How To Install A Solar Powered Attic Fan

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Solar Cooling & How to install an attic fan powered by solar energy?

As you work to make your home more environmentally friendly and less dependent on existing electrical grids, you may want to consider a solar power attic fan. A solar powered fan can help you maintain appropriate temperature levels in your house by moving the air in your attic out in the hot summer months. This solar cooling will lower your overall heating and cooling bills for your home.

Installing a solar power attic fan is a project that is relatively straightforward. You do not need elaborate equipment or years of experience. However, the project is not recommended for absolute novices either. A moderate level of woodworking or home repair experience will be helpful.

How To Install A Solar Powered Attic Fan?

To install your solar powered fan, you will need a few pieces of equipment. In addition to the solar attic fan itself, you will need a hammer, nails, marking and drawing equipment, a measuring tape, a drill, caulking supplies, roofing cement, and a reciprocating saw for cutting the hole for the vent in your roof. You will also want to find a partner, as no roofing work of any kind should be attempted alone in case of falls or other accidents.

The first step to installing a solar power attic fan is go up to the attic and find as space between two roof rafters to put your fan. Ideally, you want a spot on the south facing side if that is the way your home is oriented. You will also need a spot about 20" below the ridgeline of your roof, and the space between the rafters needs to be wide enough to allow for the size of the vent.

Once you have identified the place for the fan, you will want to drill a screw through the middle of the area where you want it to go. This will serve as an anchor point for the cutting you will need to do on the outside of the roof. Thus, measure twice, drill once!

Outside, you will want to find your anchor on the roof and mark out an even circle around it. Using the reciprocating saw, you will then cut out a round hole in your rooftop for the solar powered attic fan. You will need to cut away any dangling insulation or felt paper from your hole to get a clean fit.

Once the hole is clean, you slide the fan into place. Rock it until it is well seated and you are happy with the position. Make sure that it is working properly, as you won't want to have to climb back up to check on it.

Next, you will use roofing cement to fill the area around the vent, so that you don't have any leaks. An additional layer of caulking around the edges will provide a back-up seal, and you can repeat this step on the inside of the attic if you like. Once you have finished the seal, the fan will be ready to go!