Can I Install a Solar Attic Fan on an Attic Turbine?

Identification

• Solar attic fans are designed to push hot air out of your attic, keeping the attic cooler. Once the hot air is pushed out by the attic fan, cooler air is drawn into your attic through the soffit vents. These vents are located on the underside of the eaves. Solar attic fans are not installed inside your attic in the existing turbine, because they rely on the sun for power. These fans are mounted flat on your roof, preferably in full sun.

Advantages

• Solar attic fans are a suitable choice for homeowners who are going green to reduce their energy usage. These fans do not require electrical wiring throughout your attic, making installation easier than traditional electric attic fans. The solar-electric panel on your roof generates enough direct current, or DC, to power your attic fan. Solar attic fans will reduce your cooling costs during the summer months and cause less wear on your air conditioning unit. This is because your air conditioner will not have to work as hard to cool your attic with a solar attic fan in place.

Disavantages

• Since solar attic fans rely on the power of the sun to work effectively, they must be placed on your roof in an area that receives full sun or is only shaded for part of the day. Large attics may require two solar attic fans for best results. Working on your roof can be dangerous, so you must take care to avoid injury while installing your solar fan. These fans are less effective if your attic is not properly ventilated or if air leaks are not sealed.

Installation

• Installing a solar attic fan requires cutting the appropriate sized opening in your roof for the fan you purchased. The fan must be mounted with flashing around it to prevent water leaks and moisture damage. Refer to the manufacturer's directions before attempting to install your solar attic fan. Be careful to avoid cutting through structural framing material during installation. If you have no prior roofing experience, it may be best to hire a professional contractor to install your solar attic fan.