Whether you’re camping in a traditional two-man tent, fishing on a hot day, or needing to cool off the barn while you rake hay, there are different situations that call for a good fan.
So, when you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and go green – or even get totally off the grid – the matter of keeping yourself cool comes with a question.
Which solar powered fan works the best for my needs?
We’ll dive into our reviews of the best solar fans below.
Quick-Find Best Solar Fan List
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Best for Camping | Best for Camping |
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Best Personal Fan | Best Personal Fan |
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Best Attic Fan | Best Attic Fan |
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Best Patio Fan | Best Patio Fan |
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Best Chicken Coop Fan | Best Chicken Coop Fan |
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>> Tap Here to Read Our Reviews for These Top Picks <<
How Does Solar Power Work?
In general terms, solar power systems work through the use of stored energy that’s collected from sunlight. Solar panels are made up of a series of photovoltaic cells that grab that sunlight and convert it into usable energy. This energy is then sent through whatever system the solar panels are hooked up to and is used to power appliances and electronics.
What Kinds of Fans Can Be Solar-Powered?
There are loads of fans that can be solar-powered. You can have a solar-powered room fan or a solar-powered box fan. Solar-powered fans can go in the RV, the attic, be used in tents, or be carried around for a personal fan when you’re enjoying your kid’s soccer game.
There are a number of styles of fans that you’ll find in solar power options. Attic fans and car ventilators, for example, are available and can be affixed as needed.
There are stand-alone fans, clip fans, and even portable solar-powered ceiling fans.
You’ll also find a number of portable personal fans that have multiple functions, such as flashlight and table lantern functions.
Make sure you shop around a bit in various categories before deciding on the fan you’ll purchase. You may discover something you wouldn’t have thought of in a different category that actually works better for your specific needs.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
To make sure we are offering the absolute best solar panels fan options, we dug around in reviews and customer ratings for a while. We looked for lists in each category we wanted to examine and chose the best of the best by knocking out anything that didn’t have at least a four-star rating.
After that knocked out most of the choices, we looked for the fans that most-closely fit the needs in each category, and then made the selection for each type by looking at price, overall customer satisfaction, and benefits/features, and compared these to personal experience and knowledge of basic needs for each category.
This produced the list below, with one or two choices in each category, including some runners up that are close in quality, manufacture, and function.
Reviews of the Best Solar Fans
We reviewed as many categories as possible to make sure you have your needs covered. From solar power outdoor fan to solar-powered vent fan options, we’ve pretty got every type you need listed below with a solid top choice and one or two runners up.
You will notice that several of the fans would work for multiple functions. Be sure to review these before finalizing your purchase plans.
The Best Personal On-the-Go Fans
We looked into solar-powered fans for camping with tents, fans for RVs and cars, and general on-the-go fans you can bring along to any outdoor event.
We wanted fans that would work in a tent, in the yard, or pretty much anywhere.
We found loads of options that all looked similar – some styles are extremely popular – so we’re recommending the best ones we could find overall for each category.
Here’s what we found for camping, RVs, porches/patios, and general portable use.
#1. Bicycle Store Multi-Functional Solar Fan – Best Solar Fans for Camping
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
The best solar power tent fan we discovered is the multi-functional, portable fan from Bicycle Store. This handy dandy fan runs on solar power or standard electric – a great way to start your trip. It stands 8.5-inches tall, providing you a fairly decent sized fan for cooling the tent.
This fan from Bicycle Store takes about 3 to 4 hours for a full charge and then will run for up to 8 hours, depending on the setting you put it on. For most of us, that’s plenty to keep us cool at night in a tent.
The fan also has an LED table light or flashlight function. So, depending on how you want to use it, you could grab a couple to both light and cool your tent for as long as you need.
Other ways to use this fan:
- Porch and patio
- Indoors
- RVing
- Fishing
- Boating
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#2. The Senreal Portable Ceiling Fan – Best Portable Solar Ceiling Fan
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
For a nearly silent alternative to a mini box fan for your camping needs, you can try the portable solar-powered ceiling fan from Senreal. This solar-powered fan with battery works for tents, RVs, patio, boats, cabins, or just about anywhere that you can securely affix it.
