may create negative pressure in the attic, leading

home during hot weather

to air being drawn from the living space

Can extend the lifespan of roofing

Installation may require cutting into the roof,

materials by reducing heat buildup

which could potentially lead to leaks

It helps prevent moisture buildup and mold

It may not be effective in all climates or homes

Keeps attic space dry, improving

Noise from fan operation may be bothersome



How Much Do Solar Attic Fans Cost?


You're considering shelling out anywhere from $300 to $500 for the fan. Not too bad. But hold onto your hat because installation can add another $150 to $250, depending on your roof situation. Now, if you're a handy DIYer, you can save some cash by doing the installation yourself.


Most attics need more than one but 2 or 3 fans to do the trick.

You're looking at around $300 to $1,000 to get one of these attic fans up and running. Yeah, it might be a bit pricier than your run-of-the-mill attic fan.


These solar models are super efficient because they're powered by the sun instead of using electricity. So, consider it an investment in a cooler, more energy-efficient home.


Looking For Best Attic Fans?


The Attic Depot has your back! We have everything you need to transform your attic into a breezy oasis. With a wide selection of top-notch attic fans, whether you're looking for solar-powered options or traditional electric models, our expert team is here to help you find the perfect fan to suit your needs and budget.


Say goodbye to sweltering summer days and hello to a cooler, more comfortable home with The Attic Depot. Shop now and make your attic the most fantastic spot in the house.




Frequently Asked Questions


What Are the Drawbacks of Solar Attic Fans?


Solar attic fans are powered by direct sunlight—their energy source is the sun. The solar panel needs to soak up that direct sunlight for these fans to work. So, if you've got cloud cover, shade trees, or even a bit of dust blocking the sun's rays, it can dampen their operation.


Are Solar Attic Fans Effective?


Yes, solar attic fans are effective. They can ventilate and cool your attic space when installed and used correctly.


Final Thought


So, Do Solar-Powered Attic Fans Work? Yes, they do. If you buy from The Attic Depot, you will enjoy the best quality and a peaceful home.


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