The 9 Best Solar

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No electrical outlet nearby? No problem.

There are a variety of situations where you want a fan but don't have an electrical outlet nearby — like while camping, or working in the shed or greenhouse. You can always buy a portable power station, but if you're looking for something lightweight to throw in your beach bag or a more permanent solution for your home, consider investing in a solar-powered fan.

Solar-powered fans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all harness the power of the sun to provide a cool breeze on hot days. There are small fans to pack up for summer outings, and large ones designed to be installed on a roof to help cool large rooms or an attic. Read on for our top recommendations, plus what everything you need to know before you shop.

Looking for more ways to cool down on hot summer days? Check out our stories on best outdoor ceiling fans, best tower fans, best pedestal fans, and best oscillating fans.

The best solar-powered fan for your needs will depend on where you plan to use it. If you’re looking for a personal fan, there are a variety of compact models that can be used while camping, walking or lounging by the pool. These devices are typically lightweight and portable, but they only create enough airflow to cool one person.

On the other hand, there are larger solar-powered fans designed to cool entire rooms of buildings. These fans usually list how much square (or cubic) footage they cover, as well as the airflow they create, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). With a larger fan like this, you’ll want to consider its installation requirements, how far away from the fan the solar panel can be mounted, and how it's controlled. Also, keep in mind that some solar-powered fans don't have built-in batteries, so they can't run at night.

To find the best solar-powered fans for a range of applications, we looked at dozens of products from different brands. We aimed to include a variety of both portable and permanent models within a range of prices, evaluating each product on its cooling abilities, installation requirements, and special features. We read dozens of reviews for each model to get a sense of their strengths and weaknesses, and we prioritized fans with long warranty periods, especially for those on the more expensive side of the spectrum.

Key Specs

The GBGS Solar Powered Exhaust Fan has a built-in thermostat switch that turns the fan on or off automatically based on the temperature. The unit comes programmed to turn on when the temperature is above 77 degrees and off when it's 65 or lower, and the powerful fan is able to be used in spaces up to 4,200 square feet.

Its solar panel can be wall- or gable-mounted, and it comes with a 32-foot cable to connect the two components. The fan also has a traditional plug-in power supply, which automatically takes over if the solar panel isn't producing enough power to keep the fan running.

Key Specs

The Pumplus Solar Fan is a permanent model that can be used for a variety of applications. The fan comes in either 12- or 14-inch diameters, and it features five stainless-steel fan blades in a heavy-duty casing. It's ideal for spaces up to 1,500 cubic feet, and the fan motor has a service life of more than 10,000 hours.

It comes with a large solar panel and 16.4-foot waterproof connection cable, and the panel can be folded and angled to better capture the sun's rays. The plug-and-play design is ideal for sheds, chicken coops, and even attics, but keep in mind that it doesn't have a built-in battery, so the fan only operates during the day.

Key Specs

You can push hot air out of your attic in the summer with this roof-mounting solar fan from QuietCool. It's powered by a 40-watt solar panel, and it includes an AC/DC inverter that allows it to operate even on cloudy days or at night. The fan and solar panel are contained in a heavy-duty steel housing, and the solar panel can be rotated 180 degrees and tilted 60 degrees for optimal sun exposure.

This fan has a built-in thermostat that automatically turns the unit on when your attic gets too hot, and it's backed by a 15-year limited warranty. However, it can be somewhat challenging to install without the right tools, so you may need help from a professional.

Key Specs

The BusyPiggy Solar Camping Fan can also be used as a lantern thanks to its three LED lights, which fold out from the sides of the fan. This solar-powered device is ideal for camping or relaxing outdoors, as it has a built-in hanging hook, but it can also be propped on its side for indoor use.

The solar charging panel is on the back, and it can last for up to 20 hours per charge, depending on which of the four speed settings you use. It even juices up smartphones and other devices via USB cable, which comes in handy when you’re out in the wilderness.

Key Specs

The AntPay Solar Panel Fan Kit features two 5-inch fans mounted to an acrylic panel, allowing the unit to push more air out of a small building. It's suitable for spaces up to 200 cubic feet, and the fan motors have a service life of more than six years.

The kit comes with a waterproof solar panel that's roughly 14 x 7 inches, and an 11-foot cable allows you to mount it quite far away from the fan itself. However, the two fans can't be separated, and there's no built-in battery, meaning the fan will only run during the daytime.

Key Specs

If you have a gable-style roof, the QuietCool Gable Mount Attic Fan can help keep your home cooler by pushing air out of your attic. The fan is 14.5 inches in diameter, and it's powerful enough to cool down spaces up to 2,400 square feet.

It has a built-in thermostat that automatically turns the fan on at 83 degrees and off at 72 degrees, and also comes with a standard plug that allows it to operate during the night, if needed.

The solar panel measures 14.5 x 23.5 inches, and it can tilt up to 60 degrees, letting you angle it toward the sun. But if you're picky about aesthetic details, you may not love the lime green color.

Key Specs

Greenhouses require some form of ventilation, especially on hot days, and this option is great for greenhouses because it can cool up to 2,250 square feet.

The fan features sealed ball bearings for quiet operation, as well as a thermal-protected motor, and it comes with a 15-foot bale to connect it to the solar panel. There's also mounting tabs for the panel, and the quick-connect wires make for easy DIY installation.

The fan can be reversed, if needed, to pull fresh air into the greenhouse, and it's also backed by a 25-year warranty. The only downside is that no built-in battery means daytime-only operation.

Key Specs

If the chicken coop lacks electricity and you want to go solar, consider this well-priced, permanent model. The small fan has a weatherproof design that keeps out wind and rain, and it connects to the solar panel via a 16-foot cable. It operates fairly quietly so as not to disturb your birds, but it only works on sunny days, as there's no battery to store excess power.

Key Specs

When you’re hiking or sitting on the beach, you can attach this mini fan right to the brim of your hat for a cool personal breeze. The compact solar-powered fan is extremely lightweight, making it easy to bring just about anywhere, and it's attached to a handy clip. Its solar panel is on the base that powers the blades, but it's not the strongest fan ever and is only suitable for one person.

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her four years as a product tester, she's tested hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, The Spruce, Food52, and more.

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