Solar Powered Attic Fan

Solar Star Attic Fan Guide

Mark — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:40:46 +0000

The Solar Star attic fan is a unique roof mounted attic fan that has the solar panel incorporated into the dome portion of the unit. Powered exclusively when sunlight hits the solar panel, the Solar Star does not have thermostats or switches. The installation is fairly quick and easy since there are no electrical hook ups to deal with.

There are two different types of Solar Star Attic Fans -- solar gable fan and solar roof fan. Although very similar in the way they work, most experts still agree that the roof mount works better due to the law of physics that heat rises. Although the gable fan is much easier and quicker to install.

These units come fully assembled and provide about 1200 square feet of coverage. They are leak proof and all Solar Star Attic Fans come with a 5 year warranty to resist high impact winds, hail and damage from other foreign objects.

Solar Star Attic Fan Installation Video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_47L0c1tKE

When the guys from This Old House installed the Solar Star Attic Fan, they also did one of the things they do best, and thats showing others how its done! As you watch the Solar Star attic fan installation above, you will see every step in the process, from deciding where the vent should go based on rafter location, to cutting the shingles, roof plywood, and all the way caulking the finished job and replacing the shingles when you are done.

Solar Star Attic Fan Pictures

Resources:

5 Places to Learn How Solar Energy Works

Mark — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:10:47 +0000

The word Solar is the Latin word for Sun and explaining how Solar Energy works really depends on the way it is used and for what purpose. In basic terms, it is the capturing of the suns energy, light or heat to be converted into usable or workable energy.

There are 2 ways of converting solar energy into workable energy.

Solar Thermal: Solar Thermal uses the energy from the sun in order to generate heat for water and buildings via solar panels

Photovoltaic: Photovoltaic method converts the suns energy into electricity via DC power. It is then converted to AC power to be used as electricity

To further explain Solar Energy, visit one of the great resources below:

Alternate Energy Sources : This site is a great resource that explains everything from Solar Energy to Geothermal Energy and everything in between
American Solar Energy Society : A 50 year old company that focuses on how all of us can get involved and start thinking differently about Solar Energy
National Renewable Energy Laboratory : Created by the US Department of Energy, this site focuses on education and research involved in harnessing Solar energy
Energy Kids : Created by the US Energy Information Administration, this site is a wonderful website created specifically for teaching children the importance of Renewable Solar Energy.
Bill Nye The Science Guy : Always a great resource for children as well as adults, Bill Nye explains in detail about how Solar Energy is used to heat water and buildings, as well as provide electricity to our homes

3 Reasons Every Home Needs a Solar Attic Fan

Mark — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:15:24 +0000

Solar Attic Fans are a essential part of keeping the climate in your attic controlled so that adverse conditions do not create problems for your home.

There are at least 3 reasons your home needs a solar attic fan.

The first is that excessive attic heat builds in the summer. Even if your roof has vents installed, they may not be enough to remove enough heat from the attic to prevent it from doing damage. Vents are passive – a solar attic fan actively draws heat out of your attic. Excess heat in the attic will radiate heat back into your living environment, forcing you to use more air conditioning, which will drive your energy costs up. In addition, too much heat in the attic will lead to cupping of your roofing shingles, and will shorten their lifespan dramatically.

Secondly, heat in the attic in the winter will cause snow on the roof to melt. As it runs down in freezing weather, it will reach the unheated overhang where it will refreeze, causing ice dams that can ruin shingles and force moisture under them, leading to rotting of the roof decking.

Finally, heat is not the only cause for concern. Moisture accumulates in the attic when steam is created in the home when cooking or running the shower. Moisture will eventually ruin your insulation and may lead to structural damage, mold, and mildew problems.

When considering energy savings alone, a solar attic fan will pay for itself. Saving your home’s structure and roofing is an added bonus. In addition, solar attic fans are easy to install if you enjoy DIY projects, and affordably installed by the professionals. A solar attic fan will last a lifetime, too, so you won’t need to replace it or your roof anytime soon!

Learn More at the places below:

Is a Solar Attic Fan Installation a DIY Project?

Mark — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:11:15 +0000

Many homeowners appreciate the cost savings of a Do it Yourself approach to projects around the house, as well as simply enjoying the work. Those relatively handy with basic tools can certainly install a solar attic fan themselves, in just a few hours maximum. While adding a solar attic fan is easiest when building the home, retrofitting one adds a step or two, but is manageable. It is possible that an existing passive vent will supply the right size hole, or provide a good start.

The Solar Attic Fan should be located between rafters 2-3 feet below the ridge. The fan’s installation manual will diagram the correct hole size to cut into the roofing. A circular saw is a good way to expand an existing hole, especially when a rectangular hole is required. For round holes, a reciprocating saw will do the job. If you have to punch a hole through to get started, use a large diameter hole saw. From there, follow the instructions for quick and easy installation.

