Best Solar Power Attic Fans: Reviews of the top-rated vents

Did you know you can lower the temperature of your boiling hot attic without raising your electricity bill? (1)

Finding the best solar attic fan for your needs can be daunting, but we’ve rounded up our top 13 picks to aid your search. We’ll review each model, share what you need to know before you buy a solar attic fan, and then we’ll wrap it all up with our bottom line.

Quick Comparison of our Top Picks:

1. Remington Solar 20-Watt (Best Overall): Hail and weather resistant, this 20-watt solar attic fan from Remington Solar’s Builder Series is our top pick.
2. iLiving Hybrid Ready Smart Exhaust (Budget Pick): Small but mighty, this solar attic fan from iLiving is our top budget-friendly pick to buy.
3. Remington Solar 40-Watt (Best 40w Fan): If you need an extra kick from higher wattage, but you want the same reliable hail and weather resistant construction, Remington Solar’s 40-watt option is our choice.
4. Natural Light 36-Watt (Best Warranty Pick): For those who want the security of knowing their investment is backed by a solid warranty, Natural Light’s solar fan is our pick thanks to its 25-year limited warranty on the entire unit.
5. Remington Solar 30-Watt (Best for Small/Medium Spaces): If you have limited space, our pick is Remington Solar’s 30-Watt Solar Attic fan, which is powerful without being bulky.

Solar Attic Fan Reviews

Now that you’ve had a brief glimpse into our top solar attic fans, let’s take a more in depth look at them one by one. Read through our reviews of our top 13 picks to find out which fan is the best one for you.

1. Remington Solar 20-Watt (Best Overall)

With a built-in humidistat and thermostat, Remington Solar’s 20-Watt Solar Attic Fan is our top pick because it works perfectly in nearly any environment. It adjusts automatically based on your attic’s needs.

Best of all, there’s an add-on 110v Hybrid Adapter available that automatically switches your solar attic fan from solar power to electric, allowing it to cool your attic at night. Your fan 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 it can lower the temperature of a house even without using air conditioning, perfect for those blazingly hot summer months when everyone’s utility bill skyrockets. It’s also hail and weather resistant, so you won’t have to worry about your fan regardless of inclement weather. Remington Solar’s warranty is also one of the best in the industry.

Our only complaint is that the adaptor needs to be purchased separately, but it’s well worth it for the money you’ll save in the long run. Ultimately, if you’re looking for the best solar attic fan of the year, this is our top pick to buy.

2. iLIVING Hybrid Ready Smart Exhaust (Budget Pick)

This quiet, effective solar attic fan is easy to install and offers massive savings without you having to pay an enormous amount of money. The polycrystalline solar panel is adjustable and adjustable, and you also have plenty of control over this fan. It comes with a smart thermostat that has a wide range of temperature settings (from 65-130F), and an easily accessible enable/disable feature.

The iLIVING solar attic fan is waterproof and has a quiet, brushless motor. It’s also ready for add-on features like a screen protector, an adapter, and an on/off switch. Best of all, iLiving provides a 15-year warranty on your fan.

3. Remington Solar 40-Watt (Best 40w Fan)

This powerful but quiet 40w solar attic fan from Remington Solar can reduce the temperature of your attic and lower the risk of moisture damage to your roof. It comes with a hybrid adapter that allows your solar attic fan to work at night, so your attic stays cool 24/7. Remington Solar’s fan has a brushless motor, which turns without creating friction. This amazing feature means your fan will probably last longer than many other models.

Remington Solar’s attic fan was built to withstand Texas windstorms, so you’ll have peace of mind that you’re getting a durable product. Also, Remington Solar stands by the quality of their products. They provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, and the fan itself is covered by a generous 15-year warranty.

4. Natural Light 36-Watt (Best Warranty Pick)

If you want a solar attic fan backed by one of the best warranties available, Natural Light’s 36w fan might be the one for you. The entire unit offers a generous 25-year limited warranty, which exceeds many warranties offered by some solar attic fan manufacturers — if they offer a warranty at all.

You won’t have to fiddle around with any wiring when you install this solar attic fan, but you’ll have to purchase the available snap-on thermostat separately. It’s also much more expensive than some of the other models on our list, but when Natural Light offers such a lengthy warranty, it might be worth it for those who want more peace of mind.

