You’ll agree when I tell you Summer is all about sunny beaches, yard sales, lemonades on the streets and watching action blockbusters at home and in the cinemas.
This is the fancy side of things.
People will also agree when I tell them, “While at home, it gets quickly gets hot.”
Yes, we could overwork the ACs and the ceiling fans and burn electricity. What if, we cool the attic instead? We take the heat away and the temperature will not rise beyond a certain value, to begin with.
Cool?
Well, let’s make the deal even sweeter. Let’s bring best solar attic fan candidates into the mix. In this article, you’ll have six of the top models to compare with each other. Weigh in the benefits and negatives to make sure you get the ideal device for your needs.
Not happy with what I have stored for you? I’ve thrown in a buying guide that should help you to buy a new one of your choice.
Agreed?
Let’s jump in!
Top 6 Solar Attic Fans Comparison table
| Name & Brand | CFM | Powered by Solar Panel | Warranty | Our rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Attic Fan by Natural Light | 1628 | 36 watt | 25 year | 4.8 | Check price |
| Solar Attic Fan 24-watt | 1339 | 24 watt | 25 year | 4.4 | Check price |
| HQST Solar Powered Roof Mount | 1462 | 30 watt | 1 year | 4.5 | Check price |
| Solar Powered Attic Fan | 1339 | 24 watt | 25 year | 4.6 | Check price |
| Durabuilt Solar Powered | n/a | 20 watt | 20 year | 4.1 | Check price |
| Ultra Low-Profile | 1339 | 24 watt | 25 year | 4.3 | Check price |
Why Go for a Solar Fan for the Attic?
Fair question to ask! I can always use a regular fan for the job, right? Yes. But why opt for the best solar powered attic fan available? Well, it cools down the attic on hot days. Apparently, normal fans can’t keep your attic temperature below a certain level.
No matter what you do, the temperature will keep rising up. The solar fans are a different story. As hot air rises up, solar fans cool it and place less of a stress on your HVAC system. Cooling the attic means you cooling the upper portion of your house too.
Sometimes, these fans do you a world of good by preventing moisture from building up. As they use sunrays and DC Current; ice blocks and water poodles aren’t that big of a problem. As a result, wooden and steel panels near the attic of your house live to see better days.
Best Solar Attic Fans Out There in 2018!
These attic fans, as you know, come in numbers. You need to sort through the pile to find the ideal one for your rooftops. This is where this part of the puzzle fits. I’ll help you in finding top-of-the-line products for hot Summer that’s ahead of us. You’ll have six possible choices to pick from. Let us dive in!
Solar Attic Fan Florida Rated by Natural Light
In today’s date, finding one best product among thousands (even, millions) is not easy. Every day new products are being launched and one is always outshining the other.
However, from what I have gathered, the Solar Attic Fan by Natural Light could be the best solar attic fan for your house.
It is manufactured with aluminum and stainless, with of course glass solar panels. Natural Light has made sure that these materials are all of the topmost quality. Summer is approaching and the attics become a hellhole in all the heat.
Depending on the space of your attic, one or two such attic ventilation fans are enough. This particular product can move up to 1628 cubic feet of air per minute, and one fan is enough for every 2625 square feet.
This Solar Attic Fan is particularly designed for roofs with a pitch ranging from 3/12 to 12/12. You can easily mount these fans on roofs with the mentioned pitches. Don’t get me wrong, it is not meant for flat roofs or side-wall mounting.
This little fan runs on a DC Motor which is powered by the 36 Watt solar panel. The solar panel can be adjusted from flat to a tilt of 45 degrees. The motor runs on 17 Volts, which on any sunny day is easy to achieve. Moreover, this solar attic fan does not require any batteries.
Thermostats to be used with the fan are also available. Sadly, they do not come with the product. You will need to buy them separately if you need any.
What I Like about the Fan
- Like many of the NaturalLight products, this one is easy to install and maintain too.
- This Attic fan consumes power as low as 17 volts and saves you heaps of dollars in electric bills.
- One single fan covering for 2625 square feet is a dream come true for apartment owners.
- Aluminum and stainless steel construction make the fan lightweight and easy to get around.
- This thing runs pretty on DC motor; electricity is not a problem for anyone anymore.
What I Don’t Like about the Fan
- Apparently, the fan is not that efficient at maintaining a constant room temperature.
