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Solar Attic Fan buying group

(30 posts) (13 voices)

Started 11 years ago by OptexSolar
Latest reply from Anonymous

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OptexSolar
EcoOnline

There are a lot of people that I can see that are interested in making home made solar attic fans, but i'm not sure that's the best way to go.

I think we should start a buying group. I know of a good quality Chinese manufacturer that manufacturers professional high quality solar attic fans for the US market. They have 10W units (rated at 830 CFM if airflow) and 20W (rated at 1280 CFM if airflow) units that come with thermostats (won't come on till it reaches 27DegC) large fan blades for quiet operation and look like they will last a long time.

Anyone know of any Australian regulations for these?

We can get the 10W for around $200 and the 20W for about $250, if we bring in more than 10 or so. But there will be shipping to individual people on top of that.

Let me know if you want to be on the list, and yes I've changed my domain name from optexsolar to EcoOnline, just email me at info@EcoOnline.com.au for pictures of the units and expressions of interest.

Posted Tuesday 1 Feb 2011 @ 11:01:36 am from IP #
munter
Member

I'm a bit interested. 10 watts sounds a bit small to move the quantity of air that would need to move to keep an attic cool. Do you have specifications and pictures? I would have thought 40-50 watts would be required to get adequate airflow?

Posted Tuesday 1 Feb 2011 @ 10:59:48 pm from IP #
swanning_it
Member

Fans are prescribed appliances and as such require an Australian approval number or RCM for their sale in Australia.

A buying group however, may be classed as individual purchases rather than import for re-sale. It would depend on who carrys the warranty, how the payments are effected and who (if anyone) profits from the buy in.

One thing to remember, is that products make the precribed appliance listings, generally because that style of product has demonstated a real history of either electric shock and/or fire. The approvals scheme requires testing to standards and is a step toward ensuring consumer safety. Individuals can purchase products from OS without approvals, but do so at their own risk (which may be minimal or may be extreme). Care should always be exercised when doing this to ensure the equipment holds at least relevant approvals from some western country or you have satisfied yourself the product is safe.

Posted Tuesday 1 Feb 2011 @ 11:42:25 pm from IP #
OptexSolar
EcoOnline

Hi Munter,

Instead of emailing everyone I thought I might put some photos up at

http://www.ecoonline.com.au/product-information/solar-attic-fan

I've experimented with these, the air flow is surprisingly significant due to the units size and size of the fan blades, I guess the fact that hot air rises would also help. They also have 40W centrifugal ones but they are more than twice as expensive.

Let me know if you're interested.

In the next few days I'll try and source some aluminum flashing for them for tiled roofs.

Posted Tuesday 1 Feb 2011 @ 11:47:06 pm from IP #
swanning_it
Member

Looking at wiring in the photo, I'm assuming they are stand alone elv dc fans with in-built solar panel. If so the prescribed appliance legislation doesn't apply. EMI legislation may apply though if there are more than 3 electronic components.

Posted Wednesday 2 Feb 2011 @ 12:05:50 am from IP #
OptexSolar
EcoOnline

Hey Swanning_it,

Thanks for the advice, I was told the same, that it's not prescribed due to the fact that it's 12VDC connected to a solar panel. But as for EMC (which is C-tick right?)
I'm not sure about that. What I do know is that this unit is been sold in Australia already, I'll have to dig up the company's name... but do you know how I can check if EMI applies?

Posted Wednesday 2 Feb 2011 @ 12:30:48 am from IP #
rockabye
Member

I've used 12V 12" car thermo fans that look very similar to the one in the photo. I ran it on 6V @ 2A for a consumption of 12W and it still shifts lots of air. A lot quieter on 6V as well. I also used a 30W solar module quite successfully without the battery. Paid $5 for it at the wreckers 10 years ago and its still going.

Posted Wednesday 2 Feb 2011 @ 12:38:09 am from IP #
swanning_it
Member

Try this link.
http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_310704#arrangements

It's never very easy, but I'd suggest you look at the fact sheet for Battery Powered Devices. Your product does not fall within this category, but the fact sheet does describe low, medium and high risk categories. Have a read of all the fact sheets, then specifically ask ACMA via email and you should get an answer.

