High CFM rating, versatility, durability, easy installation, and high solar panel wattage – these features typify the best solar attic fan.
A solar-powered attic fan will be installed somewhere on the roof. This means it will be exposed to the elements – UV rays from the sun exposure, rain, snow, thunderstorms, and wind, amongst others.
For this reason, the right solar attic fan should withstand harsh weather conditions such as sun exposure, impact, corrosion, and water.
Sometimes, a solar attic system might only suit specific roofing systems. This specificity can be limiting, especially when moving to another house or getting a replacement solar attic fan.
Luckily, some products are versatile so that you can use them in various roofing systems.
Our experience ventilating a 500-square-foot room shut out from natural ventilation with the iLIVING HYBRID was impressively quick. We only took 3 minutes to notice a significant difference in air quality.
If its 1750 CFM rating is anything to go by, you can count on this device to sufficiently cool an attic space of at least 2000 square feet.
Away from its air exchange proficiency, we tested its durability. On the surface, it felt tough, especially the steel part of the build.
Going by its IP-68 rating, we could have placed the fan 1.5 meters underwater for 30 minutes. But we opted not to since it was unlikely to experience such conditions on the roof.
However, we poured 1 gallon of water over it for a minute to simulate rain, and the water resistance was more than decent. The aluminum in the build did pretty well.
If you cannot adjust your solar panel to improve sunlight reception bothers you, the iLiving solar attic fan might just do it for you. We were able to rotate the panel within a 45-degree angle.
With a thermostat to regulate the attic fan’s operation, there’s little or no worry about pulling drafts into the attic.
This solar vent fan comes with a 15-year warranty. But it comes short on versatility; you can only use it as a roof attic fan.
Pros
It is a very durable product on this list. It resists water, corrosion, and impact.
Comes with a waterproof brushless motor.
The attic venting capacity is pretty impressive too.
The Remington Solar Attic Fan thrived during our assessment for many reasons. Top amongst them were its many add-ons.
Its AC power adapter ensured we were not limited to solar energy while testing. While we did not need to use it, having it around was assuring.
The humidistat and thermostat offered a double layer of regulation for the solar attic fan. This was also reassuring – if the thermostat does not switch the fan off when due, the humidistat will.
We tried it out in our test room, and the ventilation was about as effective as the previous product. We noticed significant air improvement in less than 5 minutes. With the 1750 CFM rating, we reckon it will do just fine in a 2000-square-foot attic.
The solar panel on the Remington is rotatable at a 45-degree angle. So, there’s no fear of being unable to adjust it when the direction of sunlight changes.
We also tried our rain simulation test on this product, and the results were as impressive as expected. An aluminum, steel, and nylon fan wouldn’t readily resist corrosion.
Dropping it from 5 feet above the ground did not seem to dent it. So, there’s some significant resistance to impact too.
You can get the Remington in 2 colors: grey and black. There isn’t any significant difference between both choices, except for their physical outlook.
Like any solar roof fan on this list, it is not versatile. You can only use it on the roof.
Pros
It comes with an inbuilt thermostat and a humidistat. If you want, you could get the hybrid adapter too.
It is durable – it offers a high degree of resistance to water, corrosion, and impact.
The extended warranty period (25 years) of the Amtrak Solar Attic Fan 50-Watt caught our attention. But the ventilation speed blew us out of the waters.
When placed by the window in our test room, it took about 3 minutes for the air quality to change significantly. Going by the rating, we expected this. Still, it was impressive.
Since it uses a 50-watt solar panel with a 1760 CFM rating, we are confident that this solar attic fan will work effectively in attics measuring 2000 to 2500 square feet.
So, if your attic falls within this range, you might want to add this to your shortlist. The panel is one to keep producing solar power even when sunlight is not very intense.
Another thing we loved about the Amtrak Solar Attic Fan is its versatility. While it is a solar gable vent, it can also be used in garages, greenhouses, RVs, cabins, and many other places.
While this product does not have a built-in thermostat, you can get an optional snap-on thermostat for free. This way, the operation of the fan is regulated, depending on the attic’s temperature.
We should also add that Amtrak is relatively inexpensive, and you could consider it if you are on a budget.
Without a doubt, it is packed with quality features. However, the solar panels are not adjustable. However, you can fit them with mounting brackets to achieve this.
Pros
It has a solar panel wattage.
High venting capacity for effectively pushing warm air out of the attic.
With a panel wattage of 70 watts, we expected the Amtrak Solar Attic Fan 70-Watt to be nonpareil regarding energy production. We were not disappointed – the power generation when the sun wasn’t intense was striking.
Beyond its high solar power generation, the Amtrak Solar Attic Fan 70-Watt performs well on the ventilation front.
We used it in the same test room as the others and got our results in about 3 minutes. This makes it as impressive as every other product we’ve written about.
We didn’t install it, but the installation process looks uncomplicated. You might even be able to do it yourself.
While the Amtrak 70-Watt is a solar gable vent, it can also be used in the garage, greenhouse, or RV. It comes with a 25-year warranty, which is amongst the best offered for this type of product.
