Best Solar Power Attic Fans: Reviews Of The Top-Rated Ventilators

Looking for the best solar attic fan from the hundreds of options available online?

We can tell you straight away what the ‘best’ model is. But is it the right one for your attic and your needs? 

You don’t want to end up with a bulky, expensive fan that doesn’t actually do what you need it to, do you? 

We’re going to deep dive into the 9 best products in this space. And with the help of our thorough buying guide, you’ll be able to choose the attic fan that fits your home perfectly. All the while cutting down on those massive electricity bills and saving the environment too.

The 9 Best Solar Attic Fans of 2021

Now that you’ve had a brief glimpse into our top-rated solar attic fans, let’s take a more in-depth look at each one. Read through these reviews of our top 9 picks to find out which fan is the best one for you. But if you’d like to read the buying guide first, click here. 

Remington Solar’s range of solar attic fans is our top pick because it’s easy to install and works perfectly in nearly any environment. It uses an in-built thermostat and humidistat to automatically adjust the fan speed based on your attic’s needs, meaning you can just set it up and forget it.

Best of all, there’s an add-on 110V Hybrid Adapter that automatically switches your solar attic fan from solar power to electric, allowing it to cool your attic even at night or in cloudy weather. Your unit will automatically switch over to solar power when it detects sunlight; all without you having to set foot in the attic to flip a switch. 

Research shows good quality solar attic fans can lower a house’s temperature by almost 20 degrees, perfect for those blazingly hot summer months when everyone’s utility bill skyrockets (1). Here’s what scientist Danny Parker, of the Florida Solar Energy Center, has to say (2): 

Its powder-coated finish makes it hail and weather-resistant. So you won’t have to worry about this product even in the harshest weather.

These solar attic fans come in a variety of different wattages: 20W (suitable for 1800 sq ft attics), 30W (suitable for 2200 sq ft attics), and 40W (suitable for 3400 sq ft attics) variants. So you can choose the one that’s best for your attic.

Remington Solar also offers a lifetime warranty with this product – one of the best in the industry. This attic fan was built to withstand Texas windstorms, so you can live worry-free about its durability.

And since this is a solar product, you’ll be able to claim up to a 30% federal tax credit on this unit.

And in case you don’t like the unit or it doesn’t work for your home, Remington provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. Honestly, we can’t even think of a reason to NOT buy this thing.

Our only complaint would be that the adaptor needs to be purchased separately, but it’s certainly well worth the money. This is a solar attic fan that’ll save the environment, save your electricity bills, and keep you cool all year long. If you’re looking for the best solar attic fan of 2021, you’ve found it.

Small, affordable, portable, and easy to install, ECO-WORTHY’s solar attic fan has been designed to perform even in low light conditions. It’s our budget pick as it offers the best balance of features at a really affordable price. 

Because this attic solar fan only needs low voltage to run, it works just as well on cloudy days. Another great benefit of ECO-WORTHY’s 25-watt solar attic fan is how portable, lightweight, and compact it is.

You can fold up the solar panel and take it with you on camping or fishing trips. It can be installed pretty much anywhere.

This unit has a 5-blade aluminum fan which is separate from the 30W solar panel. This means you can install the solar panel at a place that receives maximum sunlight while keeping the fan over your attic. 

Despite its selling points — and remarkably low price — the ECO-WORTHY solar-powered ventilator isn’t perfect. You won’t find an adapter, thermostat, or humidistat on this solar attic fan, so it’s not a unit you can run at night. 

However, you can purchase a battery for it, which will get charged by solar power and be used to run the fan at night. For this purpose, we’d recommend getting the 50W or 100W variant of the solar panel. 

 If you want to keep your attic cool without spending too much, this is the best option for you. This solar-powered attic fan is also a fantastic option for those who want something small and lightweight that can travel with them.

Natural Light’s 48W solar attic fan is our pick as the most durable product here. It’s built with top-grade aluminum and stainless steel, and it’s powder-coated inside and out for maximum durability in the harshest weather. It’s even got an animal protector on it, so those pesky critters won’t damage it. 

We chose the roof-mounted 48 Watt model as this beast of a fan offers a venting capacity of 1,881 CFM, which is easily enough for a 2,825 sq ft attic. But they do have mounts for gables and curbs, as well as lower watt variants if you so prefer. 