While DIY enthusiasts won’t find major challenges to installing a solar attic fan, not everybody has the time or inclination for the job. Many contractors have experience in the work and will do it at pretty reasonable prices. Get a couple of quotes and you’ll be taking great care of your attic very shortly.

Learn More at the places below:

Should a Pro Install My Solar Attic Fan?

Mark — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:06:45 +0000

While installing a solar attic fan is not the hardest job in construction, it is absolutely essential that it be done correctly. It must be located properly to insure maximum effectiveness in removing damaging heat and moisture from the attic space. The right tools must be used to make the installation quick and correct, and once the solar attic fan is in place, knowing how to seal the edges to prevent moisture from rain or melting snow from getting into the attic is a must. For these reasons, many homeowners leave installation to a professional contractor.

Most contractors have the expertise and experience to install your solar attic fan in just a few hours, making it affordable to hire a professional to do the job. When you do, you’ll enjoy the confidence that the installation was handled correctly and that your attic’s heat and moisture problems will be eradicated, reducing the risk of structural damage and ruined shingles. Plus, if there are issues with the work, you’ll have a professional to call who will stand behind their work.

While most opt to have their solar attic fan professionally installed, it can done correctly by the homeowner who has the right tools and a bit of handyman know how. DIY enthusiasts who don’t mind working on a roof and possess basic carpentry skills will find the task requires care and precision, but nothing especially difficult.

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Who Should I Call To Install a Solar Attic Fan

Mark — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:03:01 +0000

Besides the benefits to your home environment that a solar attic fan creates, one nice feature is that they can be installed by a number of different type of contractors.

When building a home or having your existing home re-roofed, the roofers doing the job are the natural choice. They should have experience and the know-how to install any solar attic fan you select and to make sure that it is positioned correctly, well-sealed, and running properly. If your existing home has a roof in good condition that you want to protect, there are other contractors who should be able to manage the installation of your solar attic fan.

A good bet is to call a contractor you’ve had good experience with and ask them if they can do the job, or if not, can make a referral of someone who can.

Most HVAC contractors have experience with solar attic fan installation since they are sometimes installed in conjunction with a central air conditioning unit in order to pull heat out of the attic and make the A/C run more efficiently for energy cost savings.

Electricians may have experience, too, though there is no wiring involved in the solar attic fan. Good electricians diversify their expertise since increasing use of solar energy equipment is reducing reliance on electricity.

For simple affordability, a quality handyman service might offer both excellent installation and the best rates. When calling these various contractors for estimates, ask about their experience installing solar attic fans, and you should be able to determine the right person for the job.

Learn More at the places below:

Pros & Cons of Solar Attic Fans: Video

Mark — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:46:19 +0000

Discussion of the Pros and Cons of installing a Solar Attic Fan in your home -- short video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0j5Z7bqjQU

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This Old House Installs a Solar Attic Fan

Mark — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:43:58 +0000

Great little video of This Old House installing a Solar Attic Fan

www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_47L0c1tKE

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7 Reasons Solar Attic Fans Make Sense!

Mark — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:31:12 +0000

Solar attic fans are designed with one purpose, to ventilate your attic and make sure the air keeps moving. Attic fans exhaust air and generally rely on a small solar panel to power its motor that is fueled by the sun.

7 Reasons a Solar Attic Fan Makes Sense!

1 – A properly sized solar attic ventilation system will reduce attic temperature to 5-10 degrees F above the outdoor temperature. Ventilating the attic reduces the amount of heat transferred from the attic to the home, decreases the load on the air conditioning system, and extends the life of the roof.

2 – In winter, heat trapped in the attic may melt snow on the roof, which trickles down and creates destructive ice dams in the colder eaves.

3 – The attic becomes warmest when the sun is the strongest. A solar attic fan runs the hardest when the sun is strongest.

4 – Everyday home activities such as cooking and showering create moisture which collects in the attic and promotes mold and mildew growth, reduces the effectiveness of insulation, and attacks the wooden attic structure. Year round fresh air circulation from a solar attic fan removes this moisture and prevents moisture related problems.

5 – Zero operating cost.

6 – Installation can be done by a handy homeowner. No electrician is required.

7 - Quiet operation.

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How to Install a Solar Attic Fan

Mark — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:29:42 +0000

The team over at This Old House installs a Solar Attic Fan to the roof of a not so old home, in the short video below.

It really is an easy way to promote good airflow in your in your attic, and aside from the cost of the Solar Attic Fan and the installation time, it will be free to run forever!

Have You Installed Your Own Solar Attic Fan?

If you have, please share the experience below!

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