Thought this might be of interest here.

Was in Sam's on Friday and they had a Samsung solar powered attic fan for $199. The box did not have all the specs on it that the typical HD powered fan has. But it said it would ventilate 1250sf.

I have not really priced these recently, but I thought they were a lot more expensive than that normally. Thought seriously about trying one. But the area I want it on first is not a good sun direction. Anyone know how much sun these have to have to be worth while?

Usually about 6 hours of direct sunlight. Guess the beauty of this fan is that it only works when the roof is in direct sunlight?

Was wondering if you would want this fan to operate during the winter, too?

Put in radiant barrier first. It will do more than the fan to cool the attic. My attic was extremely hot during the summers. So hot that the lack of O2 caused my pilot light on the hot water heater to go out. The marbling on the wood also indicates that the temps got over 150°F.

Put in radiant barrier myself and the attic now matched the outside temp on the hotest days.

was that a paint radiant barrier or the foil?

And if foil, where did you put it?
Bottom of the rafters or on top of the insulation?

solar attic fans motors will burn up. Don't waste your money. Better off w/ ridge & soffit vents & radiant barrier.

ftworth,

That is my general opinion on powered fans as well. Especially, when looking at a 500 - 600 solar fan. Just seemed like a significant jump down on the price, so I thought I would post it for anyone interested.

Just put up a regular fan. The wiring is easy, and you'll be out $100, and the fan can handle up to 2400sqft. Can buy at home depot or Lowe's.

Just FYI, get someone to help you, it's a pain in the butt to do it by yourself. Their are some good youtube videos to show you how to, if your not familiar with the process.

Foil on the undersides of the rafters.