Solar roof vents, are they a good investment?

[tophcfa]

We are getting a new roof next month and the roofing contractor also installs solar roof vents for $650 each. I am undecided if I want to have one installed (our house is small enough so one vent should be adequate). I understand that the vent will help reduce the hot air in the attic when needed most during periods of full sun, but am not sure it would be worth the investment. We have never had one before and have been just fine without one. On the other hand, would the savings on our Air Conditioning related electric bill be reduced enough so the vent would pay for itself over a reasonable period of time? Any feedback from fellow Villagers who have first hand experience with these vents would be greatly appreciated.

[retiredguy123]

Lots of threads on this topic. Generally, people who have them will tell you yes, and people who don't will tell you no. I'm in the no group. One problem is that you will never know if it is still working.

[villagetinker]

IMHO, you can get an AC powered fan installed for less than 1/2 of the cost of a solar unit, and it will move 10 times or more hot air out of the attic. If you get a thermostat on the unit, then it will only run when needed, and it will continue to run after sundown to cool the attic if necessary.

[Papa_lecki]

Is there a federal tax benefit you can take advantage of with solar?

[CoachKandSportsguy]

My reasoning, and I am in the yes camp, and the roof vents are on the purchase list for CY24, is that the cool air which is pumped through the attic to the individual vents, has to go through the very hot attic. Reducing the attic temp will make that attic transit a bit more efficient and the air will be a bit cooler coming out of the vents, resulting in better air conditioning efficiency.

The increase in efficiency is unknown to me, its more theory and logic than hard data.

[retiredguy123]

Is there a federal tax benefit you can take advantage of with solar?
It looks like a solar attic fan would qualify for a 30 percent Federal tax credit.

[BrianL99]

We are getting a new roof next month and the roofing contractor also installs solar roof vents for $650 each. I am undecided if I want to have one installed (our house is small enough so one vent should be adequate). I understand that the vent will help reduce the hot air in the attic when needed most during periods of full sun, but am not sure it would be worth the investment. We have never had one before and have been just fine without one. On the other hand, would the savings on our Air Conditioning related electric bill be reduced enough so the vent would pay for itself over a reasonable period of time? Any feedback from fellow Villagers who have first hand experience with these vents would be greatly appreciated.


Let's see ...

Your house was probably designed with proper ventilation, per the International Building Code.

If your house is over 1000' sq. ft., the flim flam installers usually recommend 2 units. $1300 + tax.

You'll need ARC approval to install them.

Warm/hot air RISES ... it's not like the warm air in your home is falling back into your living space.

If you install Solar powered and the specific product is eligible, you'll get a 30% Tax Credit. Cost is now down to around $1100.

Arguable, you *may* save as much as $5-$6/month on your AC Electric bill. However, there's not a whit of real life evidence to support that conclusion.

You have added 2 "roof openings" to your brand new roof ... two more place for leaks to occur.

.... in 12 - 15 years, you *may* be back to even, if you didn't get any roof leaks.

I'd report whoever recommended them, to Crime Against Seniors.

[asianthree]

We asked at our one year inspection, if you choose to add one you need to close off certain roof vents.
At the current equipment used it does not add value to your home, will not notice any difference in cooler months and very little difference in the summer.

So we will not be adding any

[Jim 9922]

We have a Gardina model home with a high peaked roof with vented soffits all around and 4 builder-installed static "mushroom" roof vents, plus several smaller roofer-installed ridge vents. When I have been up in the attic, during any season, any time of the day or evening, I always am able to detect moving air or a slight breeze blowing thru the attic area up towards the roof vents.

So my advice is to avoid punching additional holes in your new roof and depend on the existing vents which were originally designed into your home according to original architectural and engineering specs.