While the quality of this product is undeniable, it comes with a panel that cannot be adjusted. But all hope is not lost, as you can get mounting brackets for this purpose.
Thanks to the fact that it comes with a remote control, testing the Vevor Solar Attic Fan was relatively easy for us. Besides that, we were able to try it out even when the sunlight wasn’t intense – the AC power adapter made this possible.
As with the rest, we assessed this solar attic fan in our test room, and within 6 minutes of switching it on, the room became significantly more conducive. So, the 1230 CFM rating is somewhat accurate.
From our observation, an MPPT charge controller was included in this solar fan’s operation.
We tested the fan around noon to see its performance under intense sunlight. Then we tested it towards evening time when solar irradiance started to wane.
The second test was our way of confirming how well the 40W solar panel, in conjunction with its MPPT converts sunlight to electricity.
When we did the evening test, we noticed that ventilation was still pretty quick – instead of 6 minutes before, it ventilated the same room in about 10 minutes.
Like other products we reviewed, the Vevor Solar Attic Fan has a thermostat.
One thing we liked about the thermostat of this particular product is its customizability. We were able to define our desired operating temperature for the solar fan.
We verified its resistance by pouring a gallon of water on the fan over 1 minute to simulate rain. The fan was still working fine after.
Of course, that test is not the most accurate, but it proved that this solar attic fan would not go wrong at the slightest exposure to water.
While we did not try to install it, it shows many signs of an uncomplicated installation – on any type of roof.
Pros
Comes with a remote control, which works from far distances
Uses an MPPT charge controller, so the fan gets a lot of power even when sunlight is not intense.
Customizable thermostat
Rapid ventilation
Multiple power sources – solar and AC
Cons
The instructions could be more comprehensive.
6. SunRise Solar Attic Fan Round Model RFB 1250 FT
The installation instructions with the SunRise Solar RFB 1250 FT are perhaps the easiest to use in this review. Even though we did not install it ourselves, the content we saw was encouraging.
Under the same test conditions we used for the others, this attic fan improved the air in our test room to acceptable levels within 7 minutes. While this isn’t the fastest, it is a more-than-decent output.
It is truly impressive that this fan does that much, even though it uses a 20W solar panel.
The SunRise Solar RFB 1250 FT has a thermostat, which prompts the attic fan only to come on when the temperature rises to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or more. So, it never came on until we got into our test room.
After testing it for about 30 minutes, the fan went off by itself. At that point, the temperature was around 66 degrees Fahrenheit. So, like the others, there’s minimal chance of the fan pulling drafts into your attic.
The SunRise Solar RFB 1250 FT was not too light. We tried dropping it from 5 feet above the ground, and there were no dents. Then we also poured 0.5 gallons of water on it over 1 minute, and it worked fine afterward.
Installing this product is pretty easy. However, that ease might be limited to regular pitched shingle roofs.
Pros
Installation instructions are comprehensive
Efficient and rapid ventilation
Comes with a thermostat
Cons
Limited to solar power and has no power storage
Buyer’s Guide
CFM Rating
CFM rating is the venting capacity of an attic fan. It describes the volume of hot air the fan can push out per unit attic area.
Generally, an effective solar attic fan will come with a high CFM rating. However, the CFM rating is not all that matters. The size of the issues in the attic too.
If the CFM rating of your attic fan is too much for your attic size, it may create negative pressure zones within the space.
The negative pressure zones, in turn, may pull in cool attic air from your living area. Consequently, the running cost of your air conditioners may rise.
So, while a high CFM rating is good, it should not be too much for the attic, or your electricity bill will shoot up.
Solar Panel Wattage
Solar-powered fans depend on the power generated by solar cells to operate. Solar panel wattage defines how much solar power the PV panel of the fan generates.
The higher the wattage of the product, the more power it offers for the operation of the fan.
For example, if you need a 40W solar attic fan to run for 8 hours daily, the fan requires 320 Wh of energy per day to operate. To meet the daily energy requirement of 320 Wh, assuming 5 hours of sunlight per day, you would need a solar panel with a wattage of approximately 64W.
It goes without saying, but the better option for both flat and steep roofs is the product that works for both flat and steep roofs.
Apart from that, certain solar attic fans can be used in other places besides the roof. So, if you plan on using yours in other places, opt for these types.
Durability
Since solar attic fans are typically installed on the roof, they are exposed to dust, rain, sun, and other harsh conditions. If you choose a product with low durability, you may have to replace it sooner than you think.
The harsh conditions will weaken the integrity of the fan’s structure very quickly. Therefore, opt for a durable fan.
Look out for products with IP ratings of 65-68. Also, avoid products made of plastic & other materials with little resistance to impact.
Thermostat and Humidistat
Not all solar attic fans come with a thermostat and humidistat. However, having these features is an added advantage. A thermostat will prevent your solar vent from overheating and turn the fan on/off, depending on the attic temperature.
Like a thermostat, a humidistat will also regulate the fan’s operation, depending on the humidity of the attic.
Flexible Solar Panel Bracket
A flexible solar panel bracket ensures that PV panels are exposed to maximum direct sunlight.
