With one of the best solar attic fans, you can keep your attic space livable in summer.
You know you definitely need one if you have been sweating gallons while up there, especially if you have converted yours to an office, or something.
Because of its closeness to the roof, it can be kiln-hot in summer. Likewise, in the cold season, it will be very cold.
But why should you even bother? You see, when there is too much heat in the attic, it will eventually find its way to the living room. And it will make your indoor space quite uncomfortable.
Therefore, you need a fan that can neutralize that heat completely. The good thing is that to achieve the kind of comfort that you desire in your home, you are just one solar powered attic fan away.
In addition, when winter comes, the cold air in the attic combines with humidity to start eating away at the wood structure. Therefore, we can safely say that you need an attic fan in winter, summer, fall and indeed, in spring too.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Solar Attic Fans
Making the decision regarding the best solar powered attic fan to buy for your home can be confusing. However, in this section of this solar attic fan reviews article, we shall look at the factors that you can consider before buying one.
The size of your attic
If you buy an underpowered solar fan for your attic space, it will not help you at all. Therefore, before you order one, know the size of your space.
Most 25 to 50-Watt solar fans for attic can work for spaces of up to 2200 square feet. However, if it is bigger than that, perhaps you would be better off with a 70-Watt solar panel.
The benefit of getting a high wattage solar panel is that even with minimal sunlight, it can still run your attic fan. On the same note, the capacity of attic fans is measured in cubic feet per meter (CFM). Of course, the higher the CFM is the better.
Your Type of Roof
This is the second thing to consider when buying attic solar powered fans. For instance, there are roof fans, which you can install on flat or slanted roofs. In addition, there are gable ventilator fans.
Of course, you can modify some of the solar fans so that you can install them where you like. However, it is best to avoid such trouble and just get one that is designed for your type of roof.
The solar panel size and Wattage
This is very important. However, as you might have seen in our reviews, the solar panel output starts at 20 Watts. In addition, it can run all the way to 70 or even 100 Watts. Therefore, for the steep-roofed attics, you need a more powerful solar panel than you would get for a flat roof.
In addition to the size, you also need to check whether the solar panel is adjustable. Most are not, so clearly, this is not a deal-breaker. However, an adjustable solar panel allows you to set it at an angle that can receive the most sunshine.
The material making the solar panel is also very important. For instance, tempered glass panels are better at weathering exposure to harsh elements. In addition, aluminum or steel alloy frames are quite durable.
Finally, from our product lineup, it seems that all solar attic fans come with polycrystalline panels.
Price and Warranty
Here, ECO-WORTHY solar attic fans take the crown for their affordable prices. For instance, you can even find one under $100. Of course, this is commendable because on the other hand, some from Natural Light Solar cost more than $400.
Therefore, choose the one that meets your needs and is suitable for your budget. However, also check the features for it is better to pay more and get more features.
Lastly, check the warranty of the attic solar fans. Most of them come with a warranty of 15 years. On the other hand, some have a warranty of 25 years. A longer warranty is better because you feel confident that the manufacturer backs the product.
Also, some manufacturers offer a trial period of 30 days. In fact, they promise that they will refund your money if you return the product in 30 days.
Installation
Check that the solar fans you want to buy come with installation instructions. In addition, it should be easy to install the entire package on your own. However, to modify a gable vent design to install on the roof of your RV, greenhouse or attic roof, you can hire a handyman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Perhaps you are still not sure how these gadgets work. Therefore, you could be looking for more information. Most first time buyers for attic solar fans ask the following questions, among many more:
How do you install a solar attic fan?
This depends on the design of the fan. For instance, if it is a gable fan, you will install it at the top end of the gable wall.
If it is a roof fan, you will install it flashing right under the shingles. That way, there will be no leakages when it rains.
In addition, you must install the solar fan in the most strategic position where the panel can capture the most sunlight.
How does an attic fan work?
It is very simple. When you switch it on, it will start whipping the cold air from outside and exchanging it with the hot air in the room through the vents. Therefore, you must get a high capacity attic solar fan.
How long can your solar attic fan last?