As for solar powered vents, who knows if they are actually working unless you can periodically check on them. My neighbor had a couple installed a couple of years ago and was told to periodically check them by either crawling up on the roof or crawling back to an unfloored area of the attic. If you feel the real need for an additional vent and want to interfere with engineered passive flow of attic air, I'd go with the suggestion of a thermostatically controlled hard wired vent. At least you know if it was running.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

rented a house on Goodland FL, south of Marco Island before we bought in TV, and to keep the house cool, they had a huge ceiling fan which sucked all the air from the house to the attic, and the difference in temperature was about 20+ degrees cooler with the fan on. . Triangle Fans VIK Belt Driven Cabinet Exhaust Fan w/ Shutters 30 inch - VIK30 | HVACDirect.com (https://hvacdirect.com/triangle-fans-vik30-industrial-exhaust-fan-vik30.html) was the fan in the ceiling.

We purchased this for the MA house as the 20 year old prior fan quit working.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Remington-Solar-20-Watt-1280-CFM-Black-Solar-Powered-Attic-Fan-SF20-BLK/203950463

Makes a huge difference in the attic, since we have a lot of items stored as well as the wiring closet.
Electronics don't do well with the high heat.
Single hole, only snow comes in during the winter with high winds. .
Its sitting in the garage waiting to be installed in the spring. .

[CarlR33]

rented a house on Goodland FL, south of Marco Island before we bought in TV, and to keep the house cool, they had a huge ceiling fan which sucked all the air from the house to the attic, and the difference in temperature was about 20+ degrees cooler with the fan on. . Triangle Fans VIK Belt Driven Cabinet Exhaust Fan w/ Shutters 30 inch - VIK30 | HVACDirect.com (https://hvacdirect.com/triangle-fans-vik30-industrial-exhaust-fan-vik30.html) was the fan in the ceiling.

We purchased this for the MA house as the 20 year old prior fan quit working.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Remington-Solar-20-Watt-1280-CFM-Black-Solar-Powered-Attic-Fan-SF20-BLK/203950463

Makes a huge difference in the attic, since we have a lot of items stored as well as the wiring closet.
Electronics don't do well with the high heat.
Single hole, only snow comes in during the winter with high winds. .
It’s sitting in the garage waiting to be installed in the spring. .
Hopefully the unit you show is easily accessible being high up in the attic space because it show’s it being belt driven and at some point that belt will need changed. I have seen some of those in an industrial space and they can get noisy over time after collecting dirt on the blades and gosh forbid the louvers stick open or break and the birds take up residence to build nests, etc.

[kkingston57]

Let's see ...

Your house was probably designed with proper ventilation, per the International Building Code.

If your house is over 1000' sq. ft., the flim flam installers usually recommend 2 units. $1300 + tax.

You'll need ARC approval to install them.

Warm/hot air RISES ... it's not like the warm air in your home is falling back into your living space.

If you install Solar powered and the specific product is eligible, you'll get a 30% Tax Credit. Cost is now down to around $1100.

Arguable, you *may* save as much as $5-$6/month on your AC Electric bill. However, there's not a whit of real life evidence to support that conclusion.

You have added 2 "roof openings" to your brand new roof ... two more place for leaks to occur.

.... in 12 - 15 years, you *may* be back to even, if you didn't get any roof leaks.

I'd report whoever recommended them, to Crime Against Seniors.

Crime against seniors? They do this to all age groups. Just more seniors in and around TV. As others say they might help electric costs and will lessen heat in the attic. That would enable people to store items in the attic.

[Sandy and Ed]

Forget powered fans - they will burn out eventually and/or blades wil become noisy. Heat rises. Those mushroom capped vents work fine.

[KCAlan]

IMHO, you can get an AC powered fan installed for less than 1/2 of the cost of a solar unit, and it will move 10 times or more hot air out of the attic. If you get a thermostat on the unit, then it will only run when needed, and it will continue to run after sundown to cool the attic if necessary.

They make electric fans with a thermostat that pull air into a flexible vent pipe that can be run to an eve vent going to the outside. No hole in the roof. Do these fans work and are they dangerous/fire hazard? You thoughts?

