Frequently Asked Questions | Solar Blaster Ventilation & Skylights

Solar Blaster vents use a small photovoltaic panel built into the unit to power a fan motor. When sunlight hits the solar panel, the fan runs — no wiring, no electricity costs, no on/off switch needed. The stronger the sun, the harder the fan works, which is exactly when you need ventilation most.

A single Solar RoofBlaster can move up to 35.2 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air. In a hot Arizona summer, attic temperatures can exceed 160°F — proper solar ventilation can reduce that by 40–50°F, which directly lowers your cooling costs.

How quickly will this vent replenish the air in a 10'x10'x10' space? Our 35.2 cfm Solar RoofBlaster vent can replace the air every 28.4 minutes with proper intake ventilation. For comparison, our 96 cfm Solar Mega RoofBlaster line of products, will replace the air in a 10'x10'x10' space every 10.4 minutes. Remember, that in order for exhaust vents to work, intake vents down low are required.

Yes, though at reduced capacity. Solar Blaster fans run on any available daylight, not just direct sunlight. On overcast days the fan runs slower, which is appropriate since temperatures are also lower on cloudy days.

No — solar-only vents require daylight to operate. At night, all of our vents work as passive vents still allowing hot air that is rising to escape. So as cooler night time air comes in through the intake vents, it will push out the hotter air at the top of your roof.

A tubular skylight (like our Solar LightBlaster) captures sunlight through a small dome on the roof, reflects it down a highly polished tube, and diffuses it through a ceiling fixture inside. Unlike traditional skylights, they require no rafters to be cut, install in about two hours, don't transfer heat, and work in spaces where a full skylight isn't possible — like sheds, shipping containers, and interior rooms.

As a general rule, a 10-inch Solar LightBlaster adequately lights a space up to 150 square feet. For larger spaces or areas with low natural light, a larger diameter or multiple units may be recommended. Contact us to discuss your specific space.

Suggested Applications for 7 or 10" Tubular Skylight -- coverage for 100-150sf:

• standard bathroom
• walk-in closet
• home office
• hallway
• laundry room
• janitor closet
• walk-in pantry

Suggested Applications for 14" Tubular Skylight -- coverage for 350sf:

• master bathroom
• kitchen
• open area
• dining room
• family room
• game room
• craft/sewing room
• office
• public bathroom
• break room
• foyer

Yes — Solar Blaster offers LightBlaster models specifically designed for metal roofs and metal shed roofs. See our LightBlaster for Metal Sheds.

Yes — the Conex Solar LightBlaster is specifically engineered for shipping container roofs. It installs through the corrugated steel roof and provides natural daylight to container interiors that would otherwise have no light source.

Most Solar Blaster products are designed for DIY installation and include detailed installation guides. Basic tools and comfort working on a roof are all that's required for most models. We also have a network of certified installers and dealers if you prefer professional installation.

Most Solar Blaster roof vents install in 1–2 hours. Solar LightBlaster tubular skylights typically take 2–3 hours for a first-time installer. No electrical wiring is required for any solar-powered model.

Full installation guides are available on our Installation Guides page. Step-by-step video walkthroughs are on our Videos page and our YouTube channel.

No. Solar Blaster vents are entirely self-powered by their built-in solar panel. There is no wiring, no connection to your home's electrical system, and no permit required in most jurisdictions. Always check your local building codes.

Solar Blaster makes models for shingle roofs, metal roofs, tile roofs (TileBlaster and S-TileBlaster), flat/low-slope roofs (SlantBlaster), and ridge installations (RidgeBlaster and Metal RidgeBlaster). If you're unsure which model fits your roof, contact us — we're happy to help.

Quantity depends on the square footage of your space, type of venting your roof has (ridge vents or box vents), your climate, and how much heat you need to move. For a typical shed that's roughly 10'x10'x10' you'd only need one. For a 20' container, either 1-2 vents.

