Solar Attic Fan
Attic venting key concepts
When upgrading your home’s insulation, attic ventilation is an important aspect of maintaining the structure of your home as well as saving energy. Improper attic venting can lead to moisture buildup that can cause mold growth and also cause wood rot.
The key to proper attic ventilation is to create continuous air circulation throughout the attic space while preventing moisture from entering. In an ideal venting system, air should enter the attic from the eaves or soffits and escape outside at the roofs ridge.
How a Solar Attic Fan Works:
Heat Builds Inside An Improperly Vented Attic
The sun beats down on a homes’ roof and heats up the enclosed attic space. Passive vents (soffit or gable) allow some circulation but do not provide the pressure needed to force out the hot air.
Solar Attic Fan Provides Air Circulation
The photovoltaic panel of the solar attic fan collects sunlight that powers the fans motor to increase air movement.
Air Circulation Moves Hot Air Out Of Attic Space
The increased air circulation provides the pressure needed to force out the hot air from your attic. In summer months, a solar attic fan can reduce the temperature in an attic by up to 40°F!
25W fan powers up to 2,000 sq. ft. attic.
Solar Attic Fans Work With Your Existing Passive Vents
If you’ve ever been in your attic, you know just hot the space can get, especially in summer months. The sun beats down on the roof surface and heats up the stagnant air inside the attic. Building codes require homes to have a passive vent system. But, passive ventilation does not provide the pressure needed to force the air through the attic and outside.
That’s where a motorized fan powered by the sun comes in. An attic fan placed at the roofs ridge will pull air in from outside, force it to move through the entire attic space and escape through the attic vent.
Solar tax credit*
The Federal tax credit for solar attic fans has been extended through 2019. (26% up until 2021). The Solar Powered Attic Fan is eligible for a 30% credit on the purchase price of the fan, installation and sales tax (Including installation cost).
Download IRS Form 5695 HERE.
* Streamline Energy Solutions is not a certified tax professional. We advise homewoners to consult with a CPA to further assist with tax incentive eligibility based on the customer's annual income and tax status.