The fan can run completely off solar power or the storage DC12 volt battery. It uses an off/on switch to save energy and has an 8.2-foot cable for connecting to either the solar panel or a DC outlet.
This small solar-powered fan has a diameter of 7.8-inches and the whole thing weighs only 10.4 ounces.
Note: The fan does not come with a solar panel. You will need to purchase this separately. For this, I recommend the portable Windy Nation 30W portable panel. This 30-watt panel will not only allow you to power this 5-watt solar fan, but will let you charge your phone, laptop, or a few other small electronics at the same time.
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#3. Hereta Multi-functional Portable Fan – Best Solar-Powered Personal Fan
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
For the best solar powered portable fan, we chose the Multi-functional Portable Fan from Hereta.
Technically, this would also make a great camping fan, but because of the many functions, we felt it has a broader appeal than primarily camping.
This is going to be great for road trips and camping, but also for just hanging out in the lawn on a gorgeous day, chilling at the parks while the kids play, or any other outdoor setting.
Why? Because the fan offers five powerful blades for cooling, light as a desk-style lamp, and an FM radio.
- The lamp portion uses 26 LEDs for bright light that work up to 9 hours after fully charging in the sun for about 6 to 8 hours.
- The fan runs on high for up to 7 hours after a full charge and is basically silent.
- The radio works for up to 8 hours after a full charge.
- This is a powerful little personal fan that we think you’re going to love for any outdoor occasion.
And bonus, the fan also offers a USB charging port for your phone.
Other ways to use this fan:
- Camping
- RVing
- Beach-going
- Fishing
- Porch/patio
- Workshop
- Boating
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#4. Pevor Portable Mini Clip Fan
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The runner up in best portable solar fan goes to the Pevor portable mini clip fan.
This little sucker clips onto a baseball cap, canvas chair back, or just about anywhere, to help keep you cool in the sun.
It’s uber small and lightweight and comes with a 90-day money back guarantee.
Great for use while:
- Camping
- Short-distance hiking
- Fishing
- RVing
- At sporting events
- Boating
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#5. Solar-Powered Car Ventilator from Stylooc – Best Solar Car Fan
Overall Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
When you’re driving along the highway, and it’s a gorgeous day out, you want to open the windows and enjoy the air. I often find, however, that it’s too hot to do this for long – that sun sure beats down hard! – or it’s too windy on highways to cool off. Of course, slow traffic also drops that cooling effect when you’re sitting, waiting on construction.
A great solution to this is a solar-powered car fan. And the best solar window fan for your car is the Car Ventilator from Stylooc.
It hangs over the top of your car window and helps to circulate the air trapped in the car and reduce odors. This helps keep the car cooler, especially in static road conditions or days when you don’t want to turn on the air conditioner and save energy.
This particular car ventilator model has three fans, each with a separate control. You can turn all three on or just run one or two. The blades rotate at 3500 revolutions per minute.
Throughout the day, you will want to reposition the fan to keep the solar panel in the sun as much as possible. The solar panel on the fan is guaranteed for 10-years, so you’re looking at a fairly high-quality product here, that will keep your car cool for years to come.
Note: This is a fan, not an air conditioner, and will not technically lower the temperatures in the car. It is designed for cooling through the circulation of air only.
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The Best Solar-Powered Fans for Home Use
At home, we have different needs for cooling things off. I’ve found the best attic fan, barn fan, chicken coop fan, and other portable fans that can be used on the patio and deck, or for added airflow in other places around the homestead.
#1. Natural Light Solar Attic Fan – Best Solar Attic Fan
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
From one of the most trusted manufacturers in the business comes the Natural Light Solar Attic Fan. This solar-powered exhaust fan is made of the highest-quality materials, receives rave reviews from many reviewers and real-life users, and comes in at a reasonable price that just about anyone can afford.
The fan is 27.2 x 27.2 x 11.5 inches, 36-watts, and covers 2625 square feet. It should be placed on the roof with a 45-degree pitch.
The kit comes with everything you need for easy installation – even if you’re not the handiest person on the planet. It’s a great fan for cold-weather climates and is extremely versatile.
The Natural Light fan comes with a 25-year warranty.
