Solar Exhaust Fan vs Solar Wall Fan: Which One Should You Buy?

The short answer on solar exhaust fan vs solar wall fan: pick the exhaust side when stale air has to leave a closed space, and pick the wall side when people, pets or plants need moving air where they sit. We compared the two sides on airflow, panel watts, controls, weather protection and warranty. The exhaust pair vents a greenhouse, coop, shed or attic, while the wall pair cools the spot in front of it, and one wall fan here runs on a cord.

SolarKitHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.

Solar Exhaust Fan vs Solar Wall Fan: Side by Side

These specs are rated by the maker and quoted from each listing on 6 November 2026.

Airflow and panel watts

The VEVOR wall fan states the highest airflow here at 4150 CFM maximum, with a reach of around 30 ft, and the OUBRTS wall fan states up to 2095 CFM with 6 speed settings. The Hon&Guan exhaust fan states up to 764 CFM from a 40W panel, and the SwellishColor roof vent up to 240 CFM from a 25W panel. Panel watts run from 25W to 40W, with the OUBRTS listing a 35W panel. The VEVOR lists no solar panel; it shows a 90 W motor and a 6 ft power cord.

Controls and runtime

The Hon&Guan exhaust fan has a thermostat that runs from 68 to 113°F, with a 10-minute delay after the temperature drops; in solar mode its speed varies with sunlight, and the 4 speed levels work only with the AC adapter. The OUBRTS wall fan has 6 speed settings, a remote and a wired controller, 1H, 2H and 4H timers, and a memory function. Its 30000mAh battery gives about 4 hours at high speed with high-brightness lighting, or up to 24 hours at the lowest speed with low-brightness lighting. The VEVOR wall fan has 3 speeds on a pull-string, and the SwellishColor roof vent states no speed control; it relies on sunlight, and cloudy conditions may slow it or shut it off temporarily.

Mounting and weather protection

The Hon&Guan exhaust fan is 12.44 by 12.44 by 3.94 inches, and its automatic louvers open during use and close when idle. The SwellishColor roof vent is 14.0 by 12.0 by 7.0 inches, with an 8-inch removable roof vent and a 9.84 ft extension cable. The VEVOR wall fan is 20.9 by 22.4 by 21.7 inches and weighs 13.54 pounds, mounts on walls or posts, and tilts vertically; the listing says to hang it on concrete or metal structures, not wooden walls. The OUBRTS wall fan is 6.0 by 20.0 by 19.0 inches, mounts on a wall or metal frame, sits as a floor fan, or hangs with a hook, and its head adjusts 360°. For weather protection, the SwellishColor states an IP68 brushless DC motor, the VEVOR IP44 and an ETL listing, and the OUBRTS IP45; the Hon&Guan states no figure.

What the listings leave unclear

The VEVOR listing calls the fan IP44 water-resistant and describes outdoor use, then says not to use it in rain or exposed outdoor areas. The VEVOR listing also states no solar panel, so it runs on corded power. The Hon&Guan listing states no warranty term and no weather protection figure, and the OUBRTS listing states no warranty term either; its solar charging speed varies with weather, sunlight angle, shade and daily sun exposure. The SwellishColor listing states no speed control, so its airflow follows the sun.

The kits we chose

#	Product	Solar Score	Buy
1	VEVOR 18 Inch Wall Mount Fan	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	OUBRTS 18 Inch Solar Fan	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	SwellishColor 25W Roof Fan	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Hon&Guan 12 Inch Solar Fan	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

VEVOR 18 Inch Wall Mount Fan

VEVOR·9.7/10 Solar Score

i

The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

An 18 inch metal wall fan with 4150 CFM maximum, 3 speeds, a 90 W motor and ETL listing, powered by a 6 ft cord.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• 4150 CFM maximum airflow stated, the highest here
• ETL listed, 90 W copper motor, all-metal casing
• IP44 water-resistant build stated
• Tilts vertically and mounts on walls or posts

Cons

• No solar panel stated; the listing shows a 6 ft power cord
• Listing says not to use it in rain or exposed outdoor areas
• Hang on concrete or metal structures only, not wooden walls
• No warranty term is stated

Detailed Review

The listing states an 18 inch wall mount fan with 4150 CFM maximum, a reach of around 30 ft, 3 speeds on a pull-string, a 90 W copper motor at 1500 RPM, a 6 ft power cord, an ETL listing and IP44 water resistance, in a 20.9 by 22.4 by 21.7 inch case with aluminum blades at 13.54 pounds. The title calls it water-resistant and the bullets describe outdoor use, yet the listing says not to use it in rain or exposed areas. No solar panel is stated, so this wall-fan example runs on corded power.

