Solar Power Roof Vents

From LoveToKnow GreenLiving

Yet another way to save money and the environment is to purchase a solar power roof vent for your home instead of the traditional electric version. It’s cleaner, safer and more efficient. You can save up to 30 percent on your electricity costs, making the cost of the vent itself virtually negligible.

A solar powered vent keeps your attic cool and mold-free at a low cost.

Using Solar Power Roof Vents

No matter what climate you live in, if you have an attic, it’s important to keep fresh air moving through it. This is the only safe and reliable means of preventing mold from developing – which is disastrous for the house and the health of everyone in it, especially if they have allergies.

The most common and simple solution is a roof vent, which is heat activated. The electrical vent has been in use for years. But there are two problems with it – one, it requires the installation of power lines running up to the attic and two, it can substantially increase your electric bill.

A solar power roof vent will do exactly what an electric vent will do, but you don’t need to fuss with wiring and it will add nothing to your monthly bills. Once it is installed, you are done.

Perceived Problems With Solar Vents

There are two points people will make when arguing against the use of a solar vent. One is that the vents do not work as well on cloudy days – an argument made against going wholly solar for most buildings. But solar powered products are constantly improving, so that they can retain energy for hours, days or more. Also, they don’t necessarily need bright, direct sunlight to draw power. Solar power is beginning to be used relatively effectively in often cloudy climates like Seattle and England, so the average homeowner can feel confident in installing more solar power products. Furthermore, on a cloudy day, the temperature in your attic will be lower anyway, so you don’t need as active a fan.

The other argument raised against solar powered vents is that they cost so much more than electrical vents. This is true, but the savings in electric costs over time more than outweigh the initial output. Plus, if you have to have your attic wired, that can be more expensive than a solar vent.

Shopping for Solar Power Roof Vents

Before you buy a vent, you have to know the square footage of your home so you can get the right sized vent. On average, the vents move about 800 cubic feet per minute, but your area will have different requirements based on the climate. While you can buy solar vents online, if you are not confident about selecting the right one for your home and area, as well as installation, you may prefer to visit your local solar dealer for advice and assistance.

If you do want to shop online, there are many choices. Air Vent offers a vent that works from sunrise to sunset, keeping the attic ventilated at all times so that at no point does it get stuffy or heated. It is GreenSpec listed, meaning it’s recognized as a good alternative power product and you can install it with confidence as it is wind, hail and impact resistant.

If you want to buy a vent from Solar Dynamics, you’ll have to check on their list of distributors for one near you, but it’s worth the extra step. Solar Dynamics is located in Iowa and was the first company to mass produce solar vents. Their vents are also GreenSpec listed.

Solar Roof Vent at Innovative Skylights offers vents at competitive prices and a lot of useful customer information. It notes that the vent qualifies for the 30 percent Federal Residential Energy Tax Credit, making the long-run cost benefits that much more attractive.

Solar power vents are yet one more simple way to save the environment and save money as well.

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