5. Remington Solar 30-Watt (Best for Small/Medium Spaces)

This small but mighty 30-watt model can reduce your indoor temperature from nearly 100 degrees to roughly 80 without even having to turn on the air conditioner. Like other Remington Solar Builder Series units, it includes an adaptor so your fan can run at night off of your home’s electricity. Then, you’ll get the same durable body offered by other Remington Solar models, a must-have feature if you live in an area that sees a lot of rain or hail.

While the fan is effective at cooling your attic, it won’t pull the cool air from other areas of your home, which can be especially problematic in small or medium spaces. The only downside we can see with this one is that it takes most people over an hour to install, but it’s a small price to pay for a truly incredible solar fan.

6. Remington Solar 25-Watt

Remington Solar’s 25w solar attic fan has a built-in thermostat and humidistat to reduce heat and moisture. The thermostat and humidistat adjust automatically, so you won’t have to climb a ladder to adjust anything during the day. There is a hybrid adapter available if you want to run your unit 24/7, but it has to be purchased separately.

This quiet, dependable model also comes with a 15-year limited warranty, so you won’t have to worry about losing your money if your fan stops working. However, the fan can be a tad more tricky to install than our previously reviewed models, so it’s best to read the instruction manual thoroughly before you get started.

7. Broan-NuTone 345SOWW Surface Mount

This heavy-duty model from Broan-NuTone, constructed with ABS plastic and tempered glass, can withstand heavy rain, wind, and even hail. Capable of reducing temperatures by at least 20 degrees, this rugged model can hold up well over time, helping you save money on cooling your home during hot summer months.

But there are a few downsides with this model. There’s no thermostat or humidistat, you can’t run it during the night, and it’s bulkier than other models. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, there are more attractive units available for a similar or lower price point. However, that being said, if you don’t mind its more rustic design and basic features, it’s a solid, high-quality fan.

8. Natural Light 36-Watt

Offering a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty, Natural Light’s 36w model is easy to install. It has a powerful, five-blade fan that will keep your attic cool and save energy. Natural Light offers an available, snap-on thermostat, which is great for cooler months. There’s even a protective screen to keep animals from climbing inside. It also comes with a 25-year warranty.

However, some buyers find it difficult to install and contract the help of a roofer, which will cost extra. That doesn’t mean you can’t install it by yourself. If you don’t mind a bit of a challenge, Natural Light’s 36-watt model is a high-quality product backed by a fantastic warranty.

9. QuietCool 40-Watt

QuietCool’s 40w solar attic fan can help reduce energy costs, as it comes equipped with an energy-efficient DC motor and a preset thermostat. This fan comes with an inverter, so you can keep your attic cool day and night. The solar panel is also fully adjustable, so you can rotate it up to 180 degrees as well as tilt it 60 degrees.

This model is easy to install and whisper-quiet, but it’s a bit expensive considering there’s no humidistat. It’s a top-notch solar fan all-around, but it does lack an important feature we prefer to see in our fans. If you don’t care about measuring your humidity level, this is a fantastic unit for a decent price.

10. HQST Solar Powered Attic Fan

HQST’s solar attic fan is waterproof and made from rust-free aluminium for added longevity. The 15w panel creates strong air flow. This helps your attic stay cool, reduces moisture build-up, and creates proper ventilation. This model is quiet, durable, and effective. It’s also relatively inexpensive, making it a great option for those with a tight budget.

That being said, the HQST solar attic fan doesn’t come with a thermostat, humidistat, or an adapter. There is an optional snap-on thermostat available, which you might want to buy if you live in a cooler climate, but we don’t like the additional cost. The installation process is also a tad more time-consuming relative to other models higher on this list. That being said, it’s still a great model to buy.

11. Amtrak Solar 50-Watt

Amtrak Solar’s sleek yet powerful 50-watt model is one of the most affordable on our list. Thanks to its quick-connect wires, the installation process is a breeze, which saves you valuable time and effort. You won’t need to cut any holes in your roof before you install this model. We also like that they offer a free thermostat upon request.

However, Amtrak Solar’s 50-Watt Solar Attic Fan is a little short on features. There’s no warranty available with this fan. You won’t get an adapter or a humidistat, but it’s still an excellent choice considering the extremely low price point.

