solar powered attic vent fans

solar powered attic vent fans

« Previous12345Next »

We forget that solar power is available in many different forms. When it comes to solar energy we jump to the conclusion that solar hot water systems and solar panel electrical systems are the only choices available.

Solar outdoor lighting systems are sometimes overlooked in energy efficient solutions. Stand alone solar lighting provides simple cost effective lighting for outdoor areas. Available as both off the shelf garden and DIY solar projects, solar lighting can provide garage or porch lighting to enhance your homes appearance and security. Apart from providing cost effective electrical power, it is easy to forget that the suns heat and energy can be used in many other ways.

Modern home designers are well aware of the design options and advantages offered by passive solar home design, however, these measures are not always adopted unless the client requests them, or if local building regulations stipulate them. If you are in the process of planning a new home, adopting passive design features is a far better practice than any retro fitted solution. Your architect or builder can suggest several features that would make your home highly energy efficient and practically free of heating and cooling costs.

The way windows and rooms are incorporated into the design, width of eaves and other aspects, will vary according to your geographical location and need to be properly calculated.

An extension of the passive solar design principle, is to actively use solar energy to provide heating and cooling to the home. The use of heat collectors built into the roof or walls can efficiently store the heat of the sun and release it during the night when it is most needed. The solar collectors trap and store heat in air or water units rather like the principle used in a solar hot water unit. These in turn heat air that is then ducted through the home using small fans. These fans can even be powered by a solar panel.

Cooling is achieved in a similar fashion. A solar collector is incorporated into the roof as a small tower and acts rather like a chimney. As the air in this tower heats up, it rises and draws cooler air into the home. The incoming air can be further cooled before reaching the house by passing along underground pipes. When you further combine solar cooling with an attic fan to vent the roof space, you enjoy significant cooling of your home. These simple heating and cooling methods and passive solar design usually means that heating and cooling costs can be significantly reduced.

Providing information to online users interested in living, lifestyle ecologically sound solutions. Helping people find DIY Eco-Friendly solutions to everyday living. Visit SolarDIYTips for information solar DIY solutions.

Solar Powered Attic Fans FAQ