Keep Cool This Summer With These Top-Rated Solar-Powered Fans

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.

Best Solar-Powered Fans

What to Consider

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.

How We Selected

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.