PV Gap

Andy Said:

I will be installing a solar powered attic fan. attic access is through a 3'x3' opening in garage ceiling.?

We Answered:

I would close the opening when not in use for proper attic venting as you mentioned plus to conform to Fire Hazard Prevention needs. The opening should have the same rating as the rest of the ceiling in normal mode to prevent fire from easy access to the attic structure.

Jennie Said:

Anyone have experience with solar powered attic fans?

We Answered:

They can help if you also increase amount of air going into the attic at the eaves (soffit).
You may have to install baffles to keep the insulation from getting blown back.

Another idea for reducing the heat of an attic is radiant foil. It goes on the underside of the roof with a proper amount of spacing. Works well.

Solar screens for your windows (especially west facing windows) is also a very cost effective way to reduce the cooling load in your house. 90% of the load on a house is solar heat gain from sun on the windows and sun hitting your attic.

Wilma Said:

Do solar powered attic vent fans work well?

We Answered:

We sell a good number of the Natural Light solar attic fans. They receive great reviews, here's an example, "As soon as we installed our fan in Hawaii, the temperature in the attic dropped 50 degrees and since installed, we have not had to use our air conditioning unit. The bedrooms are about 10 degrees cooler now. Great product. The motor is quiet and it's been working for three years without a hitch. ... Our unit works even when it's cloudy. It operates on UV rays!"

You can see them at http://www.altestore.com/store/Lighting-… .

They are not recommended if you have a ridge vent, as they won't provide proper air flow, but if you have gable and/or soffet vents, it works great.

Lori Said:

Price range for a Solar Star attic fan?

We Answered:

The Solar Star attic fan is the way to go! I know there are other fans out there, but they aren't as sleek in design and become an eye-soar on your roof.
As for cost, after taxes the DIY kit runs just under $300. It’s roughly $425 with ($127 off with the federal tax credit). But you ALSO get 30% off the labor so it’s best to have someone else install it and they will guarantee the work...definitely worth it! After taxes, it’s about $100 to have a Premier Dealer install it for you.
Solatube also has the new eChoice Daylighting System that offers a 30% tax credit, too. May also be worth looking in to...
Hope this helps. Good luck with your updates!

Stephen Said:

Is there any evidence that solar powered attic fans really work, or is it all hype from the manufacturers?

We Answered:

I have no expierence with the solar powered fans but I have been in homes with regular powered fans that are connected to either a timer or temperature gauge and they work very well here in inland California where temps can get into the 103-115 range.
The fans basically exhaust hot air from the attic which inturn allow hot air in the home to rise and cooler air from outside to be drawn in. Think of it this way; imagine how difficult to it is to cool a home to a comfortable 80 degrees when you have an attic that is 130-140 degrees.

Seth Said:

Do solar powered attic fans take the heat out in the winter too?

We Answered:

you can shut them off

Janet Said:

Solar Powered Attic Fan ?

We Answered:

We got one aound year 2000. It worked great at cooling the house. It cost about $425 at the time. Two years later, I was up on the roof, and found that the fan wasn't turning. I discovered that the motor was fine, but the amorphous silicon panel had burned out. But yet, the house was staying reasonably cool. My guess is that simply having a large hole near the ridgeline is enough to vent the attic through convection - fan turning or not.

When we got our roof redone last year, I asked for one of those whirlybird-type fans - you know, looks like a turban, turns when the wind blows? Works great. More like $50.