Quote:
Originally Posted by idontknow
And he did it all with the solar cells from landscape lighting.
Well maybe not but what was the itemized price list on that?
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I installed the fan about 5 years ago. I had a smallish panel that I had bought a few years before that, but could never use. So....
If memory serves me correctly, the panel was about $75-100 and the fan, a 12" circular, was about $75-100 as well. OK I'll revise what I said earlier... Total cost was not more than $200.-
EDIT: I think the main panel is 25 watts.
It was originally installed with an included thermostat (triggered at 90d), but it was not kicking on at the right time, so it was removed and the fan starts spinning when enough power is generated and spins down at about sun down. About once a year, I will get on a ladder and spry some lithium grease around the bearings. I will also adjust and clean off the panels. The panels (I added a small 12v panel I was using for R/C hobby) are about 100' away from the fan. I tried to keep the lengths to a minimum, in order to keep the line resistance to a minimum.
We talked about adding a battery to extend the fan run time into the evening, but it really wasn't needed. I think the fan will pump out around 2000 CFM's if I convert to a 24V system - which is probably what I will do, when the existing panels become inefficient.
The trick to keeping the garage cool, is to have the fan spinning before the heat builds up.
I wish I could provide a more accurate price breakdown. Done right today and an attic fan or garage fan can really help with some electricity costs, but it really is nice, as there is no pollution produced to power the fan (OK, very little. The fan/motor/panel still have to be produced.)