How does a Solatube Daylighting System work?

The Solatube Daylighting System captures light through a dome on the roof and channels it down through our internal reflective system. This tubing is far more efficient than a traditional drywall skylight shaft, which can lose over half of the potential light. The tubing will fit between rafters and will install easily with no structural modification. At the ceiling level, a diffuser that resembles a recessed light fixture spreads the light evenly throughout the room.

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How does the Solatube Daylighting System light output compare to electric lights?

Light is measured in lumens and energy usage in watts. A standard 100 watt incandescent lamp produces 1200 lumens. A 40-watt, 48" (1.2m) fluorescent tube produces 2300 lumens. View Performance Chart

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What is a Solatube Daylighting System and how does it compare to a traditional box skylight?

Traditional skylights have their place, as do tubular skylights. There are a few key benefits of the Solatube Daylighting System, however, including flexible location options, low cost of installation and better lighting performance.

Location
The Solatube Daylighting System can be installed in places where a traditional skylight wouldn't be an option, such as rooms without direct roof access or small areas like bathrooms, closets and hallways. The units are compact in design (as little as 10 inches, or 250mm in diameter) and feature adjustable tubing with angle adapters that allow for installation around attic obstructions.

Light Output
The Solatube Daylighting System is able to accomplish better lighting performance results than a similar size box skylight, because it doesn’t use a skylight well (in which light is lost through absorption into the drywall shaft). They capture light more effectively on the rooftop and efficiently transfer more of it down the reflective tube and into the room.

Additionally, the Solatube Daylighting System provides better light diffusion. Instead of lighting only the space directly below the skylight, the daylighting system uses optics to spread the light out, often lighting the entire room.

Lighting Enhancements
Traditional skylights do not offer any optical enhancement devices to help increase performance. On the north side of a sloped roof, the light output from a regular skylight is significantly reduced without these devices.

The Solatube Daylighting System, for example, features several patented enhancement devices, which work in concert to capture more light from all angles and reflect it down the tube for higher light output during early morning, late afternoon and in the winter months when the sun is low on the horizon.

The Solatube Daylighting System transfers the maximum amount of ambient light into a room with minimal light loss, allowing it to provide great performance even on cloudy or rainy days. In fact, it captures ambient light so well, on a full-moon night, you can actually see a nice glow.

Cost
The cost of the Solatube Daylighting System is more affordable than most traditional skylights. Remember, the cost of the traditional skylight is only a portion of the total materials cost. One must also add in the cost of framing members, paint, drywall, etc. Then, labor becomes a very large portion of the cost because a contractor must frame out the skylight shall, drywall it, tape it, then paint it.

Leaks
Traditional skylights have a reputation of leaking. Many times this is an issue of incorrect installation, but their square design invites problems. First, the flat up-slope side collects branches, leaves and other debris, which interferes with proper drainage. As the water dams up, it migrates under shingles or tiles to find an escape route, causing leaking.

The round design and one piece flashing system of the daylighting system allows water and debris to flow past unobstructed. The entire unit is sealed to lock out any moisture.

Options
The Solatube Daylighting System can also be multi-functional. The daylighting system can be equipped with options like an integrated light kit (for night-time lighting), a Daylight Dimmer (Patent 7,082,726) to modulate the amount of light desired, as well as a ventilation fan, providing a two-or three-in-one unit from a single ceiling fixture. Again, traditional skylights can't offer you these features.

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What is the Brighten Up® Series?

The Brighten Up Series includes the Solatube 160 DS (10 in/250 mm Daylighting System) and Solatube 290 DS (14 in/350 mm Daylighting System). The Solatube Daylighting System can be installed quickly and easily between standard rafters and joist and without structural modifications. The series also includes optional diffusers and flashings, as well as Light Add-On kit, Daylight Dimmer and Ventilation Add-On kit.

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How large an area does the Solatube Daylighting System light?

A Solatube 160 DS (10 in/250 mm Daylighting System) will provide light for up to a 200 square foot (19 sq meter) residential area. A Solatube 290 DS (14 in/350 mm Daylighting System) lights up to a 300 square foot (28 sq meter) residential area. A Solatube 21-C and 21-O (21 in/530 mm Daylighting System) lights up to a 500 square foot (46 sq meter) residential area. For Commercial Building applications, please consult a Solatube design professional, since acceptable illuminated areas will greatly vary due to ceiling heights and space uses.

These estimated lighting areas are based upon an average 6' (1.82m) tube length and 8' (2.4m) ceiling height, with the dome being in direct sunlight.

Light output will very depending on the intensity of the sun. For example, there will be more light at mid-day than in the morning or evening. Light output may also decrease as the length of tube increases.

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Does the Solatube Daylighting System leak?

The Solatube Daylighting System circular one piece seamless metal flashing design allows rain and debris to bypass the skylight naturally.

