Solar Powered Exhaust Fan Kit – 16" for Greenhouses

The Exaco Solar Powered Exhaust Fan Kit delivers fully automatic, off-grid ventilation for your greenhouse — no electrical outlet, no hardwiring, and no running costs. Powered entirely by an included 50W solar panel, it runs whenever the sun shines and switches to optional backup battery power when it doesn’t. Available in black only.

Why Solar Ventilation Makes Sense for Greenhouses

Greenhouse temperatures can spike 20–30°F above outdoor levels on sunny days — the same conditions that generate the most solar power. That natural alignment means a solar exhaust fan works hardest exactly when your plants need it most, without drawing a single watt from your home’s electrical system. It’s the ideal solution for greenhouses located away from a power source, or for growers who want a fully self-sufficient growing environment.

What’s Included

• 16" solar exhaust fan with brushless motor and lifetime motor guarantee
• 50W high-efficiency solar panel with 20-foot power cord
• Thermostat controller for automatic temperature-based on/off operation
• Battery case for two 12V backup batteries (batteries not included) — enables operation during cloudy periods or at night

Technical Specifications

Fan

• Blade diameter: 16"
• Unit dimensions: 16" × 16" × 8.5" deep
• Operating voltage: 12–26V DC
• Motor speed: 1,000 RPM
• Motor type: Brushless (lifetime guarantee)

Solar Panel

• Max power output: ~50W
• Max power voltage: 25.5V
• Max power current: 1.97A
• Open circuit voltage: 30.0V
• Short circuit current: 2.1A
• Panel dimensions: 29.5" × 20" × 1"
• Certification: CE approved

Greenhouse Compatibility

Because this kit uses a 16" fan, it is physically compatible with all Riga greenhouse models — but it fits some better than others based on greenhouse volume and the fan size each model is designed around.

Best match

• Riga 5 — The Riga 5 is the model that normally uses the corded 16" electric fan, making the solar kit a direct size match. It uses the same 16.25" × 16.25" wall opening and delivers optimal airflow for this footprint.

Also compatible

• Riga 2, 3, 4 / 2s, 3s, 4s — The solar kit will work on these models, but they are typically fitted with the smaller 12" fan. The 16" unit is slightly oversized for their greenhouse volume.
• Riga XL series (XL 5–9) — The fan will physically fit the same 16.25" × 16.25" opening, but XL models are designed for the larger 20" electric fan. A single 16" solar kit may be underpowered for the biggest XL structures; some dealers recommend using two solar kits on very large XL units.

Exaco and authorized dealers describe the solar kit as usable on “any greenhouse, including Riga models.” There is no official restriction limiting it to a single size — the key variable is matching fan capacity to greenhouse volume.

Installation Overview

Mount the 16" fan high on the back wall of your greenhouse (requires a 16.25" × 16.25" opening). Position the solar panel on the roof or an adjacent south-facing surface with the 20-foot cord reaching the fan. Connect the thermostat between the panel and fan to enable automatic temperature control. Optionally install backup batteries in the included battery case for cloudy-day and nighttime operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Riga greenhouse models is this solar fan kit compatible with?
The kit is compatible with all Riga models. It is the best match for the Riga 5, which is designed around a 16" fan. It also works on Riga 2, 3, and 4 models (though those are typically fitted with a 12" fan) and on Riga XL series models (though XL units are designed for a 20" fan — very large XL structures may benefit from two solar kits).

Does the solar fan work on cloudy days?
In direct sun the fan runs at full speed. On overcast days output is reduced. Adding two 12V backup batteries (not included) to the included battery case allows the fan to continue operating when solar input is low or at night.

What size wall opening does this fan require?
The fan requires a 16.25" × 16.25" square opening, the same as the corded 16" exhaust fan.

Does it come with a thermostat?
Yes. A thermostat controller is included in the kit and enables automatic on/off operation based on your set temperature threshold.

Do I need an electrician to install it?
No. The system runs on 12–26V DC from the solar panel — low-voltage DC that does not require a licensed electrician for installation.

What is the motor warranty?
The brushless motor carries a lifetime guarantee. The kit is manufactured by a factory with a long track record producing exhaust fans for major retailers.

How does this compare to the corded 16" exhaust fan?
Both use a 16" blade and require the same wall opening. The solar kit adds a 50W panel, thermostat, and battery case for fully off-grid operation, making it ideal for greenhouses without a nearby power outlet. The corded fan ($370) is the lower-cost option when a standard outlet is available.