Buyer's Guide to Solar Powered Fans

Using solar energy to power fans in your home, business, or automobile can save money and help reduce pollution. A variety of solar powered fans are available, even including hats with a solar panel and small fan built in. Another option, which is preferable in some situations, is to use a battery-powered fan in conjunction with a solar battery charger and rechargeable batteries. Read on for a look at several different solar fan types...

BOX: An eBay Stores seller with the username solarsales (solarsales.org) offers a small box fan (5.5"x5.5") which receives power from a panel that can be located up to two meters away (about 6.5 feet) from the fan. A couple of other sellers also offer them, but appear to hold smaller quantities.

ATTIC, VENT FANS: More expensive than most other types, solar powered attic and roof vent fans come in a variety of sizes and styles. Some have a built-in panel, while others feature a wired panel which can be placed away from the fan. A column in the Washington Post earlier this month (in response to a reader's question) stated that it may be necessary to install multiple attic fans of this type for it to be effective, but pointed out that an electrician is not necessary to install them (click here to read it).

HATS: Several different types of hats with built-in solar fans are available, including "safari" hat and baseball cap styles. Some can additionally be powered with batteries, and at least one model has a radio built in as well. Clip-on units which attach to an existing hat are also available (try searching for "solar clip fan").

AUTO: Some solar fans are designed to be installed on a car window and powered by outdoor sunlight. The "Auto Cool" model appears to be most common. You can read a review of the "Auto Cool" from another AC writer by clicking here.

EDUCATIONAL: It is also worth mentioning that some "solar educational kit" sets include a small fan, among other items. These usually come with a small solar panel, some wires, and various items which can be powered from the panel (light bulb, small motor, etc).

RECHARGEABLE: Using a solar powered battery charger to charge batteries and putting them in a battery-operated fan has some advantages; the area being cooled needn't be near a window or rooftop, and it is possible to use the power to run the fan at night or on a cloudy day. It also gives you a wider variety of fan models to choose from. Click here for more details on these battery chargers, and here for information on battery-powered fans.

These fans are available on a number of online shopping websites, as well as eBay.com auctions. Some types are available in stores; Lowes offers a solar attic fan, and the "Auto Cool" has been sold in some drug stores. Apparently the solar fans for car windows have been advertised on television as well, but I am not sure if they are still promoted in this manner.