The Solatube flashings have no joints or weak points that may separate and allow water to enter.

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Is a Solatube Daylighting System difficult to install?

Both the Solatube 160 DS (10 in/250 mm Daylighting System) and 290 DS (14 in/350 10" (250mm) fit easily between roof rafters with no structural changes, so there is no need to build a skylight shaft. Our adjustable tubing design includes two Spectralight® Infinity angle adaptors that allow installation around attic obstructions and Spectralight® Infinity extension tubing in 16" (400mm) and 24" (600mm) segments.

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How long does it take to install a Solatube Daylighting System?

Most applications take approximately two hours or less on shingle asphalt roofs, while other roof types may take slightly longer.
The Solatube Daylighting System feature factory assembled parts for faster, easier, more professional looking installations.

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Will my clothing or furniture fade?

The Solatube Daylighting System will not cause fading. The acrylic dome filters all but 0.1% of UV, then all but 2.4% of that is filtered by the diffuser. So over 99.9% of UV is filtered out.

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What is Spectralight® Infinity?

Proprietary Spectralight Infinity tubing provides up to 99.7% total reflectance and 99.7% specular reflectance. It is the most reflective material on the world market today and is used on all the Solatube Daylighting Systems.

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Is there a way to turn off or "block out" a Solatube Daylighting System?

Yes! The Solatube Daylight Dimmer (Patent 7,082,726) allows the natural lighting level of a room to be turned up or down on demand, providing unprecedented flexibility for tubular skylights in both residential and commercial applications. The Daylight Dimmer easily controls the amount of light desired in any room from the convenience of a switch.

Available for Solatube 160 DS, Solatube 290 DS, Solatube 21-C and Solatube 21-O.
Patented variable butterfly baffle controls light output.
Perfect for bedrooms, family rooms, offices, classroom and conference rooms.

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What is the LightTracker™ Reflector and Raybender® 3000 Technology?

The LightTracker Reflector captures light that would otherwise pass through the dome and redirects into the tube. More light input means more light output. Raybender 3000 Technology increase the early morning and late afternoon, while at the same time rejecting over powering midday light to reduce glare and heat.

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Will I save energy with a Solatube Daylighting System?

With the Solatube Daylighting System operating during daylight hours, electric lights are off which means no energy consumption. The Solatube Daylighting System has insignificant heat gain, so air conditioning or heating are not affected. Alternatively, more heat would be lost through a small closed window.

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What does the ceiling fixture (diffuser) look like for the Solatube 160 DS & 290 DS?

All diffusers are designed to be highly attractive and unobtrusive on the ceiling. They feature a sleek dress ring that transitions the lens to the ceiling with a beveled edge. The dress ring is injection molded with impact resistant acrylic.

There are currently two options for ceiling diffuser lenses. Both are dual glazed and designed to effectively diffuse the natural sunlight throughout the room.

Vusion™ Diffuser:
For outstanding light diffusion that artfully blends to the ceiling plane, select the Vusion™ diffuser. The fresh design harmonizes with most décor, yet provides the radiance of natural light.
OptiView® Diffuser:
Allows a view of the sky through a series of high-tech radial lenses. This high-tech lens is highly effective at diffusing light and minimizing glare. It does not come standard in any Brighten Up Series kit, and can be ordered with a special order kit.
Also available is a softening lens. This option is installed at the diffuser level and diffuses the light, delivering a softer light. It is primarily used in very sunny markets where occasionally customers feel their Solatube Daylighting Systems are too bright. We recommend waiting two weeks after installing a new Solatube Daylighting System to adjust to the new light

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Can the Solatube Daylighting System be installed in commercial buildings?

Yes. Solatube Daylighting Systems have been installed in schools, retail locations, churches, industrial buildings, post offices, and hospitals throughout the world. We also offer some unique accessories for commercial applications. For further information refer to our SolaMaster Series®.

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Can a Solatube Daylighting System store light for use at night?

No, the Solatube Daylighting System only transfers the available sunlight that enters through the dome. However, the optional Light Add-On Kit may be used so that the Solatube Daylighting System doubles as a standard lighting fixture with just the flick of a switch at night.

What happens on full-moon nights?

The Solatube captures ambient light so well that you can actually get a nice glow on full-moon nights.

How long can the tube be?

Recommended Maximum Tube Run
10" Series 20' (6m)
14" Series 30' (9m)
21" Series 40' (12m)

How short can the tube be?

There is no minimum distance. No attic applications with vaulted or open beam ceilings are quite common.

What if it's too bright?

We offer a secondary diffuser that fits under the dome to soften the light if necessary. You can also use heat and flame retardant "theatrical gel" light sheeting used in stage lighting to adjust output and color if desired. The optional Solatube Daylight Dimmer can also be installed to allow control of the light output. Never use standard window tinting or any flammable material to block the incoming light. This is an extreme fire hazard.

