A roof-mounted solar attic fan is not the right solution for every home. Some properties have an existing gable vent, limited roof space, complex roofing materials or a homeowner who would prefer to avoid adding another roof penetration.
The Attic Depot 30W Gable-Mount Solar Attic Fan provides another option. It installs inside the gable area while its solar panel is mounted remotely in a location with suitable sun exposure.
Producing up to 1,550 CFM, the fan is recommended for attics up to approximately 1,500 square feet.
Solar Ventilation Without Mounting the Fan on the Roof
A gable-mount fan is installed vertically near or behind an appropriate gable opening rather than being flashed directly into the roof.
The fan itself measures 14 inches in diameter and 8 inches deep. Its separate 30-watt solar panel measures 20 inches by 19 inches and can be positioned remotely for effective solar exposure.
Separating the panel from the fan provides two significant advantages:
- The fan can be installed in the gable without creating a roof penetration for the fan housing.
- The solar panel can be placed where it receives stronger sunlight rather than being limited by the direction of the gable wall.
The installation still requires careful planning, weatherproof mounting and an appropriate route between the panel and fan.
Up to 1,550 CFM for Attics Up to 1,500 Square Feet
The 30W Gable-Mount Solar Attic Fan uses a variable-speed 24-volt brushless motor to produce up to 1,550 CFM.
It is recommended for attics up to 1,500 square feet when the attic has suitable intake ventilation and a clear airflow path. The fan exhausts hot or humid attic air through the gable while replacement air enters through soffit or other intake vents.
As with every powered attic ventilation system, square footage is only a starting point. Contractors should inspect the attic configuration, intake capacity, obstructions, existing vents and solar exposure before selecting the product or installation location.
Automatic Thermostat and Humidistat
The gable-mount fan includes both temperature and humidity controls.
Its approximate automatic settings are:
- Temperature activation at 85°F
- Temperature shutoff at 70°F
- Humidity activation at 75%
- Humidity shutoff at 60%
These controls help the fan respond to excessive attic heat during warmer weather and elevated humidity during other times of the year, provided sufficient solar energy is available.
The fan operates without connecting to household electrical power, so it does not add electrical operating costs for the homeowner.
Gable-Mount Fan Features
The Attic Depot 30W Gable-Mount Solar Attic Fan includes:
- Remotely mounted 30-watt solar panel
- Up to 1,550 CFM
- Recommended for attics up to 1,500 square feet
- 14-inch-diameter fan
- 8-inch fan depth
- 20-inch by 19-inch solar panel
- Variable-speed 24-volt brushless motor
- Automatic thermostat and humidistat
- Whisper-quiet poly-vinyl blades
- Corrosion-resistant powder-coated finish
- Protective wildlife screen
- Hail- and wind-resistant construction
- No household electrical connection required
When Is a Gable-Mount Solar Fan a Good Choice?
The gable model may be preferable when:
- The home already has a suitable gable opening.
- The contractor or homeowner wants to avoid mounting the fan housing on the roof.
- The roof surface is crowded or difficult to access.
- The gable wall does not receive sufficient sunlight, but the remote panel can be mounted in a better location.
- The attic is no larger than approximately 1,500 square feet.
- Temperature and humidity control are both desired.
A gable fan should not be selected solely because installation appears easier. The contractor must still verify that air can move effectively from the attic’s intake vents to the gable exhaust location.
Roof-Mount Versus Gable-Mount Solar Fans
Neither configuration is automatically better in every home.
A roof-mounted fan may provide a more direct exhaust point near the upper roof area. A gable-mounted fan can avoid a fan-sized roof penetration and offers additional placement flexibility through its remotely mounted solar panel.
The right choice depends on the structure, roof configuration, available gable opening, intake ventilation and sun exposure.
Designed by The Attic Depot for Contractor Installation
The 30W Gable-Mount Solar Attic Fan was designed by The Attic Depot and is manufactured to our specifications. The product carries The Attic Depot branding and is distributed exclusively through our business-to-business contractor network.
The Attic Depot does not sell directly to homeowners. Contractors interested in offering our solar attic ventilation products can apply to become an authorized dealer and gain access to professional training, technical resources, sales tools and marketing support.
Lifetime Protection Against Manufacturing Defects
The complete gable-mount fan is protected by The Attic Depot’s lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Labor and installation expenses are not covered.
Homeowners interested in The Attic Depot 30W Gable-Mount Solar Attic Fan can use our dealer locator to find an authorized contractor who can inspect the attic and recommend the correct ventilation system.
