Below is a guide where we list the best products, and include buyer’s information on the best fans and vents for the home across several areas, such as:
– The best solar attic fan
– The best solar roof fan
– The best solar gable fan
– The best solar powered roof vent
Let’s take a look!
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Best Solar Attic Fan
Below we list some of the best solar attic exhaust fan models for your home for the roof, or gable, or garage
We also include reviews and a buyer’s guide
Top Rated Solar Attic Fan List
Best Solar Attic Fan
Natural Light 36 Watt Solar Attic Fan (on Amazon) – roof mounted
Best Cheap Solar Attic Fan
There are two cheap options …
1. Durabuild 527S-DUB-106-BLK Roof Mount 20 Watt Solar Powered Attic Fan (on Amazon) – roof mounted
2. Brightwatts 24 Watt Galvanized Steel Solar Gable Attic Fan (on Amazon) – gable mounted
NOTE: the Natural Light and Durabuild are ROOF mounted, whilst the Brightwatts is GABLE mounted.
Best Solar Attic Fan: Reviews
Natural Light 36 Watt Solar Attic Fan – 25 Year Warranty and Florida Rated
What’s Good About This Solar Attic Fan/What Are The Features?
Comes in 12, 24, 36 & 60 Watt models – but, this is the 36 Watt model we’re reviewing
One 36 watt fan model is designed for ventilating 2625 square feet of attic space
Moves up to 1628 cubic feet per minute
36 watt fan model is only for 3/12 to 12/12 pitch roofs (this unit is not for flat roofs or side wall mounting). NOTE – some of the other models can be installed on flat roofs, sloped roofs, asphalt, tile, clay, and wood shake – but are mostly installed on standard residential roofs that are flat or pitched
25 Year warranty on the complete system. As of 1 March 2017, this solar attic fan was offered with a 25 year warranty. Please check the manufacturer’s product information prior to purchasing to confirm this is still the case on the date you plan to purchase.
SHOULD qualify for tax credits in the US – but check in your state first
Florida rated for florida weather (but can be used in other states too)
Installation should only take an hour or two for most roofs
Can also be installed on sheds, barns, workshops, detached garages and lofts
Available additional accessories include thermal snap switch, fire safety cutoff switch, garage vent kit, remote solar panel, flashing skirt for tile roofs
Available flashing colors are powder-coated gray and powder-coated black satin
DC motor
Fan casing is black
More About The 25 Year Warranty
25 years is the longest warranty we could find for any brand or model of solar attic fan.
Perhaps what makes the Natural Light Solar Attic Fan stand out even more from its competitors is that the warranty covers the whole unit and set up.
Other brands mostly offer 5 to 20 year warranties, BUT, will offer a separate warranty on the motor and the solar panel.
For example, one competitor offers only a 5 year warranty on the motor, and a 20 year warranty on the solar panel.
You will pay more for the Natural Light Solar Attic Fan, but considering that the performance for this brand of solar attic fan has also received positive feedback, it’s value for money both short term and long term.
What Could Be Better About This Solar Attic Fan?
Because this fan is high quality, it is not the cheapest fan on the market
Metal fan means it does make some noticeable noise when its running full speed – but it’s loud, its just noticeable
What Else Might You Need With This Solar Attic Fan?
Some people might choose to get the following with this solar attic fan:
Thermostat – Natural Light Solar Attic Fan Thermostat (on Amazon)
Fire Safety Cut Off Switch – Natural Light Solar Attic Fan Fire Safety Switch (on Amazon)
Where Can You Check Out This Solar Attic Fan?
There are two popular models:
36 Watt Model – Natural Light Solar Attic Fan 36 Watt model (on Amazon)
24 Watt Model – Natural Light Solar Attic Fan 24 Watt model (on Amazon)
The smaller model will ventilate 2100 square feet of attic space per fan
Natural Light 24 Watt Solar Attic Fan – 25 Year Warranty and Florida Rated
To check out the smaller 24 Watt Natural Light Solar Attic Fan:
View the 24 Watt Natural Light Solar Attic Fan On Amazon
Best Solar Attic Fan: Buyers Guide & FAQ
What Is A Solar Attic Fan?
A fan system, powered by a solar panel instead of mains electricity, that is mounted to the roof of a house.
There are also garage ventilation fans that are sometimes referred to as attic roof fans too.
Types Of Solar Attic Fans
There are the following types of solar attic fans that are differentiated by where they are mounted:
Roof mounted
Curb Mounted
Gable Mounted
Garage Exhaust Vents
They can then be further categorised by:
What wattage the solar panel is – 12, 24, 36, 60 etc.
What Does A Solar Attic Fan Do?
A solar powered attic fan ventilates, or circulates the air in the attic/air space immediately below the level of your roof.
It moves hot air and moisture out of the attic space.
Which Solar Attic Fan To Get – How To Choose?