Who it's for: workshops, warehouses, garages and patios needing strong airflow from a wall outlet. Who should skip it: anyone who needs solar power or a fan for rain or exposed outdoor areas.

Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 33/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 0/5: 83 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications

Airflow	4150 CFM maximum
Motor	90 W copper motor, 1500 RPM
Size	20.9 x 22.4 x 21.7 in
Cord	6 ft power cord

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 6 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. ETL listed and IP44 water-resistant build 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.

2

OUBRTS 18 Inch Solar Fan

OUBRTS·9.6/10 Solar Score

i

The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

An 18 inch solar fan with a 35W panel, a 30000mAh battery, a built-in LED light and remote control.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• 2095 CFM airflow stated with 6 speed settings
• 30000mAh battery, about 4 hours at high speed, up to 24 hours at the lowest speed
• Built-in LED light with 3 color temperatures and 5 brightness levels
• Remote and wired control, 1H, 2H and 4H timers, memory function

Cons

• No warranty term is stated
• Solar charging takes about 6 to 10 hours under sunny conditions
• Fully charge the battery with the DC plug before outdoor use
• Panel needs direct sunlight and a 30 to 40 degree tilt

Detailed Review

The listing states an 18 inch solar fan with a 35W panel, a 30000mAh battery, up to 2095 CFM with 6 speed settings, a built-in LED light with 3 color temperatures and 5 brightness levels, a 360° adjustable head, remote and wired control with 1H, 2H and 4H timers and a memory function, and an IP45 weather-resistant design, in a 6.0 by 20.0 by 19.0 inch case. It mounts on a wall or metal frame, sits as a floor fan, or hangs with a hook. The battery charges in about 8 hours with a DC plug, or about 6 to 10 hours by solar panel in sun.

Who it's for: patios, gazebos, barns, coops, sheds and porches needing cooling and light away from an outlet. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a stated warranty term or a fan that runs without sun or a charge.

Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 80 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications

Airflow	Up to 2095 CFM
Panel	35W solar panel
Battery	30000mAh rechargeable
Runtime	About 4 hours at high speed, up to 24 hours at lowest speed

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 6 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. IP45 weather-resistant design stated, so safety scores 5 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.

3

SwellishColor 25W Roof Fan

SwellishColor·9.6/10 Solar Score

i

The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

An 8 inch solar roof vent fan, 25W panel, up to 240 CFM, 3-month warranty.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• IP68 brushless DC motor stated
• 25W monocrystalline panel with tempered glass and an aluminum frame
• Galvanized steel body with a corrosion-resistant polyester coating
• 9.84 ft extension cable lets the panel sit apart

Cons

• 240 CFM is the lowest airflow stated here
• No battery storage; clouds may slow it or shut it off temporarily
• Only a 3-month warranty is stated
• No speed control is stated; airflow follows the sun

Detailed Review

The listing states a 25W solar roof vent fan with an 8-inch removable roof vent, up to 240 CFM, an IP68 brushless DC motor, a galvanized steel body with a corrosion-resistant polyester coating, a reinforced aluminum mesh, a tempered glass panel in an aluminum frame, and a 9.84 ft extension cable, in a 14.0 by 12.0 by 7.0 inch case. It relies on sunlight with no battery storage, and the listing offers a 3-month warranty.

Who it's for: attics, garages, warehouses, coops and greenhouses needing steady roof venting in direct sun. Who should skip it: anyone who needs airflow on cloudy days or a higher stated CFM.

Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 1/5: 76 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications

Airflow	Up to 240 CFM
Panel	25W monocrystalline
Vent	8-inch removable roof vent
Cable	9.84 ft extension cable

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 6 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. IP68 brushless DC motor stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. 3-month warranty 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.