[Ponygirl]

I am in the yes camp

Also if you getting a new roof I recommend shingles that have flecks that reflect the sun’s heat and reduces energy costs

The only company that I could find here that installs the new technology shingles is the Roof Guys. I recently got a roof installed and used the Pinnacle Sun shingles. Great product

I have been pleased with the lower energy costs. Too early to really compare. Fantastic company and Sales person. Michael Mell. 352-209-9200

[SkylightRoofing]

We are getting a new roof next month and the roofing contractor also installs solar roof vents for $650 each. I am undecided if I want to have one installed (our house is small enough so one vent should be adequate). I understand that the vent will help reduce the hot air in the attic when needed most during periods of full sun, but am not sure it would be worth the investment. We have never had one before and have been just fine without one. On the other hand, would the savings on our Air Conditioning related electric bill be reduced enough so the vent would pay for itself over a reasonable period of time? Any feedback from fellow Villagers who have first hand experience with these vents would be greatly appreciated.

A quality roofer will return to inspect them (Solar Roof Vents) Bi-Annually to ensure performance. We do this at Skylight Roofing Villages: 352-552-4766

[Heytubes]

Having been in the business in the past, I’d contact The Solar Guys as they know which wattage and placement is best. 20, 30 or 50 watts. Also, with getting two, tell them a discount is in order. Also, don’t forget about the paperwork for the Federal Solar Tax credit. One other note: make sure they are installed at the top peak of the roof and at least ten feet away from any ridge vents as that will create negative air flow if next to the ridge vent. With the solar attic fans there is a definite reduction in attic temperature as well as extending the life of the shingles. That’s why you often hear people complain their 25 year shingles only last 15 to 20 years, inadequate attic ventilation. Also, attics should have ventilation year round to prevent moisture in the attic. Don’t worry about having to inspect them as most have a 25 year warranty and unlike some of these “experts” on this post, these units if installed correctly will not leak and are silent.

[MSGirl]

Is there a federal tax benefit you can take advantage of with solar?
Yes

[jrref]

We are getting a new roof next month and the roofing contractor also installs solar roof vents for $650 each. I am undecided if I want to have one installed (our house is small enough so one vent should be adequate). I understand that the vent will help reduce the hot air in the attic when needed most during periods of full sun, but am not sure it would be worth the investment. We have never had one before and have been just fine without one. On the other hand, would the savings on our Air Conditioning related electric bill be reduced enough so the vent would pay for itself over a reasonable period of time? Any feedback from fellow Villagers who have first hand experience with these vents would be greatly appreciated.
You don't buy an attic ventilator electric or solar as an investment or plan to recoup your expense. You install it to lower the temperatures in your attic so your A/C works less, you attic doesn't superheat and your space over your garage will be somewhat cooler. If you get solar, there is a 30% tax credit still in place. Comes right off the top of your income tax so for that reason I would go with solar. All you need to do is get the air moving in the attic and these newer solar fans do the job well.

[jrref]

We asked at our one year inspection, if you choose to add one you need to close off certain roof vents.
At the current equipment used it does not add value to your home, will not notice any difference in cooler months and very little difference in the summer.

So we will not be adding any
Interesting because before install of my solar attic fans my attic would reach 150 degrees on the hottest days. Now 110 degrees is the highest I've ever recoreded. In my home it made a significant difference.

[HABckb]

I can only say that prior to having 2 solar roof fans installed in attic space the temperature was during hottest days 135 degrees +. since installation the temperature again on hottest days has never exceeded 105 degrees. space is 2600 sq feet. Also received federal tax credit and am able to store stuff in attic space without damage from heat as it was before installation. would i do it again, YES. the goal was to keep air moving and yes i can see if fans are working by looking back through attic space at the fans. No they do not work at night because they are solar but then the temperature cools at night anyway----right?

[dewilson58]

A quality roofer will return to inspect them (Solar Roof Vents) Bi-Annually to ensure performance.

$$$$

[MaxFli]

Having been in the construction industry and having done research on this issue, the answer is ROOF fans are a WASTE of money because: 1) they're not powerful enough, 2) most-if-not-all are incorrectly located, 3) without a red-light switch, you can't tell when it's not working. The best roof/attic motorized vent one could have is a gable end fan properly sized with a thermostat. What most-if-not-all the hip roofs in TV need is additional STATIC vents because the ridge vent area is insufficient. The general rule-of-thumb is the square feet of roof vent should equal the square feet of soffit venting. Additionally, all ridge venting is not equal and does not work as good as others. I don't know what is used in TV, but I would guess that it's not as good as it could be. My designer house came with a hip roof and two round, static vents. I had 3 more added.

