Solar Powered Fans - For The Attic And The Car

 

When it comes to energy needs these days a lot of people are looking for alternative energy sources and as such solar power is very much coming into vogue. At its current state of technological evolution, solar power is a useful means of powering small engines to run simple devices. Fans are one such simple device and there a few instances where a solar powered fan makes more sense than a fan powered by conventional means.

You will find that many manufacturers now offer solar powered attic fans to ventilate and help keep attics cooler. If there is inadequate ventilation in the attic and poor sealing between the attic and the other rooms in the house, attic fans powered by electric means can potentially draw air from the house into the attic. Not only can this compromise energy efficiency but it can also increase the risk of attic moisture problems.

Solar powered fans rely on a small (typically 10 or 20 watt) solar panel to power a DC motor when the sun is shining. The fans are installed with intake vents to provide high-capacity powered ventilation without electric operating costs. Most vents are mounted high on the roof, near the ridge, and combined with soffit or gable vents for balanced intake and exhaust air streams. Ventilation is only provided when there is ample sunshine to power the fan motor. The highest fan speed will tend to coincide with the greatest heat from the sun and consequently the greatest need for attic ventilation. By reducing attic temperature, attic fans can help reduce summertime cooling loads while at the same time providing ventilation without added utility load.

Using solar energy to power your attic’s air vents means you eliminate the need for electrical wiring in this part of the house and as a solar ventilator uses no electricity you are also avoiding any ongoing operating costs. You will find that the equipment costs for a solar powered attic fan are higher than that of a conventionally powered fan (around $200 more) but this will usually be offset by the money you save in not having to bring electrical wiring into the attic. In addition to attics you will also find solar powered fans used in greenhouses, outhouses, garages, sheds, out-buildings, and paint rooms.

Retail prices for solar powered attic fans range from about $350 to $600 depending on ventilation capacity, the manufacturer, and optional features such as a thermostat.

In instances of new construction, roofers will usually install powered ventilating units. If these units are solar powered roof vents there will be no need for an electrician to rough and finish wire the units. For retrofit projects, a roofer or do-it-yourselfer will be able to install a solar-powered attic fan using conventional tools and techniques.

Another popular instance of using the sun’s energy to cool things down is the solar powered car fan. These gadgets are placed on top of the window before winding it up, and the fan will suck all the hot air out of your car whilst you’re away from it. You obviously can’t leave your car window open whilst you’re away from it and nor is it practical to leave the air conditioning on. The solar powered car fan is safe as there is no gap left at the top of the window and it can keep your car up to 30 degrees cooler than it normally would be.  As the solar panel uses sunlight there is no chance of getting a flat car battery. Solar powered car fans usually cost around $15-$20.

Whilst not applicable in every instance where cooling is required, solar powered attic fans and solar powered car fans are two examples of smart thinking utilizing a natural energy source.

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