If you’re searching for “Solar Attic Fans Pros & Cons” this post should help! Welcome to GoGreen Daylight Systems, LLC! We are a solar attic fan installation company offering solar attic fan installations all over the Phoenix, Arizona valley.

☀️ Solar Attic Fans: Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

1. Energy Efficient

• Runs on solar power = zero electricity cost

• Can reduce the load on your HVAC by lowering attic temps

2. Lower Attic Temperatures

• Helps vent hot air from attic space, especially in summer

• Cooler attic = less heat transfer to the rest of the house

3. Moisture Reduction

• Helps prevent mold, mildew, and rot by circulating out humid air in winter

4. Eco-Friendly

• Solar-powered = renewable energy source

• Cuts down on carbon footprint

5. Low Operating Costs

• Once installed, they operate for free

• Minimal maintenance required

6. May Qualify for Tax Incentives

• Can be eligible for federal solar tax credits or local energy rebates

❌ Cons

1. High Upfront Cost

• Typically $300–$600 per fan, plus installation (if not DIY)

• More expensive than passive vents or electric fans upfront

2. Weather Dependent

• Less effective on cloudy days or at night

• If your attic needs constant airflow, that might be a limitation

3. Limited Coverage

• One fan might not be enough for a large attic

• You may need multiple units to see a real difference

4. May Not Work Well in All Roof Orientations

• Needs to face south or southwest ideally for optimal sun exposure

• Shaded roofs may reduce performance

5. Questionable ROI in Mild Climates

• In cooler regions, the energy savings might not justify the cost

🏡 Is It Worth It?

If you live in a hot, sunny climate (like Phoenix 😉), a solar attic fan can be a great investment to help cool your home and prolong your roof’s lifespan.

Questions To Ask When Considering An Attic Fan

🏠 1. Attic Size

• What’s the square footage of your attic? (Or the square footage of your home if the attic runs the full size.)

🌞 2. Roof Conditions

• Does your roof get full sun most of the day?

• Is it pitched or flat, and does it have shaded areas?

🌡️ 3. Current Attic Conditions

• Does it get very hot in summer (e.g., above 120°F)?

• Do you already have any ventilation, like ridge vents or soffit vents?

💡 Optional: Electric Bill or HVAC Strain

• Are you trying to reduce cooling costs, or is your HVAC struggling to keep up in summer?

📏 Example Estimate (Phoenix, 1,500 sq ft attic, medium pitch roof):

🌬️ Ventilation Rule of Thumb:

• You need 1 CFM (cubic foot per minute) of airflow per square foot of attic space (more for steeper roofs).

• A typical solar attic fan provides 800–1,200 CFM.

• So:
  1,500 sq ft attic ÷ 1,000 CFM per fan = ~1.5 fans → you’d need 2 fans to be effective.

💸 Estimated Energy Savings:

• Reduces attic temps by up to 30–50°F in summer.

• Can lower AC usage by 10–30% depending on insulation and home layout.

• If your summer cooling bill is $300/month, you could save $30–$90/month.

• Over 5 years: $1,800–$5,400 saved (plus solar tax credit on the install).

GoGreen Daylight Systems, LLC In Surprise, Arizona

GoGreen Daylight Systems, LLC is a Skylight contractor and installer of top-quality Tube Skylights, Traditional Skylights, Solar Attic Fans, and Garage Fans in Phoenix, the West Valley and East Valley. Contact us today for a free quote!