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The short answer on solar window fan vs solar attic fan: choose a window fan when the job is cooling or ventilating a room people sit in, and choose an attic fan when the job is venting heat out of an attic, shed, coop or greenhouse. In this comparison the window-fan examples are corded electric window fans, while the attic-fan example is a solar panel kit with no battery, so power source decides as much as mounting location.
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Solar window fan vs solar attic fan: side by side
| Solar window fan vs solar attic fan | Vornado TRANSOM White | Vornado TRANSOM Black | HNRLOY Solar Fan Kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount type | Window mount | Window mount | Attic, shed or coop | |
| Power source | 120V, 3-prong plug | 120V, 3-prong plug | 25W solar panel | |
| Airflow | 185 CFM | Not stated | 240 CFM max | |
| Speeds and modes | 4 speeds, reversible | 4 speeds, reversible | Intake or exhaust, sunlight-driven | |
| Weather and marks | UL Listed | Not stated | IP67 | |
| Warranty | 5 year manufacturer | 5 year manufacturer | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 22 October 2026.
Power source and mounting
The two Vornado listings state a standard 3-prong grounded plug and 120V, so these window fans need an outlet; no solar panel is stated. They mount in single- or double-hung windows 26 to 40 inches wide and at least 8 inches tall, using a foam block seal. The HNRLOY kit states a 25W solar panel with a 15 ft cord and 3 fans, with no battery backup and no wiring needed. So the mounting split is a window frame near an outlet versus a roof, shed or coop with good sun.
Airflow and noise
On airflow, the white Vornado listing states 185 CFM, and the HNRLOY kit states up to 240 CFM in sunny conditions. The HNRLOY figure is a stated maximum tied to sunlight; the Vornado figure is tied to a 25-watt, 1600 RPM motor on 4 speeds. The black Vornado listing states no airflow figure, so it cannot be compared on that line. On noise, only the Vornado listings state a figure, 45 dB; the HNRLOY listing states no noise figure, so there is no winner to declare there.
Weather protection and controls
The white Vornado listing marks UL Listed in its spec table; the black listing states no safety mark, though its title mentions a weather resistant case. The HNRLOY kit states IP67 and an operating range of -13°F to 140°F. For controls, the Vornado pair states 4 speeds with remote and touchpad control and an electronically reversible chamber. The HNRLOY kit adjusts between intake and exhaust by placement, and sunlight sets the speed.
What the listings leave unclear
The two Vornado listings are near-twins: white versus black, with the white spec table marking UL Listed and the black not, and the black spec table listing “Speed: 4 rpm” against the bullets’ 4 speeds. Trust the bullets there. The black listing’s included-components line names only the fan and owner’s guide, while the title and bullets describe remote control, so what ships is unclear. On the window-fan side, no solar panel is stated: both Vornado listings name a corded 120V plug. On the attic-fan side, the HNRLOY listing is explicit that there is no battery backup and that shadows can stop the fans.
Three examples
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Vornado TRANSOM White | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  HNRLOY Solar Fan Kit | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  Vornado TRANSOM Black | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
Vornado TRANSOM White
A corded 120V window fan with 4 speeds, remote control, reversible exhaust and UL Listed in the spec table.
Pros
- 4 speeds with remote and touchpad control stated
- 185 CFM airflow stated
- Electronically reversible exhaust stated
- 5 year manufacturer warranty stated
Cons
- Corded 120V; no solar panel is stated
- Fits only 26-40 inch wide windows
- Screen removal may be necessary
- Spec table says Indoor despite the weather resistant case claim
Detailed Review
The listing states the Vornado TRANSOM window fan in ice white with 4 speeds, auto temperature control, remote and touchpad control, an electronically reversible chamber for exhaust or intake, and 185 CFM airflow at 25 watts, 1600 RPM and 45 dB. It fits single- or double-hung windows 26-40 inches wide and at least 8 inches tall using a foam block seal, and measures 7.16 by 26 by 5.73 inches at 8.3 pounds with an 8 foot cord. The warranty description says '5 year manufacturer', and the spec table marks UL Listed. The title and bullets mention a weather resistant case, but the spec table lists Indoor outdoor usage. The listing names a standard 3-prong grounded plug and 120V, so this is a corded electric fan, not a solar fan.
Who it's for: homeowners who want a powered window fan for cooling or air exchange in a room. Who should skip it: anyone who needs solar power with no outlet.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 19/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 1/5: 77 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Airflow | 185 CFM |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 4, reversible |
| Noise | 45 dB |
| Power | 120V, 25 watts |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 22 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. UL Listed stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. 5 year manufacturer stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 1 of 5. See How We Pick.
Fans and pumps. Keep fingers and cords away from moving blades and intakes, run pumps only submerged as the maker directs, and treat airflow and flow rates as the maker's figures.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
HNRLOY Solar Fan Kit
A 25W solar panel kit with 3 exhaust fans, 3500 RPM, 240 CFM max, IP67 and a 15 ft cord.
Pros
- 25W solar panel stated
- 3 fans included stated
- IP67 stated
- Up to 240 CFM in sunny conditions stated
Cons
- No battery: runs only on sunlight per the listing
- No warranty term is stated
- Shadows can drop it to low speed or off
- One panel drives 3 fans on a 15 ft cord, so plan placement
Detailed Review
The listing states a kit with a 25W monocrystalline panel and 3 exhaust fans rated 3500 RPM, a 15 ft cord, IP67, an operating range of -13°F to 140°F, and up to 240 CFM in sunny conditions. It is explicit that there is no battery backup: speed follows sunlight, and clouds or shadows can drop it to low speed or off. The fan can be set for intake or exhaust. No warranty term is stated.
