Consider this: Air trapped in an attic can reach a sweltering 150°F or more, increasing the load on a home’s air conditioner and leading to higher energy bills. The Broan Solar-Powered Attic Ventilator (SPAV) offers a solution that helps houses retain their energy efficiency.
Powered by the sun, the Broan SPAV begins working in the morning at first light, removing moisture from the cool overnight air and ventilating the attic before the heat of the day can build up. A standard powered attic ventilator (PAV) must wait until its thermostat detects a high temperature and signals the ventilator to begin working. By that time, the moisture has already seeped into the insulation, and the ventilator must work harder to cool the air and run all day when energy costs are higher.
Approved by the stringent Florida Building Code, the Broan SPAV is completely solar powered, requires no electricity or fuel, emits no pollution and costs nothing to maintain. The Broan SPAV may qualify homeowners for a federal tax rebate of up to 30% of the total cost of the product and installation. With the federal tax credit and no ongoing energy costs, a Broan SPAV could cost the same as a traditional PAV within one year.
The Broan SPAV's 20-watt output ensures a high level of energy output. Its high-end, quiet direct current (DC) motor is highly efficient and emits no harmonic noise. The solar panel is made of high-strength tempered glass that can withstand golf ball-sized hail and hurricane force winds up to 140 miles per hour, and it won’t discolor or warp like laminate covers, says the maker.
The Broan SPAV’s highly sensitive solar panels are able to power the ventilator even in times of low light. Because the Broan SPAV’s solar panels are so sensitive, they can lie flat on a roof, while other SPAVs must be conspicuously propped up on the roof in order to absorb the sun’s rays.
Available in black, brown or weathered wood to match most roof colors, the trim is designed to blend in with the roof’s shingles for a sleeker profile. The SPAVs are easy to install and will retrofit into most existing attic ventilation roof openings in a matter of minutes. The ventilators are capable of being remote-mounted and gable-mounted, allowing the solar panel to receive optimal sunlight while placing the ventilator in a more convenient location. For flat or steep roofs, the SPAV can be curb-mounted to create a solid platform and better manage water runoff.