Solar Vent Fans

[jcmmarine]

20 months ago I fitted 3 solar vent fans, replacing the standard deckhead ventilators. The first one failed after 13 months, the second after 16 months and the 3rd one, though still running slowly, sounds as if the bearings have gone. All the solar panels of these units had turned milky coloured within a year.
Am I unlucky with these units, or is this par for their performace?
I am in two minds about replacing them or just leaving them as unpowered vents.

 

[oldgit]

20 months ago I fitted 3 solar vent fans, replacing the standard deckhead ventilators. The first one failed after 13 months, the second after 16 months and the 3rd one, though still running slowly, sounds as if the bearings have gone. All the solar panels of these units had turned milky coloured within a year.
Am I unlucky with these units, or is this par for their performace?
I am in two minds about replacing them or just leaving them as unpowered vents.

My one lasted 30 odd years when it failed just left it in situ.Silly price for new one !

 

[25931]

Mine lasted two years.

 

[Talulah]

I don't think mine ever worked.
Got shot of them when the hatches were replaced due to crazing.

 

[solitaire11]

mine started making the bearing noise after a few months too. useless imho.

 

[longjohnsilver]

I fitted one about 15 years ago, seemed like a good idea at the time. Lasted about 12 months.

 

[PCUK]

MIne's been running constantly on the fore-cabin roof for about 11 years and it's a caravan model!