With minimal care and maintenance and with brushless motors, attic solar fans can last as long as 25 years. In addition, some can last up to 27 years. Therefore, if you buy from a good brand, this is like a one-off buy.
Solar Attic Fan Reviews
Well, there are so many solar attic fans that you might consider buying. However, while what is good for the goose is good for the gander, just because another person uses a certain solar roof fan, it does not mean it will be good for you. Therefore, keep reading these 10 top-rated attic fan reviews to see what can meet your needs.
1. Amtrak Solar 50 Watt Galvanized Steel Solar Attic Fan
When you buy the 5-watt solar powered attic fan from Amtrak, you should be glad that you are buying from a company with decades of experience. In addition, they accompany their fans with the best crystalline panels. Therefore, they can harvest enough power to run the fan motor.
Features
First, the fan is 14 inches in size. In addition, it has been rated for a room the size of 2250 square feet. Therefore, you can find out the size of your attic to see whether this fan is going to be suitable for it. However, this fan is also quite versatile because you can use it for greenhouses, sheds, garages and RVs to name but just a few.
To power the motor of the fan, Amtrak equips this package with a 50-watt crystalline solar panel. While you can tell from the pictures that this is a polycrystalline panel, it still does a good job. You see, polycrystalline panels are usually blue. In addition, their efficiency rate is slightly below that of the blackish monocrystalline panels.
If you like, you may request a free thermostat and the installation instructions from Amtrak. Consequently, installing this thermostat ensures that the fan turns on and off automatically depending on the temperature in the attic. However, the thermostat comes from Selco, which is one of the renowned US brand names for thermostats.
This solar attic fan has quite a lot going for it. However, it also has its flip side. For instance, in rare cases, some users have reported that theirs had the pre-installed solar cables attached backward, therefore making the fan run backward. Watch out for that!
Pros
- Durable all-metal construction
- Works incredibly well with thermostat turning on and off automatically
- Well balanced blades whip the air nicely
- Works for large spaces
- Long warranty of 25 years
Cons
- As usual, on overcast days, the fan won’t be much use. But then, there will not be much heat
- Can take some time to install for an inexperienced person
Bottom Line
With the backing of a 25-year warranty, this solar fan for the attic offers good value for money. If you are looking for a fan that will last decades, you might want to try this one.
2. ECO-WORTHY 25 Watt Solar Powered Attic Fan
By design, this attic solar fan will install on a gable vent. The installation process is simple especially as it comes with all the installation hardware. For instance, it comes with mounting screws, brackets and hinges. Read on to see more of its features.
Features
First, in addition to the installation hardware, this vent solar fan also comes with its housing. Of course, with such housing, bugs are not going to find their way into the blade. In addition, the material used in the fan and housing construction is a steel alloy. Therefore, you can be sure of its durability and you will get good value for your money.
While this is a gable vent fan, you can also install it in other places such as greenhouses, RVs, sheds and so on. However, to do that, you will need to make some modifications. In the same line, if you want to modify it to install elsewhere easily, you might need the help of a handyman. That way, you can turn it into the best roof-mounted attic fan.
The polycrystalline solar panel has an output of 25 watts. However, it works even on slightly cloudy days. For example, if the solar panel can round up 4 watts, the fan will still run, albeit slowly. However, when the weather is completely overcast, it will not work.
These are just a few of the good features that you will get from this gable vent or roof solar fan. In spite of that, it has its disadvantages. For example, it mostly ships without installation instructions and that can be a bother, especially for a first-time user.
Pros
- ECO-WORTHY says they will send you replacements for any damaged parts
- Compared to other solar fans, the price is affordable
- It comes with the installation hardware
- Easy to install on gable vent but can also be modified for roof vent installation
- Keeps your attic cool in summer
Cons
- There is no information about the warranty
Bottom Line
ECO-WORTHY always offers affordable solar products and this one is not any different. However, it is mainly a gable vent solar fan for the attic, so please note that as you buy it.
3. ECO-WORTHY Solar Powered Attic Fan (Budget Pick)
ECO-WORTHY is one of the renowned brand names for solar products for homes. Therefore, this list of the best solar fans for house and attic would not be complete without including one of their solar attic fans. However, first, see the features.
