Going Solar on a Smaller Scale: Attic Fans

Soaring electricity rates have many people searching for ways to cut costs. When you factor in the growing awareness of global warming, it's easy to explain the rising popularity of solar power options. If you are interested in going solar but the costs of a full home system are too much for you, then there are small-scale solar energy options available. One of the least expensive choices that still yields great benefits is a solar powered attic fan.

An attic fan of any style is beneficial in several ways. The main benefit is to reduce your cooling costs by venting hot air out of your home. The attic fan also can increase the life of your roof by maintaining a lower temperature. Another great benefit is that the fan helps to reduce moisture levels in your attic. This decreases the risk of mold and rot developing as well as reducing allergens in your home.

A solar powered attic fan offers many advantages over traditionally powered fans. The most obvious advantage is that you will save money on your utility bills. Not only will you not use additional power to run the fan, it will also save you up to 75% on your annual cooling costs. You will also be reducing your personal impact on the environment since solar power is a completely clean and renewable energy source. A solar powered fan runs quieter and needs less maintenance than traditionally powered fans.

There are two basic styles of solar powered attic fans on the market: the all-in-one unit or a solar attic fan kit. Choosing the right style for your home will depend on several factors. The size and layout of your home as well as your personal budget will all play a role in determining which model will be right for you.

The all-in-one unit is the least expensive model. This unit consists of an adjustable 10-watt PV panel that sits right on top of the fan. This would be a good choice for a smaller home. One drawback to an all-in-one is that it is designed for rooftop installation in order for the PV panel to be positioned correctly. Many people are not comfortable with the idea of cutting a hole in their roof.

The solar attic fan kit on the other hand is much more versatile. Since the collection, ventilation and control units are separate, this system can be configured in many different ways. This model has a 40-watt PV panel so is perfect for larger homes and can easily be conformed for gable ventilation. This setup is slightly more expensive but still will only cost about $500 installed.

As you can see, solar powered attic fans are a great way to improve your home's energy efficiency for minimal expense. The small initial cost is quickly recovered by lowering your monthly utility bills. Most people find the system will pay for itself within one or two years. A solar powered attic fan is a low cost, low noise and low maintenance way to help you save money while reducing your impact on the environment.