how does a solar attic fan work?

The solar attic fan is one of the newer technologies to cut cooling costs in homes and other buildings. A single, round unit is set into the rooftop of the attic space. A solar power panel on the top of this flat unit converts sunlight into electricity, which in turn powers a lightweight fan under the solar panel. Whenever the sun is shining, the fan operates, drawing heat and moisture out of the attic through the unit’s vents, located just under the solar panel. As a result, interior temperatures drop, requiring less energy to cool the house or building.

The resulting ventilation from the fan also reduces moisture buildup in the attic, which can damage roof structures, saturate insulation, and promote mold decay and plywood delamination.

Solar conversion kits can also convert any existing roof vent into an eco-friendly, solar-powered one. Solar attic fans are maintenance-free, require no power source or electrical hookup, and cost nothing to operate. Any sunny roof location can help you save money on cooling costs for the life of your home or building.