Natural Light Solar Attic Fan
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Speaking of that, the second product on my list is Solar Attic Fan by Natural Light. It runs on 24 Watts and has the capacity to cover up to 2100 square feet of your attic space area.
In fact, this attic ventilation fan covers a maximum of 1340 cubic feet per minute. You will not need any batteries for running this fan. It is easy to mount with no need for any wiring. This particular model is designed for pitched roofs. There are other models that will fit flat roofs or side-walls.
This 24-Watt Solar Attic Fan is built with aircraft quality aluminum with a powder coating. It can easily withstand the harshest of weather conditions. Believe me, when I tell you, it’s been tested to be able to withstand even hurricanes.
Well, you might be worried that it might make noises while running throughout the day. Rest assured that this Natural Light attic tool will run smoothly and noiselessly. I’d be lying if I told my readers that I don’t like the “Gray” color it is available in.
The solar panel is adjustable so that you can make sure the fan gets maximum sunlight. A cool attic also helps to bring the overall temperature of the house down. Guess what? It does you to reduce air conditioning costs.
The product is made with a traditional style. I like how the makers combined traditional style with performance.
What I Like about the Fan
- This fan is undoubtedly an eco-friendly option compared to some of the machines you get.
- Aluminum and powder coating combo allows this fan to last for a long haul without creating issues.
- The design is traditional and easy on the eyes of the users unlike other models out there.
- I won’t say 1340 cubic feet per minute coverage is huge but it is better than many “Ceiling” fans.
- One doesn’t need any battery or wiring job done prior to operating with this solar fan.
What I Don’t Like about the Fan
- I couldn’t nitpick it for any faults.
HQST Solar Powered Roof Mount Adjustable Attic Fan
In my solar attic fan reviews’ list, the HQST Solar Powered Attic Fan is a worthy candidate for the “Best” spot. It is an All-in-one unit that not only helps to lower the temperature but also helps to reduce damage caused by moisture.
This HQST fan requires one-time installment. That is, you will not need to take it off when winter comes and it starts snowing. It does not get affected by ice damming during the cold season. In fact, it helps to protect the roof from getting damaged due to that ice dam.
Simply put, this solar powered attic fan will help you throughout the year. It has got a built-in 30 Watt panel that is designed to maintain strong air flow. And a strong air flow means maximum satisfaction in case of attic ventilation results.
This HQST product might as well be the best solar powered attic fan. It’s time to give you the reason as to why I’m so adamant about it. While you can adjust the solar panel from flat position to an angle of 45 degrees, you can also detach it.
Now, how is that so good? After detaching the solar panel, you can mount it somewhere close to the main unit to ensure maximum sunlight exposure. Thus, people are deemed to get the best out of this attic fan. For every 2625 square feet of attic space, one HQST device such as this is enough.
It drives air to 860 cubic feet per minute. The attic fan starts working all by itself whenever it gets ample sunlight. So before touching the fan (during the day), makes sure your hands are covered to avoid accidents.
What I Like about the Fan
- Want an attic fan to circulate cool air and reduce moisture damage? Get this one from HQST!
- One can keep the solar panel flat or he/she can tilt the panel to up to 40-degree angle.
- If anyone wants, he/she can keep the solar panel close to the main unit; the fan will perform better.
- The fan maintains an air flow that will cool the room down without any hiccups along the way.
- People can control the solar panel remotely from a distance to their advantage.
What I Don’t Like about the Fan
- Touching the solar panels at the height of the day can bring about accidents for the users.
- Let me warn you, it is a bit pricey compared to other solar attic fans you’ll find out on market.
Solar Powered Attic Fan – Natural Light
Solar energy is free, efficient and environmentally friendly. So instead of using electric and noisy attic exhaust fans get a solar powered one. And if you are going to get one, get this Gable exhaust vent made by Natural Light.
Unlike most of the models, this is a traditional attic ventilation fan that runs completely on solar energy and does not require a single battery. The 24 Watt DC motor is powered by air flow. As a result, this attic fan is able to produce a strong air current, that not only pulls out hot air but also moisture.
The fan helps to keep your attic from the damage caused by dampness. Moreover, this also helps to protect the roof during the winters. This attic ventilation fan prevents the formation of ice damming and lets the ice melt away easily.