A flexible solar panel would be adjustable over a wide angle (typically 45 degrees). This way, you can tilt the panels into a position that lets them get enough UV light.
What to Consider Before Installing a Solar-Powered Roof Fan
Roof Type
Some solar attic fans are installed on the roof, while some are installed in gables. A gable vent is pretty easy to install if an existing gable exists. But if there isn’t one, you will need a carpenter for the installation process.
Getting gable solar attic fans installed may raise the total installation cost above what you will spend on roof-mounted solar fans.
Unlike gable-mounted attic fans, you have to create a new space for them on the roof when installing roof-mounted attic fans.
Apart from the above, you may opt for a roof-mounted solar fan instead of a gable type if you have a pitched or flat roof.
If your home is not exposed to driving rain, you may get a gable vent alongside your solar attic fan. The gable vent will serve as exhaust while it synergizes with the attic fan to remove hot air.
While gable-mounted fans might be effective alongside attic fans when used as an exhaust, they will do little as an intake vent.
A gable vent would typically be on the same level as the attic fan, so it will not bring in significant amounts of cooler air. Hence, the ineffectiveness.
Roof Slope
The roof’s slope is written in twelfths, with 1/12 being shallow and 12/12 steep.
The steeper the slope of the roof of your attic is, the more venting power you will need to get the hot air out.
Attic Size
Attic size is typically presented in square feet. It goes without saying, but a larger attic will need a more powerful solar attic fan than a small attic.
You can make up for a powerful fan by getting multiple solar fans to make up for it.
The Position to Install the Solar Attic Fan
The position is very vital. Remember, the device will be running on solar energy.
Therefore, the solar panel that comes with it has to get enough exposure to direct sunlight. The operation will be shortened if the panel does not get enough sunlight.
Solar attic fans are often best installed in a south-facing wall or roof slope. Being in the northern hemisphere, most of the sunlight in the US comes from the south.
FAQs
How Many Solar-powered Attic Fans Do I Need?
The number of fans you need for your attic depends on the slope of your roof and the size of your attic.
A quick way to determine the number you need is to calculate the size of your attic in cubic feet. To do this, multiply the attic’s length, width, and height.
Once you know the size of your attic in cubic feet, divide it by 0.7. The result is the minimum cubic feet per meter (CFM) your attic needs for a proper ventilation system.
You can overestimate this value by 15% if you have a dark roof or 20% if you have a steep roof.
Once you know the minimum CFM for your attic and the CFM of the fan you intend to buy, you can calculate how many fans you need.
For instance, if the CFM rating of the fan you intend to buy is 800 and the minimum CFM of your attic is 2400, you need at least three attic fans.
Alternatively, you may calculate the size of your attic in square feet. Then using this value and the slope of your roof, you can determine the number of fans you need based on the table below:
Attic Size (Square Feet)
Roof Slope
800
1200
1600
2000
2400
3000
1/12 – 4/12
1
1
2
2
3
4
5/12 – 8/12
1
2
2
3
4
4
9/12 – 8/12
2
2
3
4
5
6
The table above shows a 20-watt solar attic fan working under regular conditions. It illustrates that larger attics with steeper roofs require more solar attic fans than smaller attics with shallow roofs.
Is Solar or Electric Attic Fan Better?
There is no straightforward answer to this question. The better option of the two depends on the factors you prioritize.
Utility Bills
If your utility bills go through the roof, you would love solar attic fans more than electric ones.
Since solar fans are powered by sunlight, they will not contribute to energy costs. However, electric attic fans will.
Cost
With the proper ventilation, you can reduce winter moisture and the cost of your home’s air conditioning system.
Electric fans are generally cheaper than solar attic fans when considering getting either. However, you may get a 26% reduction on the total cost through the federal solar tax credits.
Warranty Period
Then there is the relatively long warranty period that comes with solar attic fans. A solar attic fan can come with a warranty of up to 25 years.
But electric attic fans, on the other hand, typically have a year’s warranty period.
Reliability
With a solar-powered attic fan, you need sufficient UV light from the sun for operation. Of course, the sun does not shine for long periods in every region.
So, if you are in an area that does not get enough sunlight, a solar-powered attic fan may not be reliable.
On the other hand, an electric attic fan can function without sunlight.
CFM Rating
Electric attic fans’ CFM rating is generally higher than solar attic fans.
Final Take
The best solar attic fans for you will have a venting capacity corresponding to the size of your attic. These roof-mounted attic fans will come with solar attic fan panels that produce much power.
It will also be resistant to harsh weather conditions, have favorable warranty coverage, and come with a thermostat & humidistat.
Every product selected on this list meets most, if not all, of the said requirements.
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Adeyomola Kazeem
Adeyomola loves the purity that comes with solar energy. He believes that with the yellow dwarf star already brimming with energy, the world does not need to deplete non-renewable energy sources. Especially since said energy sources might be harmful to our world.He has had hands-on experiences creating solar energy panels himself and has worked closely with solar engineers. In a bid to preserve environmental integrity, Adeyomola would rather walk certain distances instead of driving or taking a bus. He sometimes spends his free time planting and tending to plants or wondering why we underutilize the biggest star in our solar system.
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