You won’t have to fiddle around with any wiring when installing this solar attic fan as it comes assembled with easy instructions. So if you’re a DIY guy, you’ll have no trouble with this.

The large 48W solar panel is adjustable at several angles, and produces more than enough electricity. It’s easy to install and set up as well. 

One of our complaints would be that you have to purchase the snap-on thermostat separately, but it’s a super useful thing to have during cold winters. You won’t have to keep the fan running when it’s already cold. 

It’s certainly more expensive than some of the other models on our list, but when you get a durable, well-built product with a 25-year warranty, we really can’t complain.  

It has a powerful five-blade fan that’ll keep your attic cool throughout and save energy as well. And with its mounting bracket, you can tilt it at an angle of 45 degrees for maximum sunlight and higher efficiency. 

If you want a solar attic fan that’ll survive till the next generation, you should definitely consider this Natural Light product. With its Florida rating, federal tax incentives, high-quality materials, and generous 25-year warranty, you’ll be able to sleep cool and calm for years to come, and save money and the environment while you’re at it.

The iLIVING Hybrid is a quiet, effective solar attic fan that’s easy to install and offers massive savings to your electricity bill. The polycrystalline solar panel is adjustable at multiple angles. It comes with a smart thermostat with a wide range of temperature settings (from 65-130°F) and an easily accessible enable/disable feature. 

This solar attic fan has been designed and built in San Francisco, California, meaning that you get true American craftsmanship and top-notch quality materials. It’s also the No. 1 selling product on Amazon in its category, so you know other people are buying this too. 

iLIVING claims that this fan has a venting capacity of 1750 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), which is one of the highest of any solar-powered ventilator at just 20 Watts. This means that it can cool a larger attic (over 2,200 square feet) while drawing much less power. 

If you’d like to keep the fan running all night, you can get a separate hybrid AC adaptor to power it. But keep in mind that it doesn’t automatically switch between solar and electric power, so you’ll have to do it yourself. 

The 14-inch fan has seven blades to ensure maximum circulation. It also has a quiet, brushless motor, so it won’t disturb you during the night.

The iLIVING solar attic fan is IP68 waterproof, so it can withstand even the strongest downpours. It’s also ready for add-on features like a screen protector and an on/off switch.

And on top of all that, iLIVING provides a 15-year warranty on your product, so you don’t have to worry about any malfunctions.

If you’re looking for a powerful solar attic fan with low energy usage, you should certainly check out this product by iLIVING. With all its features at its affordable price, we certainly see why it’s the most popular product on Amazon.

This heavy-duty model from Broan-NuTone is constructed with ABS plastic and tempered glass. It’s a low-profile unit that’ll easily fit most rooftops, and look beautiful too. It can withstand heavy rain, wind, and even hail. 

It’s a 28W model with a ventilation capacity of 537 CFM. This may seem low, but Broan-NuTone claims that it’s capable of reducing temperatures by about 20 degrees Fahrenheit even in a 3,200 sq ft attic. 

The solar panel is small, but generates more than enough electricity to run the fan at full speed. 

It has a precision-balanced, 12″ aluminum fan with 5 blades that are designed to maximize airflow. All this means that this unit carries a lot of cooling power in a compact design, so your attic (and your home) will stay cool. 

However, there are a few downsides to this model. There’s no thermostat or humidistat included, you can’t run it during the night, and it’s a bit bulkier than other models. You can purchase a thermostat separately, however. 

If you’re looking for a small and affordable solar-powered attic fan, the Broan-NuTone 345SOWW is a solid choice. If you don’t mind the rustic, functional aesthetic and basic features, this is a reliable, high-quality fan that does the job.

QuietCool’s 40W solar attic fan is another great contender, with superb build quality and innovative features. It’s got a hybrid AC adapter that’ll make it run all day, and a built-in thermostat to ensure proper cooling. 

It’ll help reduce energy costs, as this fan comes equipped with an energy-efficient DC motor. The solar panel is also fully adjustable, so you can rotate it up to 180 degrees as well as tilt it 60 degrees. This allows for maximum sunlight exposure, which will improve its cooling power.

This 40W fan offers a capacity of 1,092 CFM, and can ventilate an area of over 2,000 sq ft. There are 7 blades on the fan, so it offers great wind speeds for better circulation. 

This model is pretty easy to install, and runs whisper-quiet. It’s available as a roof mount or as a gable mount. For most attics, we prefer the roof-mounted option for easy installation.