What if there is no attic space?

Solatube Daylighting Systems are designed for installation even where there is no access to the attic or no attic at all. Our unique telescoping tubing allows complete installation from the roof and inside the building.

When do you install the Solatube Daylighting System when re-roofing?

Generally, after the new roof is in place. However, the Solatube Daylighting System can easily be installed in most cases at the same time the roof is going on.

When installing a Solatube Daylighting System on a tile roof, installation is usually done after the roof is completed. On hot mop applications installation can be done during or after.
Additionally All Home Comfort offers intergrated roofing solutions to make your project quick and easy.

Can the dome be raised higher above the roof?

All flashings can be modified by adding a turret extension. The turret extension raises the turret of the flashing so the dome will clear thicker roofing materials or roof obstructions, such as multiple roofing layers, HVAC units or extra thick shingles. Turret extensions are available in 2", 12", 24" & 36" and 48" heights.

How does the tube attach to the ceiling?

The bottom tube comes preassembled from the factory with integrated fastening clamps. Once the bottom is inserted into the ceiling opening, the tubing telescopes into the top tube. The integrated fastening clamps secure the ceiling ring into the ceiling.

Solatube Daylighting System kits include high quality foil tape to seal all tubing seams. This keeps bugs and dust from entering the system ensuring maintenance free installation. The tube sections are also fastened with provided self-tapping screws for further structural integrity.

What if the protective liner won't come off the inside of the tubes?

If the tubes have been left in the sun or exposed to heat, the protective liner may not want to come off. Try soaking the tubes for a few minutes in ice water. Don't apply any harsh or corrosive cleaners or the finish will be further damaged.

Your ceiling diffuser is quite easy to remove and clean. Please note that older Solatube Daylighting Systems (installed before the year 2000) have twist-lock diffusers for the 10 in/250 mm & 14 in/350 mm. For these older units the diffuser twists off counter clockwise when looking up at the diffuser.

If you have a unit that was installed between 2000 & 2007, to remove the diffuser simply pry down one edge of the white trim ring using something flat such as a butter knife. Continue to work your way around the ring until you have a 1/4" (7mm) or so gap all the way around. Then simply grab onto the edges and pull straight down. The diffuser lens can be cleaned with soap and water. To re- install the diffuser position the 4 zip style ties into the 4 holes on the ceiling ring and push up until the diffuser is flush with the ceiling. If you have a unit that was installed in 2007, simply pull the diffuser down.

How durable is the Solatube Daylighting System?

All parts are covered by a 10-year warranty. Electrical components are covered by a 5-year warranty.

The Solatube Daylighting System is designed to be a sealed unit. All assemblies (dome, flashing, tubing, diffuser) have seals to stop bug and dirt infiltration.

The maintenance free design and shape of the dome and flashing eliminates debris build-up. Unlike traditional skylights, there is no open drywall shaft that requires cleaning and re-painting. Annual inspection of your roofing is recommended with or without Solatube installation.

Are there any condensation problems?

No. The Solatube Daylighting System is completely sealed at the ceiling level to prevent warm moist air from inside the house migrating up the tube.

Solatube 160 DS & 290 DS – The dome design allows any moisture to be whisked out along the interior of the dome and channeled into the enlarged dome ring gutter. Moisture is then relieved from the system via specially designed exit holes.

Solatube 21-C & 21-O - The dome seal allows the outside air to mix with the tube air, eliminating the air temperature contrast that contributes to condensation.

Are the domes strong?

The Brighten Up® Series domes are injection molded with impact modified acrylic. The high quality and durability of the material combined with the molding process delivers a dome second to none in the industry. This dome is virtually unbreakable within even extreme bounds of weathering. It can even withstand nearly any "act of God".

For markets that subscribe to Miami-Dade or Texas Department of Insurance building codes the Shock Inner Dome is available. This material is required to pass stringent missile impact tests for hurricane threat areas.

What happens on cloudy days?

Solatube Daylighting Systems provide good performance even on cloudy days. Our patented internal reflective system LightTracker™ inside our dome with RayBender® 3000 Technology, along with Spectralight® Infinity, transfer the maximum amount of ambient light down into the room with minimal light loss.

Will a Solatube Daylighting System work in cold climates and northern latitudes?

There are hundreds of thousands of Solatube Daylighting Systems installed in Northern USA, Canada, and Europe.

Solatube Daylighting Systems’ small size and sealed system works very well in cold weather. The seal at the ceiling level prevents warm moist air from inside the house entering and condensing inside the skylight. The ceiling and dome rings act as thermal breaks eliminating cold transfer.

In extremely cold weather, a small amount of frost may appear inside the dome, but this disappears as the temperature inside the tube equalizes with the outside.

What is the snow load capability with the manufacturer’s guidelines?

