Solar gable fans focus primarily on attic ventilation, contributing to the air flow of the entire home in the process. They are mounted onto the exterior of a gable end – the hat portion of an exterior wall that extends up above the end wall of the home and onto the end truss holding up the roof. Gable ends signify the end of the attic and are an excellent place for a fan. Quite often vents are placed at gable ends to allow air flow through the attic.
In some cases, electric attic fans are installed to increase air flow and improve ventilation. Conventional models, however, must be wired into the home's electrical system, putting an added tax on that system and increasing utility bills significantly. Solar gable fans provide all the benefits of an electric fan, but without any of the drawbacks. Most homeowners can install the fan themselves because no wiring is necessary, which means no new taxes on electricity.
Solar gable fans look just like any other gable fan, but for a solar panel attached or mounted onto the exterior of the gable, which powers the fan. In order to install, a hole may need to be cut into the side (and siding) of the gable if a vent or fan did not already exist. This may require a bit of expertise to ensure that everything is water tight.
Nowadays you can find solar gable fans online and at many home improvement stores, including Home Depot or Lowe's. Better yet, you could find or order one through your local hardware store. Solar gable fans are typically more expensive than vents or conventional electric fans, ranging up to $400. The important thing to remember here is the ease of installation and the savings on heating, cooling, and electricity, which will enable the solar fan to pay for itself over time.
Solar Ventilation Fans / Solar Gable Fans