Looking for an eco-friendly way to cool down your home while saving money? In today’s article, we’re reviewing the 5 best solar attic fans on the market and sharing a simple buying guide to help choose the right product.
The Verdict
If you’re here for a quick answer, the winner is the iLIVING Hybrid Ready Solar Attic Fan thanks to its durable construction, smart thermostat, flexible performance, and large cooling capacity.
The runner-up spot goes to the Natural Light Solar Attic Fan due to its remarkable longevity. As for our budget pick, we recommend the Solar Attic Vent Fan by ECO-WORTHY.
5 Best Solar Attic Fan Reviews
1. iLIVING Hybrid Solar-Powered Attic Fan
Specs
- Type — Roof-mounted
- Venting capacity — 1,750 CFM (2,500 square feet)
- Wattage — 20
- Thermostat included — Yes
- Material — Aluminum, alloy steel
- Weight — 30 pounds
- Dimensions — 21 x 21 x 10 inches
- Number of blades — 7
- IP rating — IP68 waterproof
- Warranty —15 Years
Kicking off this list, we’re looking at a top-rated unit from iLIVING, the Hybrid Ready Solar Attic Fan. It’s an excellent choice for anyone trying to find an effective roof fan that’s not very loud, simple to set up, and cuts down on utility bills.
The first thing that caught our attention is the high quality of the included solar panel. It’s made out of polycrystalline and you can adjust its angle to achieve optimum sun exposure.
This unit is equipped with a smart thermostat that offers an impressive temperature control range from 65 degrees F to 130 degrees F. It’s complete with an enable/disable function that you can easily access.
As for the venting capacity, this fan is rated at 1750 CFM. Not only does this mean that it can provide efficient cooling for large attics of area up to 2,500 square feet, but it’s also one of the best-performing solar units powered with only 20 watts.
The iLIVING attic fan is sized at 14 inches and it features 7 blades to offer enhanced circulation. Not to mention, it runs via a brushless engine, which means it’s pretty quiet and won’t wake you up at night.
Engineered and manufactured in San Francisco, California, this ventilation fan is built with premium materials with top-notch craftsmanship. Its components are rated IP68 waterproof, which means this unit can withstand all sorts of weather elements including heavy rain.
If you’re planning to keep your solar attic fan working throughout the night, consider using a hybrid AC inverter kit (sold separately) to deliver the required power. Remember, however, that the unit doesn’t change from solar to electric power automatically, so you’ll need to make the switch manually.
This fan is also compatible with other add-ons such as an on/off button and an insect screen protector. Backed up by a warranty of 15 years, you can have peace of mind investing in the iLIVING Hybrid Ready Solar Attic Fan.
What We Like
- Installation is straightforward
- Features a smart thermostat control
- Offers better control with an enable/disable feature
- Brushless motor ensures a low-noise operation
- IP68 waterproof
- Accepts an on/off switch
- Backed up by a 15-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Manual switching between solar and electric power
- The package doesn’t include the AC adapter, on/off button, and screen guard
2. Natural Light Solar Attic Fan
Specs
- Type — Roof-Mounted
- Venting Capacity — 1,881 CFM (2,825 square feet)
- Wattage — 48
- Thermostat included — No
- Material — Powder-coated aluminum/stainless steel
- Number of blades — 5
- Dimensions — 27.25 x 27.25 x 11.5 inches
- Weight — 29.5 pounds
- Warranty — 25 Years
When shopping for a solar attic fan, a lot of people are mainly concerned with the product’s longevity. If you’re also looking to get maximum durability from your fan, then the Natural Light Solar Attic Fan may be exactly what you need.
This unit is made from sturdy materials, particularly a combination of stainless steel and aluminum. Also, both the interior and exterior are powder-coated to boost resistance against damage even in harsh climates.
What’s more, this solar-powered fan is Florida-rated, so you know you’re buying something that’s meant to last. It also comes with an animal screen guard attached for protection against damage by annoying critters.
In addition to its high durability, this unit offers an impressive venting capacity rated at 1,881 CFM. This means that this roof-mounted model can cool down large attics of up to 2,825 square feet, although it requires 48 watts of power to support such coverage.
The wide solar panel allows you to adjust its position, which helps provide the best possible exposure to sun rays. It can go from a flat configuration up to a 45-degree angle.