4

Hon&Guan 12 Inch Solar Fan

Hon&Guan·9.5/10 Solar Score

i

The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 12 inch solar shutter exhaust fan, 40W panel, up to 764 CFM, thermostat and AC adapter.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• 764 CFM stated, the highest among the exhaust fans here
• Thermostat control from 68 to 113°F with a 10-minute delay
• AC adapter included for steady airflow when sunlight is short
• Automatic louvers open during use and close when idle

Cons

• No warranty term is stated
• No weather protection figure or safety listing stated
• In solar mode the fan speed varies with sunlight; the 4 speed levels work only with the AC adapter
• The 12.44 by 12.44 by 3.94 inch case needs a matching opening

Detailed Review

The listing states a 12 inch solar shutter exhaust fan with up to 764 CFM, a 40W panel with an adjustable bracket, a thermostat from 68 to 113°F with a 10-minute delay, 2 modes, 4 speed levels with the AC adapter, automatic louvers, a smart controller with a temperature sensor, and an AC/DC adapter, in a 12.44 by 12.44 by 3.94 inch case. In solar mode the fan speed varies with sunlight and cannot be set by the 4 speed levels.

Who it's for: greenhouses, coops, sheds, garages and attics needing heat, humidity and stale air vented on sun or corded power. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a stated warranty or a weather protection figure.

Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 74 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications

Airflow	Up to 764 CFM
Panel	40W solar panel
Thermostat	68 to 113°F
Size	12.44 x 12.44 x 3.94 in

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 6 November 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. 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.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Where the points went

The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For fans, safety means stated weather protection or a listing. Only the SwellishColor roof vent states a warranty term, at 3 months. How we pick explains the weights.

Every total is translated into a figure between 9.2 and 9.8 with a linear formula; ranking by points and ranking by score always agree.

Solar Exhaust Fan vs Solar Wall Fan: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the exhaust side when stale air, heat, humidity or odors have to leave a closed space. The Hon&Guan exhaust fan suits a greenhouse, coop, shed, garage or attic, and the SwellishColor roof vent suits roof venting. Choose the wall side when cooling has to reach people, pets or plants in front of the fan. The VEVOR wall fan gives the strongest stated airflow at 4150 CFM but needs a corded outlet, while the OUBRTS solar wall fan pairs a 35W panel with a battery and a light for spots away from an outlet. For more exhaust options, see the best solar powered exhaust fan.

Sizing Notes

• Match the panel to the fan: 25W SwellishColor, 35W OUBRTS, 40W Hon&Guan, while the VEVOR needs a corded outlet.
• Match airflow to the space: stated figures run from 240 CFM to 4150 CFM.
• Match the thermostat to the space: the Hon&Guan thermostat runs from 68 to 113°F.
• Match the battery to the night: the OUBRTS battery gives about 4 hours at high speed and up to 24 hours at the lowest speed.
• Check the mount size: the Hon&Guan measures 12.44 by 12.44 by 3.94 inches and the SwellishColor 14.0 by 12.0 by 7.0 inches.

FAQ: power away from the grid

Which side states more airflow?

The wall side: the VEVOR wall fan states 4150 CFM maximum, the OUBRTS solar wall fan up to 2095 CFM, the Hon&Guan exhaust fan up to 764 CFM, and the SwellishColor roof vent up to 240 CFM.

Do all of the fans here run on solar power?

No. The VEVOR wall fan lists a 6 ft power cord and no solar panel, and the Hon&Guan exhaust fan includes an AC adapter alongside its 40W panel. The OUBRTS and SwellishColor run on their panels; the OUBRTS adds a 30000mAh battery.

Which fan here has a thermostat?

The Hon&Guan exhaust fan. Its thermostat runs from 68 to 113°F, with a 10-minute delay after the temperature drops.

Which fan here states a warranty?

Only the SwellishColor roof vent, with a 3-month warranty; the other listings state no warranty term.

Still deciding? Our top pickVEVOR 18 Inch Wall Mount Fan

Check price on Amazon

Related solar guides

See every Solar Fans and Pumps guide and all Solar Lights, Cameras and Fans guides. Also see the roof mount vs gable mount solar attic fan.

More picks: solar gable fan vs solar exhaust fan, solar air conditioner vs solar fan and best solar fan for pergola.