Edit - This fact sheet suggests these would be a medium risk device.
http://www.acma.gov.au/webwr/_assets/main/lib310037/device_compliance_levels-fs178.pdf

Posted Wednesday 2 Feb 2011 @ 1:26:38 am from IP #
OptexSolar
EcoOnline

Thanks for that swanning_it, I've contacted the ACMA, it helps that the manufacture has CE certification, hopefully it'll just be some paper work, but I'm working through it.

Regarding numbers thus far it looks like we may have three near definites + 1 maybe from muter. I'll take 5-10 for my eco shop. I want to get to 20 or so... but a little less is okay too.

Also I spotted some nice flashing that they use for skylights where they take out four roof tiles, I think this should be ideal to fit the unit, but I'll need to look into it.

Posted Thursday 3 Feb 2011 @ 1:11:09 am from IP #
magbusser
Member

For those that need to know air exchange capability (Like me)the 10w unit exchanges 1410 m3/h whilst the 20w unit exchanges 2174 m3/h. I am interested in say two maybe three units if a suitable flashing can be sourced for a tiled roof and a landed price is firmed up. Freight from the landed port to Townsville is also a relevant factor for me before committing to the buy.

Posted Thursday 3 Feb 2011 @ 11:09:29 am from IP #
magbusser
Member

I also found that these items may be the same as listed at http://www.solarwhiz.com.au. The stated air exchange rates are very high and are without confimation. The AS4740 has not been mentioned nor has the unit been tested against the standard from the infomation provided. Running noise normally measured at 3m is also not mentioned or stated which can be important and should not be above 49Db as per the currnet regulations. Any information on these matters would also assist with deliberations prior to purchase

Posted Thursday 3 Feb 2011 @ 11:30:23 am from IP #
OptexSolar
EcoOnline

Interesting, thanks for pointing them out Magbusser, $990 retail for the 20W unit is a bit high I think. Just don't tell him we'll be getting a bigger one for around $250 :/

I don't think they are the same units though, unless he's modified them a bit... the one I played with has a lower profile and has a larger diameter. i think people will need to pull out four tiles to fit it, but I'll look at that when I order them.

From what I heard they are ultra quite, so certainly that's not an issue. Flashing on the other hand might be an issue. I'll have to look into this although it certainly helps that he's put manuals up

So far if I put you down for two magbusser and including 10 for me we have 16 !

Getting closer to a really viable quantity

Posted Thursday 3 Feb 2011 @ 12:23:47 pm from IP #
SergeyAU
Member

Will get 2 if confirmed that it is OK for tiles. Also, need to confirm postage to WA

Posted Friday 4 Feb 2011 @ 5:07:52 am from IP #
Buzzman
Member

Before I would commit to a purchase I'd need to see proof that they complied with Australian regulations as mentioned previously.

If such a unit caught fire and burned the house down, insurance might be void.

Posted Friday 4 Feb 2011 @ 6:34:02 am from IP #
OptexSolar
EcoOnline

Hey Buzzman, I've been told that the item is non-prescribed by a number of people now including Energy Safe Victoria. But I'll check again with a few other people.

Posted Friday 4 Feb 2011 @ 1:20:21 pm from IP #
swanning_it
Member

Optex, if they are 12Vdc (or other elv potential) they are outside the scope of each jurisdictions legislation for electrical equipment approvals. Non-prescribed appliances "within" the legislation still require compliance to standards (through the application of AS/NZS 3820), but do not need independant certification by a NATA approved testing facility and appliance approval number.

ELV (extra-low voltage - up to 120Vdc) items are outside the scope of the legislation. They are neither prescribed nor non-prescribed. A minor but legally important difference.

Posted Friday 4 Feb 2011 @ 9:00:03 pm from IP #
OptexSolar
EcoOnline

Made some more progress and resolved all remaining issues -

* Resolved standards and regulations, (the AS4740 is a performance standard as far as I can see)

* Regarding flashing, I'll get a custom flashing made up by a company that does solar light tubes. It'll cost about $50-100 but at least it'll be a professional job. Otherwise, people can source their own flashing. You'll need to remove three tiles to fit it.

* Regarding the unit causing fires, this should be a non issue. I even called up Commander Ian Hunter from the MFB, he's not heard of any instances of solar attic fans causing fires. I think people take a much greater risk with "do it yourself" constructions than with this unit that's build for the task and has been sold in America and Australia for a while now.