Features
This solar attic fan is made of high-quality material for durability. For instance, the fan blades and the casing of the small solar panel are made of stainless steel. Therefore, even with exposure to the elements, there will be no corrosion.
One of the most important things when buying an attic fan is the capacity. Therefore, with this one, the blades can do up to 500 cfm (cubic feet per minute). In addition, it also comes with a spare blade that you can use to create a push and pull system for faster cooling.
There is also another very important feature that sets it apart from the others. This is the integrated rechargeable battery. This lithium battery charges during the day and keeps the attic fan running at night. Of course, how long it lasts depends on how bright the day is.
Clearly, this ECO-WORTHY solar fan for the attic has many benefits. However, it also has some serious downsides. For instance, this solar fan cannot run and charge the battery at the same time. Therefore, it really beats the reason why it has a battery.
Pros
- Resilient build quality
- The price of this fan is fair
- It is easy to install since the mounting holes are already pre-drilled
- The rechargeable battery might help to keep it running in low light
Cons
- Not good for large attics
- Panel won’t charge the battery when the fan is running
Bottom Line
This is one of the most affordable solar fans for attic, shed, cabin, RV and many other applications. However, it is best if you use it in small spaces for the best effect.
4. Remington Solar 30 Watt Solar Attic Fan (Upgrade Pick)
Driving out the hot air in the attic using an electric fan can really rack up your energy bills. However, you might love the efficient 30-watt Remington Solar attic fan. It uses solar energy and it comes as a complete package, ready to install and use. But first, see its features.
Features
The first thing that you might love about this solar attic fan is that the manufacturer has integrated a thermostat and a humidistat. Therefore, the fan not only whips out hot air, but it will also turn on to lower the humidity of your space.
This solar roof ventilation fan has a sturdy build so that it can last a long time. In fact, Remington has not left anything to chance at all. For instance, even the fan has brushless motors. Therefore, such motors do not overheat even after many hours of work. In addition, they have lower noise levels and they require minimal care and maintenance.
To power the fan, this package comes with a 30-watt solar panel. Therefore, whenever the solar senses sunlight, the fan starts rotating, of course, depending on the thermostat settings. Likewise, even when you are not at home, this solar fan will work automatically.
Despite the many good things about this Remington solar roof fan, there are some disadvantages. For instance, installing it on the roof can be a bit complicated especially if you have to open up the shingles. Therefore, we recommend that you read the user manual and watch the installation video.
Pros
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for a full refund
- Has a 25-year warranty
- Built-in thermostats and humidistats are commendable
- It has lower noise levels thanks to brushless motors
Cons
- Higher wattage would have been better because 30 Watts can only reduce the temperature by about 5 degrees
Bottom Line
When you get this Remington solar roof fan, you have a full 30 days to install it, try it and if you don’t like it, return it for a full refund, no questions asked.
5. iLIVING HYBRID Solar Roof Attic Fan
The iLIVING HYBRID solar roof attic fan has the ability to lower the temperature of space measuring up to 2000 square feet. In addition, it compliments the operation of your HVAC system to lower the temperature and the humidity of your place without racking up the bills.
Features
First, this package comes with a 20-watt polycrystalline solar panel. However, do not let the low wattage fool you because this panel really works very well when the sun is super bright. In addition, the angle of the solar panel is adjustable by up to 45 degrees so that you can catch the sun at its best.
Second, the fan has a brushless motor, which also has a waterproof rating of IP68. Therefore, it will stay intact for a long time. In addition, we know that brushless motors are more efficient, require minimal care and maintenance and at the same time, have lower noise levels.
Third, this fan is designed in such a way that you can add AC/DC features. Therefore, you can have it running all day and night if you like. Just connect it to the AC at night. That way, you will keep the temperature of your attic under control day and night.
The adjustable angle for solar and the AC/DC adapter kit make this solar fan worth having. However, it has its disadvantages. For instance, when you plug it into the AC, that is it for solar. It will run on AC even during the day when the sun comes up. Therefore, you have to disconnect it physically from the AC adapter.
