Interested in harnessing the power of the sun but not quite ready to make a big investment in solar panels? Here are three affordable solar-powered solutions for your home, each of which saves money, hassle, or both.
(1) Solar attic fans
OK, this one is a no brainer. Hmm, I could tear into the ceiling of my attic and rewire it for a conventional fan. Or I could forget the wires alltogether and go with its solar-powered cousin: the solar attic fan. Most models cost under $500 — less than what an electrician and materials would run you. While solar fans won’t run at night, they do a pretty decent job of expelling heat and moisture from your attic during the day when the sun is shining.
TIP: When shopping around, keep an eye on the CFM — or cubit feet per minute — listing. This number tells you how much air (in cubic feet) the fan can move each minute. Depending on the size of your attic, you may need more than one solar-powered fan to significantly reduce the temperature.
(2) Solar fountains
Fountains are not for everyone. In fact, I think they’re what the French call a goût acquis. Regardless, if you’re into fountains, then you’ll really be into solar fountains. Just like the solar attic fan, these nifty garden/yard solutions save you the trouble of wiring outdoors, which can be a real pain. (Just think: no digging trenches to bury unsightly wires.) Smaller fountains retail for less than 100 bucks — not bad!
Again, solar-powered fountains won’t work at night. But many models come with an AC adapter, which means you can plug it directly into an outlet if you really need the sound of trickling water to set the mood for an evening get-together.
TIP: For you bird lovers out there, there are a few companies making solar power bird baths.
(3) Solar outdoor lights
Of the three products, I’ve gotta say I like this one the best. They’re practical. They’re affordable. And, unlike solar attic fans and solar fountains, solar outdoor lights are specifically designed to work when the sun is not shining. In general, there are two models out there:
- Yard or pathway lights: essentially, these guys are small LEDs that come on a stake. During the day, a mini photovoltaic (PV) panel charges a small battery, which powers the lights through most of the night. You buy eight or 12 of them, stake them in the ground along a path or your driveway, and — presto — no more tripping on yard hazards, like your five-year-old’s tee ball helmet. What a simple solution.
- Flood lights: a bit more involved than the LED path lights, your typical solar flood light comes with a small PV panel. The panel goes on the roof, with a wire running back under the eave to the main unit. The bulkier panel/battery combo ensures that the unit produces a good amount of light.
TIP: Just like “real” flood lights, many solar-powered versions come with a motion-activiated option.
Solar attic fans are not only the least expensive (in terms of total cost of ownership, which is purchase price + operating costs), they are also the most environmentally friendly way to ventilate an attic. Unlike conventional electric attic fans, solar attic fans don’t use any electricity from the power grid at all! I have really been trying to get the word out about this method of attic ventilation at Solar Attic Fan Info because I think not enough people are aware of the benefits – please check it out!