12. ECO-WORTHY 25-Watt

Small, affordable, portable, and easy to install, ECO-WORTHY’s solar attic fan was designed to perform even in low light conditions. Because this 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 lightweight and compact it is. You can take it with you on camping or fishing trips or use it while you do yard work.

Despite its selling points — and remarkably low price — the ECO-WORTHY solar fan 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. This solar powered attic fan is a fantastic option for those who want something small and lightweight that can travel with them.

13. Solar Blaster 3-Watt

Affordable but clunky, Solar Blaster’s option is another basic solar attic fan without many features. Its metal construction makes it durable, but this old-fashioned unit might look unsightly on your rooftop. You won’t need to access the attic in order to install this one.

On the other hand, the manufacturer recommends 3-5 vents for the average size home, meaning you’ll have several unattractive boxes dotting your rooftop. That’s not to say Solar Blaster’s fan is a bad product. However, considering how many units they recommend installing and the model’s cumbersome shape, there are definitely better options available.

Buyers Guide (Top 3 Tips – How to Buy the Best Solar Fan / Vent for You)

Now that you’ve seen our in-depth reviews with our top 13 best solar attic fans of the year, let’s go over our top 3 tips on how to buy the best solar fan for you to further aid your search.

1. Know the Different 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. (2) Each home has different needs, so you’ll probably want a different type of solar attic fan depending on the construction of your home. Some of the types of solar attic fans include:

Roof-Mounted

These fans require a vent hole in the roof. The fan is then installed over the hole and sealed with shingle sheets. (3) 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.

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. The installation process is simple: connect the wires, bolt the unit onto your gable, and you’re done.

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, and others don’t have them.

Portable

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 trips, fishing trips, or set them up outdoors while you work. You can even hang the fan from a tree. The downside is that they tend to be less powerful than other solar-powered attic fans, but they’re still a great option.

2. 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. Features to consider include:

Thermostat

While many solar attic fans come with a built-in or available thermostat, others don’t. 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. It might not be essential depending on personal preference and the climate where you live, but a thermostat can help protect the shingles on your roof from overheating.

Humidistat

Perfect for mitigating moisture build-up, which is especially prevalent during the winter months, a humidistat works similarly to a thermostat. It uses a built-in sensor that gauges the humidity level rather than the temperature, providing adequate ventilation to prevent mildew growth. (4)

Humidistats are one of our favorite features because they can 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 unin to your home’s electricity. When the sun sets, the adapter automatically switches from solar power to electricity, so your attic stays cool, and you save energy.

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 materials that can withstand heavy rain, wind gusts, and hail. Look for solar attic fans with tempered glass and a thick body to protect your unit’s delicate internal components.

For example, our top pick, the Remington Solar 20-Watt Solar Attic Fan, comes with a Texas Windstorm document certifying its durability in the face of inclement weather. (The same holds true for the other Remington Solar models on our list.) Broan-NuTone’s unit is made with heavy-duty ABS plastic and tempered glass to protect it from the elements.

In the end, durability should be high on your list of factors when selecting a solar attic fan, solar gate opener, or any other outdoor solar product that will be exposed to the elements.

3. Find the Top Deal for You

What makes a purchase a “good deal?” The most important aspect of a good deal is value for money, in our books. Whether you’re purchasing a solar attic fan, solar powered dusk to dawn light, or pretty much any solar product – if it is high-quality, performs well, and you’re ultimately satisfied with your purchase, you got a good deal no matter what you paid for the item. That being said, we also think there are several other important factors that go into it, such as:

Warranty

Not all of the products on our list offer warranties, but some of the very best ones do. It’s always recommended to go with products with longer warranties, and from trusted manufacturers that honor them. Remington Solar and Natural Light offer the best warranties on our list. Natural Light’s 25-year warranty is especially generous.

Shipping

When you purchase an item online, as you probably know, it’s crucial to factor in its total shipping costs before you buy, especially with heavier items like solar attic fans. Finding a solar attic fan with the option for free shipping is a great opportunity to help you get a higher ROI, so we’ve made sure to include as many as possible on our list.