[MrChip72]

I'd report whoever recommended them, to Crime Against Seniors.

Selling something that's not a good deal is not a crime.

[retiredguy123]

Selling something that's not a good deal is not a crime.
It can be if fraudulent claims are made. In particular, there are solar companies being charged with fraud for selling solar systems by misrepresenting their product to customers.

[djbabler]

I have seem many solar vents installed right next to the capped roof vents. My suspicion with no facts just common sense is that the power vent sucks air in from the capped roof vents and right back out the power vent without pulling air from the greater attic space. I could be wrong but does not make sense to me if very close to roof vents

[retiredguy123]

To me, it is amazing that some people will spend hundreds of dollars on a product with no way to determine if the product does what it is supposed to do. In this case, after a few months, you cannot even determine if the fan is operating unless you go up onto the roof or climb into the attic.

[rjm1cc]

Is you home sealed so that the fan will not be drawing cool air from your living area?
Solar?? Will it run at night? If not go electric. Your benefit, if there is one, would be pulling in the cooler night air, not the hot day time air.
Question Where are the opening to the outside to draw the air into the attic?

[Sandy and Ed]

Is you home sealed so that the fan will not be drawing cool air from your living area?
Solar?? Will it run at night? If not go electric. Your benefit, if there is one, would be pulling in the cooler night air, not the hot day time air.
Question Where are the opening to the outside to draw the air into the attic?
Good point. Hopefully they have vented soffits. We have a courtyard and I leave the garage stair access open to draw the air from the garage

[MrChip72]

It can be if fraudulent claims are made. In particular, there are solar companies being charged with fraud for selling solar systems by misrepresenting their product to customers.

Timeshares and MLM's are still alive and well and those are much worse than the stuff happening in TV with useless "upgrades" that we all see being offered like my neighbor being signed for twice a year duct cleaning for 5 years.

[Maker]

I have temperature sensors in my attic. In mornings, the attic is 1 to 2 degrees warmer than outside. In summer, it gets to around 10 to 20 degrees warmer in late afternoon of a sunny day. After sunset, into the evening, it cools rapidly.
There are ridge vents and several round vents. No powered vents.

Interesting observation. The attic is often cooler than outside for most of the morning. If there was a solar vent, then it would draw in hotter air.

A thermal imaging camera also shows no hot spots in any interior wall or ceiling. My insulation is good.

If you want to spend money, I would use the money towards improving the insulation, and installing additional passive vents. I think that would be the better return on investment.

Also, I think the power company offers free energy audits. An expert might look at your house and offer good advice.

[Sully2023]

We are getting a new roof next month and the roofing contractor also installs solar roof vents for $650 each. I am undecided if I want to have one installed (our house is small enough so one vent should be adequate). I understand that the vent will help reduce the hot air in the attic when needed most during periods of full sun, but am not sure it would be worth the investment. We have never had one before and have been just fine without one. On the other hand, would the savings on our Air Conditioning related electric bill be reduced enough so the vent would pay for itself over a reasonable period of time? Any feedback from fellow Villagers who have first hand experience with these vents would be greatly appreciated.

I owned a home for 20 years in Virginia, installed electric roof vents where the motor burned out every three years. Then I tried solar vents and they died a year after installation. When the roof needed replaced I was told by 5 roofers - do not install roof fans! The fans countered the actions to remove the heat from the attic space as it is designed to flow air from your side vents to the roofline. When five roofers told me this, I did not install another one. Btw you did not mention if your attic has good insulation. No more fans for me. I added extra insulation. Good luck!

[HiHoSteveO]

We are getting a new roof next month and the roofing contractor also installs solar roof vents for $650 each. I am undecided if I want to have one installed (our house is small enough so one vent should be adequate). I understand that the vent will help reduce the hot air in the attic when needed most during periods of full sun, but am not sure it would be worth the investment. We have never had one before and have been just fine without one. On the other hand, would the savings on our Air Conditioning related electric bill be reduced enough so the vent would pay for itself over a reasonable period of time? Any feedback from fellow Villagers who have first hand experience with these vents would be greatly appreciated.