Consider the answers to the following questions to decide which solar attic fan to get:
1. What is the size of the total air space (m3) you want to ventilate?
2. What type of roof do you have? (flat, pitched, tiled etc.)
3. Where do you want to mount the fan? (roof, box gable, curb, garage side wall etc.)
4. What size solar panel do you want?
5. How many years warranty do you want on both the fan and panels?
6. Do you want a model that might qualify for tax credit?
7. Do you want a model rated to Florida weather?
Solar Attic Fans Bits & Accessories
A solar attic fan usually comes with all the necessary installation hardware, however some common extra accessories some people get are:
Thermostats
Fire safety devices
Turret extensions
Roof flashing kits
Features & Things To Consider With A Solar Attic Exhaust Fan
What sort of roof can they be installed on? – usually single shingle pitched roofs are suitable
Is any wiring required?
Can they be installed by you, or do you need an electrician and/or roofer to install?
How many square feet does it ventilate?
What is the voltage and amperage of the motor?
What voltage is the solar panel?
What is the warranty for the motor?
What is the warranty for the solar panel?
Does the product qualify for a tax rebate?
How many of these solar attic fans are recommended per cubic metre of attic space you have – do you need multiple units?
Is the running noise level of the motor quiet or loud?
What other accessories are available to purchase for the model of solar attic fan you want?
How To Install Solar Attic Fan
Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for installation guidelines and best practice
Check to see whether professional installation by an electrician, roofer or licensed professional is required
Best Solar Roof Fan
Solar attic fans can be mounted in a number of places – with the two of the most common being on the roof, and on box gables.
Below, we list the best solar roof fan brands and models.
We discuss important features like performance, installation, warranties and more.
Top Rated Solar Roof Fan List
Best Solar Roof Mounted Fan:
- 36 Watt Panel Model – Natural Light 36 Watt Solar Attic Fan (on Amazon)
- 24 Watt Panel Model – Natural Light 24 Watt Solar Attic Fan (on Amazon)
Best Solar Roof Fan: Reviews
Natural Light Solar Attic Fan 36 Watt
We already reviewed this solar roof fan above
Although, as a brief summary, this might be a good solar roof fan because:
It’s made with quality materials and worksmanship
There are 12, 24, 36 & 60 Watt models available in the natural light solar attic fan range – each good for different applications and roofs
Great warranty available on the entire setup
Reports on performance of ventilation and cooling are positive
Rated for Florida weather (as well as other states)
You may be eligible for tax credits with this fan
Installation is easy depending on your existing roof
The 36 watt panel is good for ventilating 2625 square feet of attic space
What Is A Solar Roof Fan?
Solar roof fans are mounted on the main part of a house roof (usually in place of a roof shingle on a pitched roof).
They are solar powered by a solar panel – which come in different sizes depending on the model of roof fan.
Roof fans are one type of solar attic fan, with another common type being box gable mounted solar fans.
Curb and garage mounted fans are less common.
What Do Solar Roof Fans Do?
Solar roof fans ventilate usually an attic space at the top level of the house.
They are designed to move hot air and moisture out of the attic space.
Generally, the bigger the wattage on the solar panel, the bigger the area the solar panel ventilates and the more air (CFM) the fan moves per minute.
What Do I Need To Be Aware Of When Ordering A Solar Roof Fan?
Consider the answers to the following questions to decide which solar roof fan to get:
1. What is the size of the total air space (m3) you want to ventilate? – check how many fans you need for the air space you want to ventilate
2. What type of roof do you have? (flat, pitched, tiled etc.) – check the model you want can be installed on your roof
4. What size solar panel do you want? – how many watts
5. How many years warranty do you want on both the fan/motor, and panel?
6. Do you want a model that might qualify for tax credit where you live?
7. Do you want a model rated to Florida weather?
8. Can you install the roof fan yourself, or do you need a professional to do it? – check the company product instructions, or give them a call
Best Solar Gable Fan
Two common places to mount a solar fan for ventilation are on the roof (usually a pitched shingle roof), and on a box gable.
Below we identify and discuss the best solar gable fan brands and models for ventilating your inside attic space
Below review the best solar gable fan, including identifying important information like performance and installation in the buyer’s guide.
Best Solar Gable Fan List
Best Solar Gable Fans:
-
Natural Light Gable Mounted Solar Attic Fan 24 Watts (on Amazon) , OR
- BrightWatts Galvanised Solar Gable Attic Fan 24 Watts (on Amazon)
Best Cheap Solar Gable Fan:
Best Solar Gable Fan: Reviews
Natural Light Gable Mounted Solar Attic Fan 24 Watts
What’s Good About This Solar Gable Fan/What Are The Features?
Mostly used on residential homes with an existing gable and remote panel can be installed on all roof surfaces
There are 12, 24, 36 and 60 watt solar gable fan models available
This 24 watt model moves 1339 cubic feet of air per minute
One fan ventilates 2,100 square feet of attic space (if you have more than that, consider multiple fans)
Quick Installation – 1 to 2 hours
May qualify for solar tax credits in your state
25 year warranty for the whole unit setup
Generally quiet when running
Compared to one of it’s competitors which is a similar price and also a 24 watt panel – this model/brand ventilates a larger space and moves more air per minute
What Could Be Better About This Solar Gable Fan?