Other places to use this fan:
- Large chicken coops
- Barns
- Stables
- Sheds
- Workshops
- Greenhouses
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#2. Amtrak 40-Watt Galvanized Steel Solar Attic Fan – Best Solar Barn Fan
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
The galvanized steel attic fan from Amtrak comes with a 40-watt solar panel for high-powered, high-quality ventilation and cooling.
While technically an attic fan, I’d highly recommend this for your barn or stable as well.
Its extremely durable materials can withstand the typical wear and tear of farm life that barns face. It can be set as a gable vent, meaning it will easily transition into the position of your old fan without much alteration.
The fan is 14-inches and includes 25-feet of wire for positioning the solar panel wherever it will receive the most direct sunlight. The fan blade is high-efficiency and produces a high volume of air movement.
There are four mounting brackets for easy, quick placement. The fan is thermal protected, comes with a thermostat, and covers up to 2250 square feet. Plus, it comes with a 25-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Other ways to use this fan:
- Sheds
- Tall ceiling chicken coops
- Stables
- Attics
- Garages
- Large greenhouses
- Large workshops
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#3. Goodsoz 10W Solar Panel Fan for Outdoors – Best Solar Patio Fan
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Whether you’re sitting beneath an awning or gazebo roof, chilling in the shade, or stuck in the sunshine, the Goodsoz 10W solar fan is a great option for your outdoor hangouts. The fan is free-standing, so it goes anywhere and runs totally on solar power.
The solar panel offers 10 watts of power for a strong breeze. Just place the solar panel in direct sunshine and plug in the fan via USB port and place wherever you need the cool breeze blowing.
Just remember that there is no backup battery for this and can only be used while the sun is out.
Other ways you can use this fan include:
- Temporary ventilation for the chicken coop
- Temporary ventilation for the barn
- Camping
- RVing
- Screened-in porches
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The Best Solar Fans for the Farm
Closely related to home fans are fans for the farm out-buildings. These are going to mostly be similar to ventilation fans like you’d use in the attic – and many of those could actually be used for your chicken coop, dog house, or barn.
#1. Rand Solar-Powered Attic Gable Fan – Best Solar Chicken Coop Fan
Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
This 30-watt gable fan from Rand is a great choice for installing in your chicken coop.
It only weighs 13 pounds, but it offers coverage for up to 2720 square feet.
It includes an 85-degree thermostat to help you keep an eye on healthy temperatures for your chickens, and drastically reduces the odors and stagnant air temperatures through the powerful 30-watts of energy powering it with 1911 cubic feet per minute of ventilation.
This gable fan can decrease temperatures in the chicken coop by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The fan is made of super high-quality materials, as is the solar panel, and will endure high temperatures and reasonably strong weather conditions. It comes with a 20-year warranty.
Other ways to use this fan:
- Sheds
- Attics
- Barns
- Stables
- Workshops
- Greenhouses
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#2. Globefan Solar-Powered Poultry Fan – Runner-Up Chicken Coop Fan
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This fan from Globefan is a pretty decent second choice for your chicken coop.
It’s specially designed for use in chicken coops and made of durable materials that can withstand high temperatures and wind and is completely waterproof.
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#3. Newsmarts Mini Ventilator – Best Doghouse Fan
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
When you live in a hot climate, you’re likely to find that Fido needs a bit of relief from the temperatures in his home, too. This particular solar-powered ventilator fan from Newsmarts is a perfect solution to his problem.
The fan is a 4.6 x 4.6-inch fan that connects to the included 10-watt solar panel. It’s perfect for installing in the roof of any dog house because it works, but also because it’s highly durable and can withstand more battering than the average solar panel and fan.
Other ways to use this fan:
- Treehouses
- Greenhouses
- Small chicken coops
- Small sheds
Note: This fan only works in direct sunlight, so won’t work for overnight ventilation and cooling.
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The Best Solar-Powered Fans for Indoor and Outdoor Use
The best solar fan is going to work exactly how you need it to – whether that’s as a carry-along fan for the tent, portable ceiling fan for the porch, or a solar-powered attic fan.
Always be sure to check the reviews on each model you’re considering, and make sure the power is strong enough for your needs.