I am in the "No" group.
Besides (as already mentioned) the expense, potential water leaks, not knowing if it's actually running or not, consider the air that is being sucked from the attic.
Not a lot, but the air being sucked out is not replaced with only outside air, but also the conditioned air from inside the house. Comes from air leaking into the attic from the fans, ceiling vents, lights, etc.
It could actually increase your air conditioning load.
If you must, I would think a static vent or two might be more practical, but even then the house was engineered to have the attic air flow that it already has.

[Switter]

Having been in the business in the past, I’d contact The Solar Guys as they know which wattage and placement is best. 20, 30 or 50 watts. Also, with getting two, tell them a discount is in order. Also, don’t forget about the paperwork for the Federal Solar Tax credit. One other note: make sure they are installed at the top peak of the roof and at least ten feet away from any ridge vents as that will create negative air flow if next to the ridge vent. With the solar attic fans there is a definite reduction in attic temperature as well as extending the life of the shingles. That’s why you often hear people complain their 25 year shingles only last 15 to 20 years, inadequate attic ventilation. Also, attics should have ventilation year round to prevent moisture in the attic. Don’t worry about having to inspect them as most have a 25 year warranty and unlike some of these “experts” on this post, these units if installed correctly will not leak and are silent.

Unfortunately, nowadays it almost doesn't matter how long shingles last because your insurance company is going to require you to replace them at least every 20 years. From here on out it's a cost that will likely just be negotiated at point of sale.

[jrref]

What you need to realize is there are a few people with engineering or technical backgrounds here on Talk of the Villages. Most people can give you a positive or negative experience using a contractor or making an addition to your home but when it comes to HVAC in your home, measurements become significant. With proper static venting in your attic, yes, that should be enough but how do you know you have adequate ventilation? A roofer looks up and says yes or no? Even an inspector might not really know. That said, unless you have someone who knows what they are doing to go into your attic to measure the insulation, see that all the soffit vents are open, measure the static ventilation, take temperature reading, etc, you don't really kow. Your need for active ventilation can also depend on how you home is positioned, i.e., North, South, East, West facing. At the end of the day the only way for you to know if you need more ventilation without doing all this technical testing is to put a couple of temperature sensors in the attic and measure the trends, see if you have storage melting over your garage and or go up in your attic, if you can, on a hot day and see how it is. All you need is to go into the storage space over your garage to get a gauge if its superheating or not. In my case I put some temperature sensors in my attic measured the trends on hot days then decided to add Solar vents installed by the Solar Guys and then measured after the installation and my attic never goes above 10 degrees over the outside temperature where as before it was super heating at 150+ degrees. Also, you can't go by past eperience of those with solar vents since the newer technology vents are very powerful and have a long guarantee. The only problem is verifying that they are working but most of the time you can see them from your attic storage space. Also a big issue no one is bringing up is fan noise. When you get a large enough fan going in your attic you Will hear it in you living space. So you want to get fans that will add active ventilation but don't expect to be evacuating all the hot air with a very large fan. Just too noisey. Moisture in the attic is also something you want to keep at a minimum and active ventilation will also help.

Finally, adding active ventilation is not an investment, you add it if you need it to make your home more comfortable and prevent your attic from superheating in our Florida environment.

I hope this information helps put thing in perspective when considering adding active attic ventilation.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