Installation is another aspect you don’t need to worry about with Natural Light’s solar fan. The process is hassle-free because there’s no fiddling with components or wiring involved.
The unit arrives at your doorstep pre-assembled, complete with easy-to-follow instructions to make sure you get it right.
Circulation-wise, this Florida-rated solar attic fan is equipped with 5 blades to effectively push out hot air and replace it with cooler air. The number of blades is nice, but for the price, we kind of expected more.
Another bone we have to pick with Natural Light here is the absence of a thermostat. It’s not included in the package, and since it’s very useful in controlling the operation of the fan especially throughout the winter months, you’ll have to buy it separately.
This unit is already a bit more pricey than some of the other options on today’s list. Yes, it’s rather durable and offers a generous 25-year warranty, but a thermostat would have made it perfect.
Made in the United States, this unit accepts fire safety switches that are available separately. Also, if you have a tile roof, you can purchase an additional turret extension and flashing kit.
What We Like
- Made using highly durable materials
- High venting capacity
- Comes pre-assembled
- The angle of the solar panel is adjustable
- Has a 25-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Not compatible with flat roofs or sidewalls
- The snap-on thermostat isn’t included
3. Remington Solar Attic Fan
Specs
- Type — Roof-mounted
- Wattage — 20, 25, 30
- Venting capacity — 1,280 CFM, 1420 CFM, 1,970 CFM respectively (1,800 square feet, 2,000 square feet, 2,200 square feet)
- Thermostat included — Yes
- Material — Powder-coated galvanized steel
- Number of blades — 4
- Weight — 25 pounds, 27.8 pounds, 19.96 pounds
- Dimensions — 22 x 22 x 11 inches
- Warranty — Limited lifetime
If you’re searching for a solar-powered ventilation fan that’s highly adaptable and simple to put together, check out the Remington Solar Attic Fan. This is one of our all-time favorites thanks to its premium construction, impressive features, and competitive price.
Equipped with a built-in humidistat and thermostat, this unit is designed to automatically adjust its speed settings to be in line with the specific requirements of your attic. Not only does this mean better energy efficiency, but it also saves you the hassle of manual controls.
If you want to truly set it and forget it, you can buy the 110V Hybrid Adapter add-on to automatically switch the fan’s operation from solar to electric power. This means you get to enjoy the cooling action all day and night as well as during cloudy weather.
Remington’s Solar Attic Fans are built to last. They’re made out of durable galvanized steel with a powder-coated finish to boost their resistance against hail and other elements, even in harsh weather. Not to mention, the fans were designed to endure the tough windstorms of Texas, so longevity isn’t an issue with these products.
Since these solar attic fans are available in multiple wattages, you can simply pick the one that most suits the size of your attic. The 20W model is meant to ventilate a maximum area of 1,800 square feet, the 25W version is for cooling up to 2,000 square feet, and the 30W unit has a capacity of 2,200 square feet.
We appreciate that all of Remington’s solar-powered attic fans are backed up by a lifetime warranty, which is actually 15 years. Even if you purchase a unit and end up not liking it or you find out it’s not ideal for your house, you can get a full refund if you return it within 30 days.
What’s more, you’ll be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% because this is a solar-powered item. Many reasons make Remington Solar Attic Fans a great option, but we wish that the package included the adapter as well. Still, we can’t really complain given the price.
What We Like
- Feature an integrated humidistat and thermostat
- Backed up by a 15-year warranty
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Available in multiple wattages
- Made to endure Texas windstorms
What We Don’t Like
- May produce a clicking sound when not fully exposed to sunlight
- Some reports of the built-in thermostat starting too soon
4. ECO-WORTHY Solar Attic Vent Fan
Specs
- Type — Portable
- Venting capacity — 1,960 CFM (2200 square feet)
- Wattage — 25
- Thermostat — No
- Material — Aluminum alloy and steel
- Number of blades — 5
- Weight — 13.47 pounds
- Dimensions — 27.8 x 13.8 x 0.7 inches (open), 13.8 x 13.8 x 1.5 inches (folded)
- Warranty — 25 Years
Next up, we have the compact Solar Attic Vent Fan by ECO-WORTHY. This unit is small and portable, so it’s ideal for smaller homes and people who move a lot. Not to mention, it’s quite affordable compared to other candidates on our list, so it’s a terrific option for shoppers on a budget.
