[SkylightRoofing]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

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

Yes

[jrref]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by SkylightRoofing

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]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

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

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

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by MrChip72

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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.