This Natural Light machine thus works for all through the air and that so without compromise. It is very easy to install. Once installed, it works automatically without you needing to look after it.
The main frame and the blades of the fan are all made of high-quality aluminum. It can withstand rain, storm, and even snow.
The solar panel is adjustable and can be set up to an angle from 0 (flat position) to 45 degrees. It helps to keep the whole house cool during the hot seasons by maintaining a steady air flow in the attic. It has the capacity to cover up to 1339 cubic feet per minute in an attic space of 2100 square feet area.
What I Like about the Fan
- If you are a contractor, you won’t get a better fan than this one from NaturalLight.
- Like all the other products from this brand, this too is easy to put together and install for the user.
- Aluminum blades and the mainframe are lightweight, durable, and remain suitable for years.
- This little fan, like the previous candidate, is adjustable to up to 45 degrees of angle.
- Thanks to the motor, this fan can function as both the intake and exhaust fans. It’s two-in-one.
What I Don’t Like about the Fan
- You cannot really install it if you have a flat room on your house.
- Customers have reported this variety of the product to produce inconsistent results.
Durabuilt Solar Powered Attic Fan
I’m not sure why the company named themselves Durabuilt. However, I like to assume that they hoped to build products with durability. Okay, it sounds lame. Anyways, the Durabuilt Solar Powered Attic Fan is possibly the best solar attic fan on our list. It has got all the features that make it so.
Firstly, the fan is really sleek and should go with any modern house. It has got a shiny black body which is square in shape, unlike most traditional looking attic ventilation fans.
Secondly, it is built with high-quality material that is powder coated and oversized galvanized. As a result, it prevents rust and leakage. You will not require any extra assistance to install the fan and can do it yourself.
This Durabuilt product is designed with a quiet, 12 Volt motor paired with an industrial-grade 20 Watt solar panel. Their combined result helps to pull out maximum hot air from the attic including the harmful molds that might cause damage in future.
Thus, the fan also helps to increase the roof’s life. This Durabuilt fan can cover attic space up to 1850 square feet.
Last but not the least, it has got a built-in thermostat. Unlike most solar attic fans, this one can sense the temperature and work accordingly. When it senses that the attic’s temperature is 85 degrees or above, it starts automatically. Upon reaching 65 degrees, the fan shuts off. So, with all these features, Durabuilt has to be the best.
What I Like about the Fan
- Like all the other models on my list, this one is pretty easy to install as well. I had no troubles.
- Let me tell you, this model from Durabuilt is super cheap compared to most alternatives.
- I am a huge fan of the motor quality for this fan. Makers did an immaculate job at that.
- This fan can be incredibly quiet for a solar fan and performance is off the charts!
- 20-Watt solar motor generates ample power for you to save a hefty paycheck when it comes to bills.
What I Don’t Like about the Fan
- One will have a hard time in programming the thermostat of this fan unlike other brands.
- 20-watt fan is a little less than what I’d hoped for.
Ultra Low-Profile Natural Light Solar Attic Fan
Natural Light has designed the Ultra-Low Profile Solar Attic Fan for house owners who feel the need of a lower visual impact. Thus they have come up with a modernized and sleek looking attic ventilation fan that will not ruin the style of your house.
The main frame and the blades are made of commercial grade aluminum and black powder coating. The coating helps it to withstand rain and storms, even snow. And the outer solar panel is fitted in a way such that strong wind currents (like those of hurricanes and tornadoes) will not be able to damage it.
This little fan also helps to increase the roof-life by pulling out all the moisture along with the hot air from inside part of the attic. Before you ask me, this little device is good for fiberglass-asphalt shingle roofs out there.
Installing it is an easy job. The fan does not require any wiring during installation. It also does not require any batteries. The Natural Light Fan runs on 17 Volt motor that is connected to a 24 Watt solar panel. The fan can thus easily cover up to 1339 cubic feet per in an attic area of 2100 square feet.
This machine does not only help during the hot summers but also during the cold winters. During winter, the fan prevents hotspots and formation of ice dams that can cause the roof to deteriorate.
This Ultra Low Profile Attic Fan also supports thermostat, but the manufacturers don’t provide one with the fan’s purchase. But you can buy the thermostat switch separately. This solar attic fan is designed solely for pitched roofs so it will not fit on flat roofs or side walls.
Plus, it comes with a solid 25-year warranty period.