What you need to realize is there are a few people with engineering or technical backgrounds here on Talk of the Villages. Most people can give you a positive or negative experience using a contractor or making an addition to your home but when it comes to HVAC in your home, measurements become significant. With proper static venting in your attic, yes, that should be enough but how do you know you have adequate ventilation? A roofer looks up and says yes or no? Even an inspector might not really know. That said, unless you have someone who knows what they are doing to go into your attic to measure the insulation, see that all the soffit vents are open, measure the static ventilation, take temperature reading, etc, you don't really kow. Your need for active ventillation can also depend on how you home is positioned, i.e., North, South, East, West facing. At the end of the day the only way for you to know if you need more ventilation without doing all this technical testing is to put a couple of temperature sensors in the attic and measure the trends, see if you have storage melting over your garage and or go up in your attic, if you can, on a hot day and see how it is. All you need is to go into the storage space over your garage to get a gauge if its superheating or not. In my case I put some temperature sensors in my attic measured the trends on hot days then decided to add Solar vents installed by the Solar Guys and then measured after the installation and my attic never goes above 10 degrees over the outside temperature where as before it was super heating at 150+ degrees. Also, you can't go by past eperience of those with solar vents since the newer technology vents are very powerful and have a long guarantee. The only problem is verifying that they are working but most of the time you can see them from your attic storage space. Also a big issue no one is bringing up is fan noise. When you get a large enough fan going in your attic you Will hear it in you living space. So you want to get fans that will add active ventilation but don't expect to be evacuating all the hot air with a very large fan. Just too noisey. Moisture in the attic is also something you want to keep at a minimum and active ventilation will also help.

Finally, adding active ventilation is not an investment, you add it if you need it to make your home more comfortable and prevent your attic from superheating in our Florida environment.

I hope this information helps put thing in perspective when considering adding active attic ventilation.

Thank you,

One can buy remote blue tooth temp sensors, we use Govee at the moment, for inside and outside temps. We have insulation stacked high, and that certainly helps, but also makes any wiring changes very difficult well as can block the soffit intakes if just blown in.

Of course adding lots of passive vents is also an answer, but balance the number of holes in the roof versus a forced air system. . .

So the answer is always: your current system works for you, until it doesn't. .

[airdote22]

Take the credit anyway, you deserve it more than the feds.

[retiredguy123]

One surefire way to decrease your electric bill is to add more insulation to your attic above the living space. Installing a solar fan is questionable at best.

[jimjamuser]

Let's see ...

Your house was probably designed with proper ventilation, per the International Building Code.

If your house is over 1000' sq. ft., the flim flam installers usually recommend 2 units. $1300 + tax.

You'll need ARC approval to install them.

Warm/hot air RISES ... it's not like the warm air in your home is falling back into your living space.

If you install Solar powered and the specific product is eligible, you'll get a 30% Tax Credit. Cost is now down to around $1100.

Arguable, you *may* save as much as $5-$6/month on your AC Electric bill. However, there's not a whit of real life evidence to support that conclusion.

You have added 2 "roof openings" to your brand new roof ... two more place for leaks to occur.

.... in 12 - 15 years, you *may* be back to even, if you didn't get any roof leaks.

I'd report whoever recommended them, to Crime Against Seniors.
I would NOT cut holes in a roof unless I thoroughly researched the subject. Present and past TOTV threads are THE good place to start.

[Annie66]

Let's see ...

Your house was probably designed with proper ventilation, per the International Building Code.

If your house is over 1000' sq. ft., the flim flam installers usually recommend 2 units. $1300 + tax.

You'll need ARC approval to install them.

Warm/hot air RISES ... it's not like the warm air in your home is falling back into your living space.

If you install Solar powered and the specific product is eligible, you'll get a 30% Tax Credit. Cost is now down to around $1100.

Arguable, you *may* save as much as $5-$6/month on your AC Electric bill. However, there's not a whit of real life evidence to support that conclusion.

You have added 2 "roof openings" to your brand new roof ... two more place for leaks to occur.

.... in 12 - 15 years, you *may* be back to even, if you didn't get any roof leaks.

I'd report whoever recommended them, to Crime Against Seniors.


I believe the organization you are mentioning is called "Senior versus Crime"

[C. C. Rider]

Interesting thread. Last summer, I installed a battery-operated remote heat sensor in my attic. I installed it about 6 feet above the attic floor joists. My attic isn't floored. The highest point in my attic is about 12 feet above the attic joists.

The readings of the remote sensor are transmitted to the receiver unit inside my house. I recorded many of the high attic temperatures last summer. It was quite common to have high temps of 135 degrees during the mid to late afternoon. I had a few readings of over 140 degrees. The highest I ever detected was 143 degrees.

I'm considering adding some additional attic vents but hesitate to mess with my roof shingles which are about 9 years old. I don't know how flexible these shingles are and don't want to cause a roof leak. Has anyone here added roof vents on a roof that is of similar age?