Solar Attic Fan Installation

Control Attic Heat, Humidity, and HVAC Load

In Central Florida, temperatures in your attic often rise well above outdoor air, especially during peak sun hours. This trapped heat radiates into the living spaces below, increasing HVAC usage and contributing to higher energy costs. Solar Star attic fans are designed to exhaust that superheated attic air at the source. By actively moving warm, moist air out through the roofline and drawing in replacement air from existing soffit vents, the system helps keep attic temperatures closer to outdoor conditions, protecting your roof from heat damage and your HVAC from overuse.

Built for Florida Homes

The Solar Guys install Solar Star attic ventilation systems because they’re built for harsh sun, high humidity, and Florida’s roofing standards. These fans run on solar power and require no electrical hookup for most models. For homeowners who want more control, ClimaSense™ units feature temperature and humidity sensors along with the ability to switch to house power after sunset for up to four hours of additional runtime. This extended ventilation process helps remove lingering heat and moisture when evening air becomes cooler and drier.

 

For the best performance, attic ventilation can be paired with radiant barrier and blown-in attic insulation to reduce heat gain through the ceiling, and improve comfort year-round.

Key Benefits of Solar-Powered Attic Ventilation

Attic Cooler Symbol

Reduce Attic Heat

Solar Star attic fans help remove trapped hot air before it can transfer into living spaces. Reducing attic temperatures can make the temperature in living spaces feel more consistent, and reduce HVAC strain.

Reduce Damaging Moisture

Limit Moisture Damage

Attics in Florida are exposed to both indoor moisture and high outdoor humidity. Active ventilation helps lower the risk of mold growth, insulation damage, and wood rot by maintaining airflow and limiting condensation.

attic fans leadin icon

Power-Free Operation

An advanced 16- or 35-watt photovoltaic solar panel powers the fan during daylight hours. This allows the system to operate without adding load to your home’s electrical system.

Attic Fans Leadin Icon

Optional House Power for Evening Ventilation

ClimaSense models run on solar power during the day, and can switch to house power after dusk for up to four hours of additional ventilation. This helps the attic shed residual heat and moisture even after sunset.

Easy to Install

Built to Last

Each unit is constructed with corrosion-resistant materials and equipped with a brushless DC motor that provides quiet, efficient airflow with minimal vibration or wear.

Code-Approved for Florida and Texas Roofs

Solar Star® attic fans are tested and approved for use in homes throughout Florida (and Texas), including areas with strict building requirements due to high winds and hurricanes.

Building Code Approvals:

  • FL10884 – Approved for use under the 2023 Florida Building Code in most areas of the state. Confirms the product meets wind uplift, impact resistance, and water intrusion standards for most of Florida, outside HVHZ zones.
  • FL14826 – Approved specifically for High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) under the 2023 Florida Building Code. Certifies the product is suitable for use in coastal and hurricane-prone areas, where stricter wind and weather resistance standards apply.

 

Windstorm Approval:

  • TDI RV-87 – Approved by the Texas Department of Insurance for installation on TDI-covered roofs, particularly in designated catastrophe areas along the Gulf Coast. Confirms compliance with windstorm-resistant construction standards under TDI’s Windstorm Inspection Program.

 

These certifications confirm that Solar Star® fans meet state standards for wind resistance, weather durability, and secure roof integration. Whether you’re inland or in a coastal area, you can be confident your attic fan is built and tested for Florida’s toughest conditions.

When Attic Ventilation Matters Most

Florida living means more sun, and warmer temperatures. All that heat can wind up trapped in your attic if it’s not vented properly, and can cause issues in your home. 

Common signs of poor attic airflow include:

  • Rooms that stay warmer than the rest of the house, especially upstairs
  • AC systems that run long cycles despite reaching the thermostat set point
  • Musty odors or visible moisture stains on attic framing
  • Condensation on attic ductwork (commonly called duct sweating)

A Solar Star® Attic Fan responds to these issues by drawing hot air out of the attic and improving continuous airflow through your home’s passive intake vents.

Award Winning Solar Attic Fan

Solatube’s award-winning Solar Star® solar-powered attic fan is brings you the most technologically-advanced, environmentally-friendly ventilation solution available. And best of all, the Solar Star® fan solution costs nothing to operate but provides multiple returns with just a single investment.

ClimaSense Award

Built In Solar Panels

  • Advanced 16- or 35-watt photovoltaic solar panel provides maximum energy capture
  • High-impact panel resists damage from hail, wind, and foreign objects
Solar Panels
High-Performance Motor

High-Performance Motor

  • Brushless DC motor produces increased efficiency and reliability
  • Progressive design reduces noise for whisper-quiet operation
  • High Performance Direct Drive
  • Long Lasting Brushless Motor
  • Double-Shielded Ball Bearings
  • Whisper Quiet

Precision Fan Blades

  • 5-wing, polymeric fan blade designed for high CFM output and low noise
  • Canted fan blade increases airflow
  • Lightweight design reduces motor resistance for increased performance and reliability
  • Corrosion resistant
Fan Blades
Solar Panel

Housing & Flashing Systems

  • Powder Coated Steel Housing
  • Non-Corrosive Polymeric Vent Screen
  • Seamless One Piece Steel Flashing
  • Flashings for flat and pitched roofs

Warranty

  • 10-year warranty on solar panel and motor
  • 10-year warranty on housing and all other components
10 Year Warrant Symbol

Solar Star® Attic Fan Options

16 Watt Solar Fan

RM 1500 (16 Watt Solar Fan)

A classic roof mount model for a wide range of attic ventilation needs. For example: low sloped roofs with a smaller area.

