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DIY Solar Power Fan Installation - Reduce Shed Heat and Stagnant Air

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Posted by: Rate It Green Team


A solar powered fan is a great and simple idea to remove excess heat from a shed. And this is a Scout project in addition, where (with supervision), the kids can get involved and learn as well.  Apparently this Scout shed sometimes reached 160 degrees F in the summer! Green Builder Matt Hoots explains the steps and shows us how it's done.  Note that this fan can also be installed in place of a rectangular garage bay glass window pane to cool and bring some fresh air into a hot garage space.
 





 
 
It’s important to make sure the solar surface will face South, as that means the sunlight will be most consistent to keep the fan running more of the time.  And yes, the fan only runs when the sun hits it.  Steps include:
  
  • Cut the hole using a template, 
  • Install the fan, which already has a frame 
  • Seal to keep out the water
  • Install the wiring through the fan hole
  • Attach the solar panel - take care not to drill through the solar parts that produce the power, to avoid interrupting the power
 
After this, you basically set it and forget it! The fan is left on, and whenever the sun is on (and the shed or garage or space is at its hottest), the fan will help cool things down a bit, and can help air from becoming or remaining as stagnant. 

 
Thanks to Matt Hoots of Sawhorse Inc., for sharing this DIY example! 

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