| When it comes to energy usage these days a lot | | | | attic fans can help reduce summertime cooling |
| of people are looking for alternative energy | | | | loads while at the same time providing ventilation |
| sources and as such solar power is very much | | | | without the added utility load. |
| coming into vogue. At its current level of | | | | Using solar energy to power air vents in your |
| technological evolution, solar power is a useful | | | | attic means you eliminate the need for electrical |
| means of powering small engines to run simple | | | | wiring in this part of the house and as a solar |
| devices. Fans are one such simple device and you | | | | ventilator uses no electricity you are also avoiding |
| will many instances where using a solar powered | | | | any ongoing operating costs. You will find that the |
| fan makes more sense than a fan powered by | | | | equipment costs for a solar powered attic fan are |
| conventional means. | | | | higher than those of a conventionally powered fan |
| Many manufacturers now offer solar powered | | | | (around $200 more) but this will usually be offset |
| attic fans to ventilate and help keep attics cooler. | | | | by the money you save in not having to extend |
| If there is inadequate ventilation in the attic and | | | | electrical wiring into the attic. In addition to attics |
| poor sealing between the attic and the other | | | | you will also find solar powered fans used in |
| rooms in the house, attic fans powered by | | | | greenhouses, outhouses, garages, sheds, |
| electric means can potentially draw air from the | | | | out-buildings, and paint rooms. |
| house into the attic. Not only does this | | | | Retail prices for solar powered attic fans range |
| compromise energy efficiency but it can also | | | | from about $350 to $600 depending on ventilation |
| increase the risk of moisture problems in the attic. | | | | capacity, the manufacturer, and optional features |
| Solar powered fans rely on a small solar panel | | | | such as a thermostat. |
| (typically 10 or 20 watt) to power a DC motor | | | | In instances of new construction, roofers will |
| when the sun is shining. The fans are installed with | | | | usually install powered ventilating units. If these |
| intake vents to provide high-capacity powered | | | | units are solar powered roof vents there will be |
| ventilation without electric operating costs. Most | | | | no need for an electrician to rough and finish wire |
| vents are mounted high on the roof near the | | | | the units. For retrofit projects, a roofer or |
| ridge and are combined with soffit or gable vents | | | | do-it-yourselfer will be able to install a |
| for balanced intake and exhaust air streams. | | | | solar-powered attic fan using conventional tools |
| Ventilation is only provided when there is ample | | | | and techniques. |
| sunshine to power the fan motor. The highest fan | | | | Whilst not applicable in every instance where |
| speed will tend to coincide with the greatest heat | | | | cooling is required, solar powered attic fans are an |
| from the sun and consequently the greatest need | | | | example of smart thinking utilizing a natural energy |
| for attic ventilation. By reducing attic temperature, | | | | source. |