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Sun-Powered Fan Keeps Attic Cool
A solar-powered attic fan from SunRise Solar can lower attic temperatures by as much as 50 degrees, according to the company, reducing your air-conditioning costs by as much as 30 percent. In addition, using the fan in winter can lower the risk of ice dams and reduce moisture buildup by equalizing the temperatures of a
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Sun-Powered Fan Keeps Attic Cool BUILDINGS Houses 30-1-30 A solar-powered attic fan from SunRise Solar can lower attic temperatures by as much as 50 degrees, according to the company, reducing your air-conditioning costs by as much as 30 percent. In addition, using the fan in winter can lower the risk of ice dams and reduce moisture buildup by equalizing the temperatures of attic and outside air.
"Our SunRise solar-powered attic fans are tough," says Bill Keith, owner SunRise Solar, Inc. "They have survived baseball-sized hail in Texas and 135 mph hurricane winds in Florida. A dealer in Calgary, Alberta set one outside the shop in 25 below zero weather, and it worked just fine."
After more than 20 years roofing and remodeling, Keith knew what he wanted in an attic ventilator. He couldn't find one so he decided to design it himself. His intent was to build a ventilator that would last for 20 years.
"We designed it with the steel and plastic thicker than it needed to be and with the best solar panel available," says Keith. "Even the motor is oversized."
Installation takes less than an hour. It fits between 16-in. on-center rafters. If passive attic ventilators are already in place, Keith suggests removing the center one and widening the opening to accommodate his active solar fan. Best of all, because it is solar powered, it requires no wiring. The fan and power source are completely self-contained.
One fan is sized to handle the ventilation needs of a 1,200 sq. ft. attic space. In full sunlight, the 11-watt solar panel and 12-in. aluminum fan will move 850 CFM. The Tefzel-coated, non-breakable solar panel collects energy even in reduced light and poor weather.
"The best location is on a southern or western roof slope, though east will work as well," says Keith.
The SunRise retails for $399, but Keith says he will discount it by $20 for anyone who says they read about it in FARM SHOW.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Bill Keith, SunRise Solar, Inc., P.O. Box 53, St. John, Ind. 46373 (ph 219 558-2211; www.sunrisesolar.net).
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