Use Case: small to medium attics

RM 2400 (35 Watt Solar Fan)

RM 2400 (35 Watt Solar Fan)

This robust roof mount system is designed to accommodate even the most expansive attic spaces. For example: steep sloped roofs with smaller area, steep sloped roofs with larger area or low sloped roofs with larger area.

Use Case: larger attics, high- volume air flow

Interior Mounted Attic Fans

Interior Mounted Attic Fans IM 1500
(16 Watt)

Transform your existing attic vent into an active solar-powered solution with our interior mount model. For applications where Gable Vents, Dormer Vents, Whirlybirds and Powered Vents already exist.

Solar Star® Attic Fan Accessories

Solar Star RM2400

Thermal Switch

Shuts off the fan in cold conditions. Activates when temperatures reach approximately 85° F (29° C) and deactivates when temperatures drop below 65° F (18° C). Easily installs on all Solar Star® models.

RM 2400 (35 Watt Solar Fan)

RM 1500 (16 Watt) ADD-ON PANEL

An ideal addition for instances when continuous sun exposure is limited. Compatible with any Solar Star® Roof Mount product. This sleek solution ensures continuous operation throughout the day by resolving issues such as shadowing from trees, rooftop equipment, or other structures.

ClimaSense

ClimaSense Controls

Automates fan operation based on attic temperature and humidity, adds optional house power for post-sunset ventilation.

Installation and Compatibility

The Solar Guys assess your roof type, attic volume, and venting configuration to recommend the correct fan model and accessories. All work is performed by licensed, insured professionals familiar with Florida-specific codes and roofing materials.

 

ClimaSense™ models with post-sunset operation are connected to a standard household circuit and do not require a separate electrician. Most installations require no electrical wiring.

Convert Any Vent Into A Solar-Powered Vent With Our Solar Star® Conversion Kit

The Solar Star® Conversion Kit transforms any roof vent into an eco-friendly solar-powered fan.

  • Boost performance of existing passive vents.
  • Transform energy consuming and noisy powered vents into quiet solar-powered vents.
  • Powered by the sun. No electrical hook-up, no electrician and requires no cost to operate.
  • Choose any sunny roof location to install attractive solar panel.
Solar Star Conversion Kit Image

IM 1500 (16 Watt Solar Fan)

Kit includes fan, 15' power cable and solar panel.

Residential Quality Guidelines

How many do I need?

 

Recommended air intake venting (eaves & soffits) size requirements:

  • Attic area (square feet)/2=square inches of inlet vent area
  • Attic area (square meter)/0.29=square centimeters of inlet vent area
solar attic fan chart

RM 2400 (35 Watt Solar Fan)

Improve Attic Performance with Solar Star®

Solar-powered attic fans offer a simple, code-compliant way to remove excess heat and humidity from the most overlooked part of your home. Whether you’re upgrading insulation, installing radiant barrier, or just looking to take load off your AC, attic ventilation is a smart first step.

Request a free quote or inspection today to find out which model is right for your attic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Solar Star® Attic Fan features a brushless DC motor that reduces noise and lightweight, polymeric fan blades that minimize vibration. The result is whisper-quiet operation.

The Solar Star® Attic Fan is designed to work in the harshest of climates, from the scorching southwestern regions of Arizona and Texas to the frigid northern areas of Canada and Alaska. Featuring a Venturi design for maximum airflow capacity and durable polymeric fan blades for high performance and reliability, the Solar Star Attic Fan equalizes interior and exterior temperatures to safeguard your home against the extremes of summer and winter.

There are no batteries on Solar Star® Attic Fans that will store energy. Thus, they only run when daylight is available on the solar panel.

Attics are meant to be ventilated year-round, and the Solar Star® Attic Fan is designed to run whenever daylight strikes the solar panel. During the winter, proper ventilation helps prevent condensation from forming within the attic. If moisture does accumulate, it could cause significant heat loss from the home if the attic insulation gets wet. A cool, dry attic is the best solution for keeping heat inside during the winter. If your attic is properly insulated and moisture buildup is not a concern, but cold temperatures are, then the optional Solar Star Thermal Switch may be the solution for you.

While the Solar Star Attic Fan does not have an on/off switch, the optional Solar Star Thermal Switch can be added to turn off the fan when the temperature in the attic is cooler than 65° F (18° C). It will also turn on the fan when the temperature in the attic is warmer than 85° F (29° C), giving you greater control over the operation of your Solar Star Attic Fan.

The Solar Star® Attic Fan runs best when the solar panel is in direct sunlight. Although the unit will continue to operate in the shade (provided the sky is bright), it will run at a reduced speed. On a roof that is heavily shaded for most of the day, a Solar Star Roof Mount 1200 Add-on Panel is recommended. The extra panel can be placed up to 15 ft (4.5 m) away from the main roof unit—if possible, in an area that has all-day sun exposure—to boost performance.

Visit the Solar Star section of our website for more information about Solar Star products.

The 30% federal tax credit expired as of 12/31/25.

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