Pros
- It has a smart thermostat to turn it off and on automatically
- Easy installation since it comes almost ready
- You can set the solar panel angle to catch the most sunshine
- AC adaptation is a good thing to whip your attic air even at night
Cons
- Even the smallest cloud cover will have the fan stopped working
Bottom Line
The best selling feature of this solar attic fan is the AC/DC adapter so that you can have it running in day and night. However, to use solar exclusively, the 20-watt solar panel seems a bit underpowered.
6. Remington Solar 30 Watt Solar Attic Fan
This Remington Solar attic fan can help you keep your attic humidity and heat under control. Therefore, it helps to keep your energy bills low because it compliments the operation of the HVAC and Furnace. However, keep reading to see its features.
Features
Because of the ability to lower the humidity and the temperature in the attic, this solar powered fan will help you to keep your home free from mold infestation. Mold likes to grow in dark and humid places. Therefore, for an unoccupied attic, lowering the heat alone and leaving the humidity high is not going to help.
The solar fan also comes with a hybrid adapter. Therefore, this means that it can run on AC or DC power. Consequently, you can have it running all night by connecting to AC power. That way, if you have a home office in the attic, this Remington fan will maintain optimum temperature and humidity all the time.
In addition, you might love the hands-free, automatic operation of this fan. For instance, the humidistat turns the fan on automatically when the humidity surpasses a certain point. In the same way, the thermostat enables the fan to turn on automatically when it detects a certain temperature.
Remington builds its solar powered attic fans well. However, they still have their downsides. For instance, this one will not operate as a solar powered fan anymore when you connect it to AC power.
Pros
- Built with high-quality material to last long
- Has brushless motors which have a low noise level
- Long warranty of 15 years on the fan and 2 years on the AC adapter
- Full money-back guarantee of 30 days
Cons
- The thermostat might not be properly calibrated
Bottom Line
If you would like to have a two-in-one solar powered fan that can also control the humidity of your attic, try the Remington products. The company backs them with a long warranty too.
7. Broan-NuTone 28 Watt Solar Powered Attic Ventilator
This Broan solar powered attic ventilator is easy to install and use. In addition, it does what the manufacturer says it can do. All this time, it works without standing out too much thanks to its low profile design. However, see the features first before you can make up your mind.
Features
To start with the physical dimensions, this solar powered attic fan measures 30 by 7.8 by 5.0 inches. Therefore, you can see that it is neither too big nor too small. It is just about the right size. In addition, it weighs about 20 pounds, so you may need some help installing it because that is some weight. The fan blade is made of aluminum and the casing is plastic.
The solar panel is polycrystalline with an output of 28 Watts. Therefore, compared to the 70 or 50-watt panels, this may seem a bit on the lower side. However, it is still able to power the fan to cool a space of up to 2200 square feet. In addition, the face of the solar panel is tempered glass, which withstands sleet, rain, snow and other elements.
The fan’s design is in such a way that it can stay in its aluminum casing. Therefore, the housing can keep bugs out of the blade’s way.
There are many more nice features for this solar powered attic ventilator fan. However, it also has some disadvantages. For instance, if you have a big attic, you might have to install two or three to lower the heat effectively.
Pros
- Does not require you to cut your roof to install
- Comes with all installation hardware
- Made with high quality and durable material
- It is weather-resistant
- Keeps bugs out of the blades
Cons
- It won’t help in a home that has cold weather condensation
Bottom Line
The Broan NuTone attic fan works incredibly well under different conditions. However, to optimize its performance, use it for the recommended square footage.
8. Amtrak Solar 70 Watt Solar Attic Fan
Amtrak brings you many solar attic fans. The main difference is in the output of the panels. For instance, they have the 50-watt one that we have already reviewed. In addition, they now bring you this 70-watt attic fan. Is it more powerful than the others? Let us find out.
Features
The first thing that you will appreciate about this Amtrak solar attic fan is the fast installation job. You will not need to punch holes or remove shingles on your roof to install it. You just have to connect a couple of wires and you will have it running in no time at all.
Secondly, this solar panel has a high output of 70 Watts and that is big! Therefore, even when there is some cloud cover, the solar fan will keep running. However, the sunnier it is, the faster the fan is going to run.