For houses, we'd encourage you to read our Proper Attic Ventilation page so you understand why ventilation is so important. Houses have building code requirements and any professional roofer in your area should know the requirements.

A general starting point: one exhaust vent per 150 square feet of attic floor space with the equivalent in intake vents. Ideally, if you can, make each of those exhaust box vents a Solar RoofBlaster vent. But if that isn't feasible, make every other passive vent a solar activated vent.

Absolutely — Solar Blaster products are designed and tested in Fountain Hills, Arizona, one of the hottest climates in the US. The hotter and sunnier the environment, the more effective solar-powered ventilation becomes.

Solar Blaster ventilation products may qualify for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (IRA). See our Solar Tax Credits page for current certification documentation and guidance on how to claim the credit.

By reducing attic temperatures, solar ventilation reduces the load on your air conditioning system. Many customers report measurable reductions in cooling costs, particularly in hot climates. Savings vary based on home size, climate, insulation, and existing HVAC efficiency.

Solar Blaster products are backed by a 5-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. See our Registration & Warranty page to register your product after installation. You can also download our Warranty PDF here.

Visit our Registration & Warranty Claim page to register your product or submit a claim. You can also call us at 470-747-7097 during business hours Monday–Friday 8am–3pm MST.

We completely get it, we change our minds too! We try to fulfill orders as quickly as they arrive. Please call us RIGHT away if you need to make changes to your order. Once an order is placed and the shipping label has been purchased, we are unable to alter or cancel it after that time.

Should the item(s) not work out, please see our Return Policy. Just note that return shipping is paid by you, the purchaser. That's why we highly recommend that you contact us about your project ahead of time so we can make sure you are purchasing the correct product(s).

We want to speak to you too! Contact us with any questions, concerns, or feedback. We actually do pick up our phone when calling during our business hours Monday-Friday (8am-2pm MST).

We will be sure to get back to you within 48 hours. However, please note that inquiries sent on Fridays will receive a reply the following Monday, but possibly sooner.

We currently ship to the United States.

There are package forwarding services or freight forwarders that can be used for international shipments if so desired. We, however, have no control once it has been delivered to them and will consider the order fulfilled at that point.

Standard shipping normally takes 3-7 days to the lower 48 states.

We offer free US shipping (lower 48 states) on orders of at least $144.98. Warehouse LightBlasters are the exception -- they are oversized boxes which do NOT qualify for free shipping.

Alaska and Hawaii orders need to call to place your order so shipping can be arranged.

Please do not hesitate to give us a call (Mon-Fri 8-2 MST) so we can answer any questions you might have now that you have the product on hand.

If something is not working, we will be able to help make things right. We can also discuss your project and answer any questions you might have.

We do enjoy talking with our customers.

The item must be returned within 14 days of receiving the item. Items must be returned in the same condition in which they were received, be unused, have any labels still attached, and include all the original packaging.

The item must be returned in original packaging with a RMA number provided by Solar Blaster. Request an RMA # by emailing sales@solarblasterfans.com. 

Include a copy of your receipt with the RMA # written on it inside the box. Also write the RMA # on the outside of the box near the shipping label. Return shipping is the responsibility of the buyer and buyer must provide a tracking number to Solar Blaster to guarantee refund or replacement of item. Email the tracking number to sales@solarblasterfans.com and include the RMA # in the subject line.

CUSTOM ORDERS: All custom orders are not returnable nor refundable. This includes large orders placed over the phone as well as custom builds for your specific application.

The item must be returned to the Shipping Dept. located at:

Solar Blaster
16530 E. Laser Dr. Ste 6
Fountain Hills, AZ  85268

Once the item is received, inspected and found to be in good working order by Solar Blaster, there is a 20% restocking/re-boxing inspection fee to be deducted from the refund amount. Refunds will take 3-5 business days to process upon receiving returned item.

Refunds are processed within 3-5 business days from when we receive the item(s).