Learn about Solar Attic Fans - Solar Attic Fan Selection Guide
A solar attic fan is installed in your attic to keep it cool, thus cooling your home. It is entirely self-powered through sunlight, so there is no need for wiring and no additional electrical load. We carry a broad selection of fans from the three leading manufacturers in the industry,
Attic Breeze
,
SunRise Solar
, and
Natural Light
.
There are three types of fans depending on where it will be installed. If you have a shingle roof you will need a
self flashing attic fan
. If you have a flat or tile roof, a
curb mount attic fan
is the type to use. For mounting an attic fan below the roofline, use a
gable mount attic fan
.
By investing in a Solar Attic Fan, you will save on your electricity bill by reducing air conditioner workload, prevent moisture buildup in your attic (ie. mold), and increase the lifetime of your roof. Plus, because these fans are solar operated they are easily installed and don't even need to be tied into your existing electrical grid.
Federal Tax Rebate Program:
There are many government tax incentives offered for qualified photovoltaic equipment such as solar attic fans. All customers qualify for the federal tax credit of 30% on the purchase and installation cost of a solar attic fan, and in some areas you can receive even more in localized incentives. For the federal tax rebate, see the form to the right. To learn out more about your localized incentives, see the DSIRE Tax Credit Database or call us at 888-899-3509.
Attic temperatures can exceed 160F during hot summer days. Using appropriate attic ventilation can reduce those temperatures by up to 50F. Regardless of how much insulation is in the attic, heat can still transfer into local living spaces. As solar attic fans expel heat, the work load of the air conditioning system is reduced, which conserves energy and increases your air conditioner's life span.
Prevent Moisture Build Up
Unwanted moisture can seep into the attic through ceiling light fixtures, bathroom exhaust fans, and other possible leaks and cracks in the ceiling. Moisture condensing on the framing members and the inside of the roof deck can cause mold, mildew and rot to grow in the roof deck and framing. Proper ventilation with a solar attic fan will reduce moisture build up and can help prevent these problems.
Increase the Lifetime of Your Roof
Although asphalt shingles are manufactured to endure abuse from the sun for several years, an overheated, under ventilated attic exposes them to preventable heat and damage. Your attic temperatures will be reduced with a solar attic fan thereby increasing the lifespan of your roof.
This is a great video about
solar attic fans and how to install
them.
Solar powered attic fans do their job better than
conventional, electrically powered fans. They use no extra energy; in
fact they use the same solar energy that heats the house to keep the
house cooler. Their electric motors are virtually silent and they need
no extra wiring, and no additional circuit breakers for installation.
Since they are not connected to your homes electric power system, a
licensed electrician is not needed for installation. There are no
hidden costs with installation or during operation.