Thirdly, there will be some humming noise from the fan, but it is low so you will probably not hear it from the sitting room. However, even if you use the attic space, it will feel more like white noise and it won’t bother you too much.
You will definitely get value for this solar roof fan. However, it comes with a few disadvantages. For example, the solar panel installation brackets are too weak and thin. Therefore, you might have to buy extra ones.
Pros
- This package is easy to install and get running
- Good quality build with aluminum frame for the solar panel
- You may order the thermostat to control how your fan works
- Versatility in use, in greenhouses, garages, cabins, RVs, shed and others
- Comes with a 25-year warranty
Cons
- The fan will not work at all when there is cloud cover
- Installation brackets are not good
Bottom Line
This Amtrak 70-watt solar panel comes almost ready to use with minimal installation needed. The long warranty backing it is quite confidence-inspiring.
9. Remington Solar 20 Watt Solar Attic Fan
When you install this Remington solar attic vent fan in your ventilator, it will take quite a load off your HVAC and furnace system. In addition, since it does this using the power of the sun, you will not rack up your energy bill. But first, its features …
Features
Just like the other Remingtons that we have reviewed here, even this one comes with a built-in thermostat and humidistat. Therefore, when the air in the attic gets too hot, it turns on automatically and starts working. When the humidity reaches a certain level, the fan starts working to lower it.
The motors are brushless. In addition, they are weather-resistant, which means that they can stay exposed to snow, hail, torrential rains and winds without sustaining damage. On the same note, brushless motors require minimal care and maintenance.
The fan is contained in a housing, which also serves to keep the bugs and insects away from the blade. In addition, for a little more money, you will get this solar fan with an AC adapter. Therefore, when there is minimal sun, it will switch on to AC power immediately.
There are more benefits and features with this 25-watt attic fan. However, it also has its flip side. For example, it will just stop if there is cloud cover. In addition, you can only buy the 110V adapter that we mentioned separately.
Pros
- It is easy to install this solar fan on your attic vent
- Warranty of 15 years and money-back guarantee of 30 days
- Can switch to AC power automatically if you buy the adapter
- Sold with all mounting hardware
Cons
- You cannot adjust the angle of this solar powered vent fan
Bottom Line
With the risk-free trial of 30 days that you get with this solar attic vent fan, you can buy it with confidence. For the best effect, also order the AC adapter so the fan can run even at night.
10. Natural Light 24 Watt Solar Attic Fan
Natural Light Solar is one of the biggest names in America for sun-powered attic fans and sun tunnels. Therefore, we feel that this list of reviews for the best solar attic fan needs at least one of their products. However, the high cost of this 24-watt fan can be a turn off for many people. Therefore, you should see the features first.
Features
This solar fan is made with high-quality aluminum material. In addition, it can stay exposed to the elements without rusting or corroding. In addition, the bronze color finish makes it look unique and different from others.
The solar module is tiltable. Therefore, you can set it at an angle that will allow it to capture the most sunshine. In addition, the build quality of the solar panel is quite good. Therefore, it is able to withstand sleet, wind and rain.
While this is a 24-watt solar panel, it is still able to do almost the same work that the 50 and 70-watt panels do. For instance, it can lower the heat of an area as big as 2100 square feet.
While you cannot go wrong with attic solar roof fans from Natural Light, they also have their disadvantages. For example, the cost of this fan is almost 3 times what you would pay for other fans from other brands.
Pros
- High-quality aluminum casing and solar panel material
- The motor is so quiet you only hear it from close up
- It is simple to install and it keeps the attic cooled
- Good warranty on all parts
Cons
- Just the cost – too steep for some
Bottom Line
Natural Solar products always give good value for money. However, if your attic is too large, you might require two or three of these.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The best attic solar fans come in their numbers. However, here, we have brought you ten of the top-rated ones.
Therefore, now, it is easier for you to make a decision. If you are working on a low budget, you can get the ECO-WORTHY Solar attic fan. They are the most affordable in this category.
On the other hand, to build quality, you might want to go for the Remington solar fans. Also, they come with a long warranty.
Overall, any solar powered attic fan that we have on this list is great. We selected them after looking at their features keenly. Therefore, any will truly give you good value for your money.