Do Solar Roof Ventilators Work? Is It Worth It!


Solar roof vents can make your home cooler. The question we want to answer is by how much. In this article, we take a look at how effective solar roof vents are as a way of reducing energy costs.

A third of the average American’s electricity bill is spent on space heating and cooling. Electricity costs have risen by 4% for each of the last two years and they are predicted to go up another 4% this year.

The single biggest thing you can do to bring down your electricity bill is to either do without heating and cooling or find a cheaper alternative. Doing without is probably not very feasible. Can you imagine winter without central heating or summer without air conditioning? It would be very uncomfortable, to say the least.

So how good are solar roof vents and are they worth it? Read on to find out.


On a side note! If you’re in need of a reliable and high-performance portable solar panel, We strongly recommend the Jackery SolarSaga 100W  Portable Solar Panel  (Amazon Link).

With a high conversion efficiency and foldable design, this solar panel is easy to transport and set up, making it perfect for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and RV trips.

The US solar cell technology used in this panel ensures that you get the most efficient and reliable solar charging possible.

There is also a 60W option that is more affordable (Amazon Link)


Are Solar-Powered Roof Vents Worth It?

Solar roof vents are worth it if one wants an alternative roof ventilation system that’s carbon neutral and cheaper to run. While solar roof vents have a higher initial cost compared to an electric roof vent, they have zero electricity costs after installation. With an electric roof vent, the user will still pay for electricity after installation. 

Why Do You Need a Roof Vent?

Attics trap heat and moisture. The heat spreads to the rest of your home, forcing the air conditioning to work harder to cool your surroundings. Humidity causes fungal decay that will damage your roof and can even bring about respiratory diseases.

Proper roof ventilation improves airflow in your attic. It removes hot air which creates harmful moisture build-up while bringing in the cool air that extends the lifespan of your roof.

Types of Attic Ventilation Systems

There are two types of ventilation systems used today. Firstly, you have intake vents that bring in cool air from outside. Secondly, you have exhaust vents which let hot air out. For this article, we will focus on exhaust vents.

Exhaust vents can be static, powered, or mechanical. (Source)

STATIC VENTSPOWERED VENTSMECHANICAL VENTS
Use natural airflow and don’t require electricity.Use electricity, solar, or hybrid solar + electricity.These use wind power.
There are three types:   Ridge ventsHip ventsRoof louversThere are two types:   Roof-mounted solar, electric, or hybrid.Gable mounted inside the attic.There is only one type which is the whirlybird or wind turbine.
Types of Attic Ventilation Systems


How Well Do Solar Roof Vents Work?

Solar-powered roof vents move air less effectively than electric-powered vents. They also have a higher upfront cost. They are, however, more effective than wind-powered vents, and they help reduce the spending on cooling.

How do solar roof vents measure up against the alternatives? Let’s take a look by comparing solar roof vents to electric, hybrid, and whirlybirds.

Solar versus Electric Roof Vent

A solar roof vent has a photovoltaic panel that converts the sun’s energy to power the fans. An electric roof vent uses your grid-supplied electricity. Here is how they compare.

Pros

  • A solar roof vent helps you save on your electricity. An electric vent contributes to your electricity expenses.
  • Solar is more environmentally friendly than grid-supplied electricity.
  • Less visible design so it looks much better than an electric vent.
  • You can claim a tax credit to reduce the total upfront cost. (Source)

Cons

  • A solar roof vent has a higher upfront cost. They can be up to four times more expensive than a standard electric vent.
  • They rely on sunlight which means they are not as effective on cloudy days.
  • Solar roof vents move less air than electric ones. This means you may have to install more of them than you would with an electric one.
  • They can cause roof leaks if not installed properly.

Solar Roof Vent versus Whirlybirds

Whirlybirds work just like wind turbines. How do solar roof vents compare against them?

Pros

  • A solar roof vent is much more efficient than a whirlybird. They move more air.
  • A solar roof vent makes less noise.
  • Solar energy is more reliable than wind energy, especially in hotter climates.
  • Whirlybirds work continuously which is not ideal in winter when you might not need them. A solar roof vent can be turned on and off when needed.

Cons

  • The only downside to a solar roof vent compared to a whirlybird is solar is more expensive.

Perhaps the best solution is a hybrid roof vent. A hybrid or dual-power roof vent combines the efficiency of an electric vent with the cost-effectiveness of a solar roof vent. This way you get the best of both worlds.

Do Solar Attic Fans Help?

A solar attic fan is designed to work from inside the attic. It can help reduce the ambient temperatures in the attic by circulating cool air inside. In that way, it helps keep the home cooler.

Solar attic fans can be installed on your roof with a vent or on a gable or wall. Wall-mounted fans don’t have a vent and are typically cheaper than roof-mounted fans.


Do Solar Whirlybirds Work?

Solar whirlybirds are an upgrade to traditional wind-powered whirlybirds. Instead of using wind to turn the fan blades, a solar whirlybird converts sunlight to electricity that powers the blades. Solar whirlybirds are more efficient at removing heat and preventing moisture build-up.

Traditional whirlybirds rely on wind to move the hot air out of your attic. Solar whirlybirds on the other hand rely on the sun. Solar energy is generally more consistent than wind energy. You can expect the sun to shine much more than the wind to blow.

Solar whirlybirds also generate more power. A standard whirlybird will move 100/m3 of air per hour. A solar-powered whirlybird can move between 500 to 1500/m3 of air per hour. That makes them up to 15 times more efficient.

A cooler roof translates to a cooler home. Less heat in your attic space makes cooling your home more energy-efficient. Your air conditioning system does not have to work as hard to keep your home cool. Ultimately you spend less on cooling if you have good ventilation on your roof.

sherifjallad

I am a very well-experienced techie civil engineer who’s extensively interested in solar panel technology and even more captivated by the potential of solar panels in supporting individual residential units.

Recent Posts