Fan colour is unpainted aluminium – not the best looking colour
Not the cheapest option
What Else Might You Need With This Solar Gable Fan?
Some people might choose to get the following with this solar attic fan:
Thermostat – Natural Light Solar Attic Fan Thermostat (on Amazon)
Fire Safety Cut Off Switch – Natural Light Solar Attic Fan Fire Safety Switch (on Amazon)
Where Can You Check Out This Solar Attic Fan?
View the Natural Light Gable Mounted Solar Attic Fan 24 Watts on Amazon
Best Solar Gable Fan: Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
To read about solar attic fans overall, read this guide. But, in terms of information on solar gable fans specifically:
What Is A Solar Gable Fan?
Solar attic fans are mounted in different locations.
The most common is the roof, but they can also be mounted on your gable if you have one.
A solar gable fan is a fan unit sideways mounted into the gable, as opposed to upwards facing in your roof (which a solar roof mounted fan is).
A remote solar panel powers the fan from the roof.
What Does A Solar Gable Fan Do?
Is ventilates an attic (removes hot air and moisture from it).
Generally, the bigger the model of solar gable fan you get, the more air it removes per minute.
What Do I Need To Be Aware Of When Ordering A Solar Gable Fan?
Consider the answers to the following questions to decide which solar gable fan to get:
1. What is the size of the total air space (m3) you want to ventilate? – check how many fans you need for the air space you want to ventilate
2. Check the size and level of access for your gable
4. What size solar panel do you want? – how many watts
5. How many years warranty do you want on both the fan/motor, and panel?
6. Do you want a model that might qualify for tax credit where you live?
7. Do you want a gable model rated to Florida weather?
8. Can you install the gable fan yourself, or do you need a professional to do it? – check the company product instructions, or give them a call
Best Solar Powered Roof Vent
Below, we discuss the best solar powered roof vent.
The type of vent we discuss in this guide can be used on the side walls of a house/garage, the roof of an rv or car, a boat deck or glass surfaces.
If you are looking for a solar exhaust fan/vent that can ventilate your attic or large areas, check out the information above in this guide that is on solar powered house roof fans.
The roof vent discussed below is much smaller, cheaper and moves less volume of air per minute than the house roof fans.
Top Rated Solar Powered Roof Vent List
Best Solar Powered Roof Vent – ECO-WORTHY Solar Powered Roof Vent (on Amazon)
Best Solar Powered Roof Vent: Reviews
ECO-WORTHY Solar Powered Roof Vent
NOTE: refer to product installation instructions depending on whether you are installing on
A wall
Car/rv roof or boat deck
Glass surface
What’s Good About This Solar Roof Vent?
Can be installed on a number of surfaces and in a number of applications
One year limited warranty
It’s small and compact – you’ll only need to cut about a 4.5 inch diameter hole
Easy to install
What Could Be Better?
Moves only a very small amount of air – ideal for a car or RV, not as good for a house
Fan does not run constantly unless the unit is in full sunlight
NOT for a house roof
Where To Check It Out?
View the ECO-WORTHY Solar Powered Roof Vent on Amazon
Best Solar Powered Roof Vent: Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
What Is A Solar Powered Roof Vent?
A small circular vent installed on the side wall of a house, roof of an rv or car, on a boat deck, or on a glass surface.
They are in comparison to the much larger solar roof fans and gable fans which can be installed on house roofs, and are used to ventilate attics mainly.
What Is A Solar Powered Roof Vent Used For?
A solar roof vent is used to ventilate very small areas by removing hot air and moisture from an inside environment to the outside.
A solar roof vent should not be used on a house roof, as they lack the necessary waterproofing.
How Does A Solar Powered Roof Vent Work?
They have very small inbuilt solar cells, and sometimes a backup battery that power them on some models.
The fan is small and moves a very small amount of air compared to a solar attic exhaust roof or gable fan.
Because the solar cells are so small in surface area, a solar roof vent usually needs to be in direct sunlight without any cover to function.
Solar Powered Roof Vent Accessories
It depends where you install the vent, but generally:
If installing in glass, you’ll need glass cutters
If installing in car/rv roof or on boat deck you’ll need cutting tools and a waterproof mastic or sealant
If installing in a house wall, you’ll need cutting tools and wall plugs
No.6 screws are used to fix the unit.
Should You Get A Solar Powered Roof Vent?
First things first – if you need a roof fan for your house roof, get an attic fan.
Secondly, these units move a VERY small amount of air, and do need direct sunlight to run constantly.
So, for some people, they may be more trouble to order and install than it’s worth.
However, they do provide some air flow and ventilation, so if that’s what you’re after, they are worth a look – especially for glass surfaces, and the roof of rv’s, caravans and boat decks.
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