Limited Time Deals

Solar attic fans occasionally go on sale for a limited time only. Using a price drop alert tool is a great way of knowing when an item you have on your wishlist goes on sale. (5) The process is simple: you create a free account, install the browser extension, add the item to your alerts, and you’ll be notified when there’s a limited time deal. You’ll save money on the cost of your purchase, and your purchase will save you money in the long term.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to install another browser extension to find limited time deals on great solar products like solar attic fans, you can bookmark or favorite YourEnergyBlog.com to always keep tabs on the hottest deals in the solar industry. From deals on the the best solar attic fans to the best solar post lights, and everything in-between – we got you covered.

Final Price

There are a few things that contribute to the final price of your unit. Sales tax, shipping costs, the price of add-on accessories, the potential cost of hiring a professional to install your solar attic fan, and the number of fans you need can all add up. Despite the cost, installing a solar attic fan will save you money in the long run, so we think it’s a worthwhile investment.

FAQ

If you’ve only recently discovered solar attic fans, you might have a few questions you’d like answered before you make a purchase. We believe in providing thorough solar attic fan reviews, so we’ve researched the most commonly asked questions and answered them for you.

Do attic fans really help?

Yes, they do! According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, attic fans can reduce the temperature of your attic by 10 to 25 degrees. (6) Heat rises, and attic fans work by pushing the hot air from your home and drawing in cooler air from outside. Even if the temperature outside is scorching hot, air circulation has a cooling effect that can take your attic from stifling to comfortably warm.

While some attics have ample vents and additional ventilation built-in, adding an attic fan will help to further cool off your space, reducing the amount of energy needed to keep the rest of your home cool.

Do solar attic fans save money?

We all know the old adage, “when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.” While that’s usually true, it isn’t in the case of solar attic fans. They really do save you money. According to a recent study, solar attic fans can help you save money in a variety of ways. (7) They can:

• Extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit by reducing strain
• Protect your roof by eliminating excess heat and moisture
• Lower utility bills by requiring less electricity to cool your attic
• Cost much less than installing a secondary air conditioning unit in your home

Installing a solar attic fan can cost several hundred dollars, but it’s well worth the initial cost when you consider that you’ll save thousands of dollars annually. Only you can decide what’s right for your home, but we strongly recommend installing a solar attic fan if you’ve done your research.

How many solar attic fans do I need?

The short answer is, “It depends.” The long answer is that the number of fans you’ll need is determined by a few different factors. The square footage of your home, pre-existing ventilation in your home, the pitch of your roof, and whether or not you have vaulted ceilings all come into play.

For example, you’ll need one fan per 1,200 square feet if your roof has a low slope. If your roof has a higher slope, you’ll need two attic fans to cover a 1,200 square foot space. For very high slopes, you’ll need two units to generate adequate ventilation in an 800 square foot space. (8)

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

If you’re on the market for an eco-friendly way to save money while cooling down your inferno of an attic, you’ll probably want the best solar attic fan money can buy. Here at Your Energy Blog, where we work harder to find you the top solar gear for your home, our experts got you covered.

In our opinion, you can’t beat the Remington Solar 20-Watt Solar Attic Fan. With a generous 15-year warranty and the thousands you’ll save on utility bills, Remington Solar’s 20w model offers incredible value for money. It comes with a built-in thermostat and humidistat, fighting excess heat and moisture, which prolongs the lifespan of your roof and your air conditioner.

The available adaptor allows for hybrid functionality, so you can run your solar attic fan day or night. Even more impressive the Remington Solar 20-Watt Solar Attic Fan is rated to withstand Texas windstorms, so you know you’re getting one of the most durable fans on the market.

Remington Solar’s 20w option isn’t the least expensive solar fan on our list, but we think it’s well worth the cost.

For more highly-reviewed solar gear for your home like Remington Solar’s 20-Watt model, 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-grid living and need to power more sensitive equipment.

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

References

1. https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/mechanical-systems/the-perks-of-solar-powered-attic-fans
2. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-cooling-systems/ventilation-systems-cooling
3. https://www.wholehousefan.com/blogs/wholehousefans/what-is-the-difference-between-roof-mounted-attic-fans-and-gable-mounted-attic-fans
4. https://www.lennox.com/buyers-guide/guide-to-hvac/glossary/humidistat
5. https://camelcamelcamel.com
6. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy01osti/29513.pdf
7. https://thesolarguys.com/blog/solar-attic-fan/
8. https://yellowbluetech.com/products-technologies/solar-fans/solar-attic-fan-sizing-chart/