Introduction: Proper venting of the attic is important in two ways. First, inadequate venting will cause heat and moisture to build up in the attic because of the lack of sufficient air flow that will cause roof rot of the sheathing and roof rafters and ice during winter months. Second, excessive heat in the attic during the summer will increase your energy usage for air conditioning. Both of these problems are caused by inadequate ventilation and/or insulation.

To remedy the problem you can increase the amount of venting or the insulation. Another alternative is to install attic vent fans. If you install a fan you are confronted with the additional task of running an electrical circuit to power the fan. Running an electrical circuit to the attic can be a difficult task on a house that is not under construction. Snaking wire up through the wall to attic is possible but installing solar powered attic fans is a much easier solution.

A solar attic fan is comprised of two components, the fan that includes a fan motor and a small solar collector to gather energy from the sun to operate it. The fan motor is a direct current motor that gets its power from the solar collector.

Installing solar power attic fans is a moderately easy task for the DIY homeowner.

Solar attic fans have a built in thermo sensor that can be set to go on and off when the attic reaches the temperature you set for the attic. It will regulate the attic temperature year around by providing additional ventilation. Depending on the sun angle the attic temperature can reach as high as 200 degrees on a summer day which will cause the house to be uncomfortably warm and increase your energy cost for air conditioning.

Solar fans can be mounted on the roof or in place of the gable vents. Either way they are very effective in providing additional ventilation for your attic. The solar panel can be positioned at the most optimum sun angle to insure sufficient power for year around operation.

Attic fan 1 Attic fan 2

Installing solar powered attic fans is a practical solution for improving attic ventilation. Not only do they protect your home from detraction from excessive moisture and temperature they are environmentally friendly as they do not use conventional electrical power to operate. They are easy to install and can save on your electric utility bills.

Most home improvement supply centers sell solar power fans and can refer you to a contractor for installation if you cannot DIY.

Installing Attic Ventilation Fans

Proper Attic Ventilation