Another thing that makes this fan stand out among competitors is how efficiently it performs in low-light conditions. It’s designed to operate at a voltage as low as 4V, so it can still provide impressive cooling in cloudy weather.
Weighing just under 13.5 pounds, this unit is very lightweight and easy to transport. Not to mention, it folds down to dimensions of 13.8 x 13.8 x 1.5 inches, which deems it highly portable.
You can simply pack it on your next camping trip and install it practically anywhere you need. It’s even equipped with 5 aluminum blades that you can detach from the solar panel, allowing you to place the 30-watt panel in a spot with maximum sun exposure while the fan stays above the attic.
Unfortunately, the lower price tag of this solar-powered ventilator does mean you’ll sacrifice a few features. For example, the package doesn’t come with a thermostat or an electric inverter. It also doesn’t include a humidistat or a screen guard to fight off animals.
Also, this fan is completely powered by solar energy; it’s not compatible with adapters. If you want to run it at night, you’ll have to buy a spare battery and let it charge via the solar panel then hook it to the unit when it gets dark outside.
What We Like
- Very portable
- Foldable, compact design
- Suitable for low light conditions
- Affordable price
What We Don’t Like
- Limited add-ons
- No instruction included
5. Broan-NuTone 345SOWW Solar Attic Fan
Specs
- Type — Surface-mounted
- Venting capacity — 537 CFM (3,200 cubic feet)
- Wattage — 28
- Thermostat — No
- Material — ABS plastic and tempered glass
- Number of Blades — 5
- Weight — 20.7 pounds
- Dimensions — 2.6 x 2.4 x 0.8 inches
- Warranty — 6 Years
Last but not least, we have a highly capable unit from Broan-NuTone. The 345SOWW Solar Attic Fan features a durable ABS plastic/tempered glass construction, built to withstand heavy use and harsh weather elements including rain, hail, and wind.
Thanks to its low profile, this unit is compatible with just about any rooftop, all the while looking stylish. The solar panel is on the compact side, but it produces plenty of electricity to operate the fan at maximum speed.
This 28-watt model is meant to provide ventilation for attics up to 3,200 cubic feet with a 537 CFM capacity. Additionally, it runs a 12-inch aluminum fan with 5 blades to support efficient air circulation.
The Broan-NuToan surely is a powerhouse, but it does come with a few drawbacks. For example, the package doesn’t offer a thermostat or humidistat.
Also, this unit runs solely on solar energy and isn’t compatible with AC inverters. This means that you can’t use it at night unless you have a backup battery that was charged via sunrays beforehand.
What We Like
- Low profile design
- Compact dimensions
- Stylish look
- Rugged construction
What We Don’t Like
- Can be noisy when running at full power
- Plastic materials
Choosing the Best Solar Attic Fan
The following are the most important points to consider when choosing a solar-powered ventilation fan:
Type
First, you need to figure out which type is most suitable for your cooling requirements:
- Roof-mounted fans: installation calls for making a hole in the roof and sealing using shingle sheets.
- Gable-mounted fans: easier installation; doesn’t require a hole in the roof, just a gable vent.
- Portable fans: here, the fan is separate from the solar panel, which makes for a much more flexible installation. They tend to be less powerful than other types.
Venting Capacity
The ideal venting capacity is calculated according to the area of your attic and the size of your home. It’s referred to as CFM; cubic feet of air the fan displaces in one minute.
The larger the parameters of calculation, the higher CFM you’ll need.
Wattage
A solar fan’s wattage is the power generated by the solar panel when exposed to direct sun rays. The higher the wattage, the more power it can produce.
Additional Features
- Thermostat — it triggers the circulation of air upon detecting a rise in temperature above a specific level, which is especially handy in the winter to save energy.
- Humidistat — it reduces the build-up of moisture via an integrated sensor that controls humidity levels to prevent the occurrence of mildew.
- Hybrid — allows the fan to run using both solar and electric energy.
Wrap Up
The best solar attic fan will cool down the temperature inside your home while reducing your electricity bills and supporting the environment. As you can tell, there are several types and features to consider, so make sure you choose carefully to get maximum ventilation efficiency.