What I Like about the Fan
- The fan features a low profile minimalistic design that most users will love.
- This little device will help you get rid of the moisture you have in your roof and extend the roof’s life.
- I didn’t need my tools for installing this little device onto the roof. It was as easy as pie.
- Even during cold wintery days, this fan will prevent ice formations and water poodles from building up.
- Makers made this thing weatherproof by coating it with black powder and with industrial aluminum.
What I Don’t Like about the Fan
- I didn’t find any fault with the device thus far.
How to Buy One of These Things?
I’ll not be lying if I told you, “There’s a code to everything.” Even when you are choosing the best solar attic fan. Keeping that in mind, let’s explore the codes that I’m talking about. Here you’ll find useful bits of advice which will help you buy this thing.
I’d Look into Quality of the Solar Panels
For starters, the materials that make a solar panel for the fans, play a big part in deciding which fan to go for. There’s no harm in one brand being cheap. But look into the construction and overall assembly time of the accessories. The solar panel, of all things, should be on target with the longevity thing.
One thing I advise my readers to check is how much the panel tilts. The standard panel should tilt for up to 45 degrees. While people tend to tilt the panel manually, I’d very much like a solar fan that has remote control tilting facility.
It Depends on Your Attic’s Size!
If I am more specific, it’s the size. Attics with pitched roofs have different requirements based on their sizes. For example, let’s consider the 4/12 pitched roof for our advantage. One of three things may happen:
Let’s say your attic is small with only 800 to 1260 sq. ft. of space. In this case, only one fan with 12-watt capacity will do the trick.
If you have a 1600 – 2100 Sq. ft. space up there, a single 12-watt device won’t do you any good. Try as many as two with the 12-watts worth of power each or a single 24-watt machine.
From 2100 – 2400 sq. ft. you’d need two of 24-watt machines to keep it cool. Three 12-watt machines do the job too. Beyond that, it is a job for 36-watt and 60-watt tools if space gets bigger.
Of course, there are 8/12 and 12/12 roof pitches too. For those, solar attic fans will have to be different in power.
Take a Proper Look at Your Roofs
Of course, you need to look at the roof size and how slanted it is. I am not talking about that. Besides these two aspects, you need to look at what your roof is made of. Believe you me, depending on asphalt, glass, and brick-made roofs, solar fans need to be different.
Also, pay close attention to whether you need to mount the fan directly on the roof or not. There are some models (or brands) that work better when mounted on the roofs. Some fans can even be mounted on a Gable. Gable mounting saves the roof from any threat of being damaged.
Where Will You Position the Fan?
People experiment with various positions on their roofs. But, truth to be told, not all types of positioning maneuvers will do you good. Instead of dilly-dallying with the positions, take my advice and place the solar panel facing South.
This way, your fan will receive the maximum amount of daylight while the sun burns down. Depending on where you position the device, you can choose from devices with different sizes and shapes.
Pro Tip: Make sure to have ventilation systems built around the fan. The ventilation system should be able to complement the solar fan to the utmost degree. The total system will save you more money than the fan alone. My tip would be to check with your municipality’s tax rules. Different areas provide different tax perks. You’ll have to shake the tree to see what falls.
Always Look for Additional Perks
When scouring through numerous solar attic fan reviews, make sure to pay attention if the fans have benefits that reach beyond the normal possibilities. Spend enough time and you’ll find out that some devices have their uses in winter too. The mid-range fans come with a programmable thermostat.
Fans like HQST come with a unique shape. Also, the brand will cost you a few bucks more than the usual. Yet, you can rest assured of the quality and the hefty warranty period of 25 years. I mean, that’s a lifetime if you think about it! Yes, the warranty is important.
Any fan (solar or not) is not good enough when it makes noises. Try and get a device that’s quiet through the day. Listening to hum-like noises for four or five hours is irritating.
My Concluding Remarks
I think this post focused on Solar Powered Attic Fans will suffice for people looking for a cleaner way to negate heat. Instead of churning through electricity and utility bills, these fans give you a great way of getting rid of the heat.
Want to go a step further? Design the ventilation system of your house based on these devices. It is a cheaper way of staying cool during the demanding days of the summer. If you want me to point my finger at the “The Best Solar Attic Fan,” I’d say it’s HQST from my list. Don’t believe me? Just go through the benefits it offers.
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