Attic temperatures can easily reach in excess of 150o
Fahrenheit during summer months. By eliminating attic heat build-up, air
conditioning systems don’t have to operate as long to cool off the living areas
of a home, and the lifespan of roof shingles can be significantly extended. By
eliminating attic moisture, solar powered attic fans reduce the risk of
condensation and dangerous mold and mildew growth in the attic.
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Due to the fact that solar powered attic fans are powered by Mother Nature they
require no electricity to operate. In addition, they also qualify for a 30% IRS
federal tax credit and up to $200 in local utility rebates.
Solar powered attic fans can be mounted on asphalt shingled roofs and wood
shake roofs, and because they require no electrical wiring they are easier
to install than other types of powered roof ventilation solutions. A typical
solar powered attic fan can ventilate in excess of 1000 square feet of attic
space. |
Depending
upon the size of your attic you may need more than one fan to properly vent it.
Some solar powered attic fans have an adjustable solar panel array so that they
can achieve maximum sun exposure and power. On some models they can generate up
to 10 watts of power to drive the fan blades.
Solar powered attic fan installation is straight forward and can be done by the
moderately skilled do it yourself homeowner. Alternatively solar powered attic
fan manufacturers and retailers can refer you to a certified installer in your
local area.
Courtesy of
U.S. Sunlight Corp
A product similar to the solar powered attic fan is the all purpose solar
powered ventilator system. It can be installed in both attics and crawl spaces.
With an all purpose ventilator fan system, the ventilator fan itself can be
installed in the attic or crawl space and the solar power unit that drives it
can be located remotely. With a solar powered ventilator fan system, existing
roof vents can be replaced with the solar powered ventilator fan so no
additional holes need to be cut into the roof.
Solar powered attic fans are an ideal solution for attic and roof ventilation.
They protect your home and the environment, are easy to install, and save on
your electric utility bills in the process. It doesn’t get much better than that
when looking for green building solutions.