It’s a top-notch solar attic fan all-around. If you’re looking for an innovative solar attic fan, this is a fantastic unit that comes at a decently affordable price.

Amtrak Solar’s sleek yet powerful 50-watt model is another one of the most affordable solar products on our list. Thanks to its quick-connect wires, the installation process is a breeze, saving you valuable time and effort.

You won’t need to cut any holes in your roof before you install this model. And on top of that, Amtrak offers a free thermostat upon request. 

The 10″ high-efficiency fan is powerful, with a capacity of 1,760 CFM. This can ventilate an area of about 2,250 sq ft, so it should work well in most attics. 

The 50 Watt solar panel is excellent, and easily generates enough electricity to keep the fan running even during cloudy weather. Plus, it’s made in the USA, so you know it’s built with high-quality materials. 

It’s a portable unit, so you can install the solar panel in one place and the fan in another. So this can be installed on gables, sheds, RVs, cabins, or pretty much anywhere else. 

If you’re looking for another low-priced option compared to the ECO-WORTHY, this Amtrak solar-powered attic ventilator is a great option. You won’t get an adapter or a humidistat, but it’s still an excellent choice considering the extremely low price point and great build quality.

Affordable and innovative, Solar Blaster’s product is another solar attic fan that can serve you quite well. What makes this attic fan special is its unique design, which serves as a passive ventilator even when the fan is not running. 

This is just a 3W fan with a venting capacity of 39 CFM, so it’s also the least powerful amongst the other products here. But, Solar Blaster also offers a ‘Mega’ version of this which has a 5W fan with 96 CFM, so you can consider that as well.

Its metal construction makes it durable, but it has an old-fashioned aesthetic to it. Another plus point is that you won’t need to access the attic in order to install this unit. 

This unit has special air ventilation ports along the sides, so it improves the air circulation despite the smaller size. 

The 3-watt solar panel is rated for a life of 25 years, while the fan has been tested to run for over 50,000 hours. So this unit will continue running for years after purchase. 

Since this is a small fan, it’s recommended to install multiple units for sufficient ventilation, especially in larger attics. 

If you’re looking for a solar attic fan that doubles as a passive ventilator, this is a good option. With its affordable price, it’s easy enough to install 3-5 of these on your roof for powerful ventilation and a cool home.

HQST’s solar-powered attic ventilator is waterproof and made from rust-free aluminum for added longevity. The 15W solar panel creates a strong airflow that’ll help your attic stay cool and reduce the moisture build-up.

It has a venting capacity of 860 CFM. HQST recommends having one fan per 1,076 sq ft for proper ventilation. With its affordable price, it’s easy to get multiple of these all over your roof. 

The IP68 waterproof brushless DC motor is quiet, durable, and effective. 

It’s easy to install on normally-sloped, asphalt-shingle, wood, flat concrete tile, slate, and metal roofs due to its compact size. So if you’re a DIY person, you’ll be able to install this yourself. 

That being said, the HQST solar attic fan doesn’t come with a thermostat, humidistat, or adapter. There is an optional snap-on thermostat available, which you might want to buy if you live in a cooler climate to keep the fan off on cool days.

How To Choose the Best Solar Attic Fan For You (Top 3 Tips)

Now that you know the top-rated solar attic fans of the year, let’s go over our top 3 tips on how to choose the best solar fan for your home.

Choose the Types of Solar Attic Fans

According to Energy.gov, ventilation is one of the most cost-effective and energy-efficient ways to cool your home. (3) Each house has different needs, so you’ll probably want a different type of solar attic fan depending on your home’s construction. The primary types of solar attic fans are:

Roof-Mounted

These fans require a vent hole in the roof. The fan is then installed over the hole and sealed with shingle sheets. (4) Roof-mounted solar attic fans do take longer to install — and some buyers choose to have a roofer perform the installation for them — but they’re often more energy-efficient than other models.

Since these are installed on the roof, they usually get maximum sunlight, making them more efficient. Some of them can also be tilted and angled for better exposure. 

Roof-mounted solar attic fans are available in standard and hybrid models, meaning they come with an adapter so they can run on your home’s electricity at night to continue cooling your attic. 

Gable-Mounted

Unlike roof-mounted solar fans, which require you to cut a hole in your proof, gable-mounted solar attic fans are easier to install if your house already has a gable vent. The installation process is simple: connect the wires, bolt the unit onto your gable, and you’re done. 