Who it's for: shed, coop, attic and greenhouse owners who want daytime ventilation with no wiring. Who should skip it: anyone who needs night ventilation or a stated warranty.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 0/5: 75 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Panel | 25W monocrystalline |
|---|---|
| Fans | 3, 3500 RPM |
| Airflow | 240 CFM max |
| Weather | IP67 |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 22 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. IP67 stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Fans and pumps. Keep fingers and cords away from moving blades and intakes, run pumps only submerged as the maker directs, and treat airflow and flow rates as the maker's figures.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Vornado TRANSOM Black
The black version of the TRANSOM window fan with 4 speeds, remote control and reversible exhaust; the spec table gives no safety mark.
Pros
- 4 speeds with remote and touchpad control stated
- Reversible exhaust mode stated
- 45 dB noise figure stated
- 5 year manufacturer warranty stated
Cons
- Corded 120V; no solar panel is stated
- No safety mark in the spec table
- Fits only 26-40 inch wide windows
- Spec table 'Speed: 4 rpm' conflicts with the 4-speed bullets
Detailed Review
The listing is nearly identical to the ice white version: 4 speeds, remote and touchpad control, reversible exhaust, 25 watts, 45 dB, 8.3 pounds and 7.2 by 26 by 5.7 inch dimensions. It fits 26-40 inch windows at least 8 inches tall, and the warranty description says '5 year manufacturer'. The spec table here lists 'Speed: 4 rpm' against the bullets' 4 speeds; trust the bullets. The title claims a weather resistant case, but the spec table states no safety mark or weather code. The included-components line names only the fan and owner's guide while the title and bullets describe remote control, so what ships is unclear. Airflow is not stated on this listing. The listing names a 120V corded plug, so this is a corded electric fan, not a solar fan.
Who it's for: buyers who want the TRANSOM features in black. Who should skip it: anyone wanting a stated safety mark or solar power.
Its Solar Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 18/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 1/5: 69 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Speeds | 4, reversible |
|---|---|
| Noise | 45 dB |
| Power | 120V, 25 watts |
| Weight | 8.3 pounds |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 22 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No weather rating or protection feature is stated, so safety scores zero. 5 year manufacturer stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 1 of 5. See How We Pick.
Fans and pumps. Keep fingers and cords away from moving blades and intakes, run pumps only submerged as the maker directs, and treat airflow and flow rates as the maker's figures.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How we scored them
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. Safety here means a stated safety mark or weather code: UL Listed on the white Vornado and IP67 on the HNRLOY. The black Vornado states neither a code nor a mark, so its safety line is zero. On warranty, both Vornado listings state “5 year manufacturer”; the HNRLOY listing states no warranty term. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vornado TRANSOM White | 9.6 | 29 | 21 | 19 | 7 | 1 |
| HNRLOY Solar Fan Kit | 9.5 | 28 | 20 | 20 | 7 | 0 |
| Vornado TRANSOM Black | 9.4 | 29 | 21 | 18 | 0 | 1 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
Solar window fan vs solar attic fan: which should you choose?
Choose a window fan if the room has an outlet and the goal is cooling people or exchanging air. Choose an attic fan if the goal is daytime venting of a hot attic, shed, coop or greenhouse with no wiring to run.
| If you need | Look at |
|---|---|
| Room cooling with an outlet | The Vornado pair, 4 speeds and reversible exhaust |
| Daytime attic, shed or coop venting | The HNRLOY kit, 25W panel and 3 fans |
| A stated safety mark | The Vornado TRANSOM White, UL Listed stated |
| Solar power, no outlet | The HNRLOY Solar Fan Kit, sunlight only, no battery |
| A stated warranty term | Either Vornado, 5 year manufacturer stated |
Sizing Notes
- Match the fan to the power you have: a 120V outlet for the Vornado pair, full sun for the HNRLOY kit.
- Match the mount: a 26-40 inch wide window at least 8 inches tall for the window fans; a sun-facing spot with a 15 ft cord reach for the panel kit.
- Plan for no battery: the HNRLOY kit runs only while the panel produces.
- Check venting direction: reversible exhaust on the Vornado, intake or exhaust placement on the HNRLOY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the window fans here solar?
No. Both Vornado listings state a standard 3-prong plug and 120V; they are corded electric window fans.
Does the attic fan run at night?
No. The HNRLOY listing states no battery backup; speed follows sunlight and shadows can stop the fans.
Which states the most airflow?
The HNRLOY states up to 240 CFM in sunny conditions; the white Vornado listing states 185 CFM. The black Vornado listing states no airflow figure.
Which has a stated safety mark?
The white Vornado listing marks UL Listed, and the HNRLOY states IP67. The black Vornado listing states no safety mark.
Which states a warranty term?
Both Vornado listings state “5 year manufacturer”; the HNRLOY listing states no warranty term.
Related guides
See every Solar Fans and Pumps guide and all Solar Lights, Cameras and Fans guides. Also see our best solar fan for attic and solar exhaust fan vs solar attic fan.