* Regarding Shipping from Mel as an indicative quote it's about $36 dollar to Sydney and $60 for Queensland.

I'll soon have a final price per unit based on a shipment of 20 units, so that people can make a final decision.

Posted Tuesday 8 Feb 2011 @ 3:51:56 am from IP #
OptexSolar
EcoOnline

I've got a final price of $225 for the 10W unit and $270 for the 20W unit. You'll need to add shipping ($36 Sydney or $60 Brisbane from Mel) and flashing (around $50-$100 to be on the safe side, don't have an exact price on this) alternatively you can buy your own flashing. Flashing shouldn't be an issue.

Because I'm buying these units for my eco-shop I don't require payment upfront, however you'll need to get in contact with me by mid next week at the latest and let me know if you want to go ahead with your purchase and which unit you require. I'll be contacting people that have emailed me. Anyone that hasn't confirmed by the time I order mid-next week will miss out on the grouping buy.

Posted Thursday 10 Feb 2011 @ 9:26:50 am from IP #
OptexSolar
EcoOnline

Last call to confirm with me that you want one, I won't be taking anymore requests at the above mentioned price after 5pm on Tues the 14th Feb.

Posted Sunday 13 Feb 2011 @ 11:28:29 pm from IP #
swanning_it
Member

Optex......are you a time traveller or am I?

I though today was Monday and is the 14th Feb..........now I'm wondering which year I'm in :-0

Posted Monday 14 Feb 2011 @ 4:46:14 am from IP #
OptexSolar
EcoOnline

LOL ops, I meant Tues the 15th Feb

Posted Monday 14 Feb 2011 @ 7:05:59 am from IP #
greennovice
Member

OptexSolar

I am in Perth. Dont know if I would be able get the units here. I was looking at buying 3 units- 20w, with the flashing. Will pay for the units,flashing and the shipping.

Posted Tuesday 15 Feb 2011 @ 5:19:59 am from IP #
OptexSolar
EcoOnline

Just want to let people know the units were ordered last week. I'll update periodically.

Posted Sunday 20 Feb 2011 @ 10:06:29 pm from IP #
Anonymous
Unregistered

rite........ 20watt.. solar attic fans is quite good in working , i have been recommended by my friend... thus bought from solarlightingplanet.com and its working good... it has keep our house attic cool.

Posted Thursday 24 Feb 2011 @ 11:36:08 am from IP #
amun-ra
Member

magbusser I have 2 24 volt already in Townsville if you would like to see them pm me mta33788atbigpond.net,au

Posted Saturday 26 Feb 2011 @ 9:32:58 pm from IP #
EcoOnline
Member

(OptexSolar here using the new handle EcoOnline)

Just letting everyone know that the units where shipped yesterday. They'll take a couple of weeks to arrive and another week or so for clearance through customs.

Posted Wednesday 9 Mar 2011 @ 9:46:31 am from IP #
EcoOnline
Member

Just an update for the group buy people, I'm taking delivery tomorrow morning, however I'll still need to source flashing, hopefully be shipping to people early next week.

Posted Wednesday 30 Mar 2011 @ 2:33:25 am from IP #
EcoOnline
Member

Final post, the flashing finally arrived, and the fans and flashing are up now at EcoOnline.com.au under the solar panel section. Apologies for the delay however these things take time and I tried to negotiate the best price for us at each step.

Could the people that reserved one, that I'm not in contact with start contacting me.

Big thanks to every one who contributed (with advice on regulations and otherwise)

Posted Wednesday 13 Apr 2011 @ 1:39:45 am from IP #
Anonymous
Unregistered

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Posted Tuesday 24 May 2011 @ 4:44:53 am from IP #
Anonymous
Unregistered

Hi,we,new light,the professional manufacturer of solar attic fan in china.our solar attic fans based on USA standard,with 5 year warranty on motor,10 year warranty on other parts.Our DC motor is 36v as it popular in USA,with snap thermal switch.Many USA and Canada importers are buying our solar attic fans at present.pls note our web: http://www.newlightchina.com ,welcome to order samples for test quality.

Posted Saturday 20 Aug 2011 @ 4:09:12 pm from IP #

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