The solar panels’ placement is crucial in these, as you need to get proper sun exposure for them to work. Angling the panel can help in such a scenario.

A tip for RVing enthusiasts: because there’s no need to cut holes in your roof, you can install gable-mounted solar fans over an RV’s gable.

Like roof-mounted units, some are available with adapters to allow you to run them at night. Some of these have higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) than roof-mounted units as well. 

Portable

Portable solar fans tend to come as two units: a solar panel and a fan separately. These can be installed however you wish, and then connected via wires. This allows for great flexibility in installation – they can be installed on sheds, cabins, RVs, and anywhere else. Some can also be charged with a battery for nighttime operation. 

In addition to their lower price point, the main benefit of portable solar attic fans is that you can take them with you on camping and fishing trips, or set them up outdoors while you work. You can even hang the fan from a tree. The downside, however, is that they tend to be less powerful than other solar-powered attic fans, but they’re still a great option. 

Consider The Venting Capacity And Wattage

Based on your attic’s square footage and the size of your house, you should consider the venting capacity and wattage of the solar attic fan that you buy. To clarify, the venting capacity is the cubic feet of air moved by the fan per minute, displayed as the CFM of the fan. 

The wattage of a solar attic ventilator refers to the amount of power that the solar panel can generate, when it receives full, direct sunlight. So, a higher Watt solar panel can generate more electricity, hence providing more power to the attic fan. 

If you have a large attic, you may need to add multiple fans for proper ventilation as well. If you’re unsure, we recommend consulting with an energy advisor to get your home tested for optimal ventilation and cooling. 

Look for Special Features That Excite You

While a solar attic fan isn’t the most extravagant purchase you could make, we think you should consider the features that excite you the most before spending your hard-earned money. After all, it’s about making your life easier and more comfortable. Features to consider include:

Thermostat

While many solar attic fans come with a built-in or available thermostat, others don’t. Some also have an optional snap-on thermostat. 

Like the thermostats we have in our homes, an attic fan’s thermostat circulates air when it senses the temperature has risen above a certain level. This is particularly useful during winters, to avoid the fan from running constantly.

Humidistat

Perfect for mitigating moisture build-up, which is especially prevalent during the winter months. It uses a built-in sensor that gauges the humidity level, providing adequate ventilation to prevent mildew growth. Here’s an extract from Lennox about the effects of humidity (5).

Humidistats are one of our favorite features because they can also help to extend your roof’s lifespan. 

Hybrid Functionality

One of our favorite features offered by some solar attic fans is hybrid functionality. That means you can use an adapter to connect your unit to your home’s electricity. When the sun sets, the adapter automatically switches from solar power to electricity, so your attic stays cool all night. Some of these fans also include a rechargeable battery that can be used to run the fan at night. 

Durability

The weather can be unpredictable, and the last thing you want is to worry about the state of your solar attic fan once the hail starts to fall. Many of the solar attic fans on our list are constructed with heavy-duty, high-quality materials that can withstand heavy rain, wind gusts, and hail. Look for solar attic fans with tempered glass and a thick, steel body to protect your unit’s delicate internal components.

The Bottom Line: How to Buy the Best Solar Fan Today

In our opinion, you really can’t go wrong with the Remington Solar 20-Watt Solar Attic Fan. With an unmatched lifetime warranty, an innovative design, hybrid functionality, in-built thermostat/humidistat, and the hundreds you’ll save on utility bills, Remington Solar’s 20W model offers incredible value for money. It’ll certainly prolong the lifespan of your roof and your air conditioner. 

Even more impressive is that this fan is rated to withstand Texas windstorms, so you know you’re getting one of the most durable fans on the market. It’s not a cheap option, but it’s certainly worth it. 

But, if you’re looking for something cheaper, the ECO-WORTHY is a great option as well. And if you want something even more durable and more premium, the Florida-rated solar fan by Natural Light is an absolute winner. 

And if you want what everyone else is getting, you should definitely check out the iLIVING Hybrid. It’s affordable and does its job well. No wonder it’s a top seller!

For more in-depth reviewed solar gear for your home, check out our best solar pool heaters of the year, if your pool is too cool. Or, check out our best pure sine wave inverters to buy, if you do some off-the-grid living and need to power more sensitive equipment.

Whatever your solar needs, Your Energy Blog has you covered!