When installed in accordance with ICBO report #5057, the daylighting system can resist positive and negative loads of up to 60 pounds per square foot (2.87kPa) for the Solatube 160 DS & 290 DS and 35 pounds per square foot (1.68kPa) for the Solatube 21-C & 21-O.

What happens if the dome gets covered with snow?

Light output will be reduced but the dome will be fine. Tests have indicated the Solatube Daylighting System can resist positive and negative loads of up to 60 pounds per square foot (2.87kPa).

Can hail damage my Solatube Daylighting System dome?

The Shock Inner Dome material used in our injected molded dome is a special mixture, which is ten times stronger than any other acrylic on the market today. The Shock Inner Dome is also available for added security. We warranty the product for a 10-year period.

Will a Solatube Daylighting System work in hot climates like The San Fernando Valley?

Yes. Along with Solatubes patented seal system the dome ring acts as a thermal break between the flashing and tubing preventing thermal transfer. Also, the Solatube 160 DS & 290 Ds are ENERGY STAR® rated and have minimal heat transfer.

Yes, the circular seamless one piece flashing design allows rain to naturally bypass the daylighting system. The flashings have no weak points that could separate and allow water to enter. However an optional turret extension may be added to raise the dome an additional two inches (5cm) above the roof deck where required.

Moisture accumulating on the outside of tube?

This is a symptom of attic condensation due to inadequate ventilation. Wrapping the tube with insulation can help, but is not the cure for the larger problem. Need further ventilation? Try one of our Solar Star ventilation systems.

Is there an electric light for at night?

The Solatube Daylighting System offers two available light kit options for the Brighten Up® Series so the product can double as a standard lighting fixture.

Is there a Ventilation Add-On Kit available?

The Solatube 160 DS is available with an attractive optional Ventilation Add-On Kit. When the Solatube 160 DS is combined with a Ventilation Add-On Kit and a Light Add-On Kit, it becomes an attractive 3-in-one ceiling fixture.

Optional Ventilation Cap: Self flashing design for easy installation. Gravity damper prevents back flow. Low profile in black color blends with roof.

How strong is the fan in the Ventilation Add-on Kit?

The Solatube Daylighting System’s proprietary twin fan/motor is rated at 110-CFM (cubic feet per minute) (3 cubic Meters per minute) which is of much higher performance than a standard bathroom vent that most of us have in our homes. This ensures quick and effective ventilation.

Is the vent fan quieter then the one I have now?

A key feature of this product is that the fan/motor is not positioned at the ceiling, but in-line up in the attic. This significantly reduces the noise level in the room below

Will a Solatube Daylighting System work with both a light and vent kit at the same time?

Yes. They can be combined with any Solatube 160 DS for a 3-in1 fixture (vent, daylighting system, light).

The Solatube Daylighting System offers a series of add-on kits for the Brighten Up® Series that allow the user to minimize the number of ceiling penetrations and fixtures within the living area by combining the Solatube Daylighting System with a light fixture and/or a bathroom vent fixture.

Can Solatube Daylighting Systems be installed on metal roofs?

A metal roof add-on kit purchased separately works in conjunction with the standard shingle (slate) flashing. Refer to Metal Roof Installation Instructions in the Customer Support Center.

Yes. There are flat flashings available in 4" (100mm) and 6" (150mm) heights for flat and low-pitched roofs.

Solatube International offers the industry's only ICBO approved tile roof skylight flashing system for the Brighten Up® Series. This system uses ribbed stamped aluminum as the "malleable skirt" that is integrated into the standard flashing with an overlapping 6" (150mm) high turret extension. This system has unparalleled integrity for tile roofs, and has earned approval from the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO).

Can Solatube Daylighting Systems be installed on low-pitched roofs?

Yes, with the optional "no-pitch" flashing Solatubes can be installed on low pitched roofs ranging from flat (0/12 pitch) to 3/12 pitches.

Can Solatube Daylighting Systems be installed on steep-pitched roofs?

Yes, the "pitched-roof flashing" works well with roof pitches ranging from 4/12 to 12/12.

Will a Solatube Daylighting System work when installed on the north side of a house?

A Solatube Daylighting System works well on the north side of a house. However, it does work best when it is exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore it performs better where it receives as much direct South facing sunlight as possible. A turret extension can also be added to raise the dome height so it catches more direct sunlight.

No. It is not possible to connect 2 diffusers to one dome. There is no "Y" adapter available for Solatube Daylighting System.

Insulating the tube is not necessary. It is best for the temperatures inside and outside the tube to stabilize. However, in very cold climates attics can have heavy condensation due to poor ventilation. Insulation can deter moisture from forming on the outside of the tube. But a better solution would be improved attic ventilation. See our Solar Star for a range of ventilation options.

Can a Solatube be installed through a wall?

Can the Solatube Daylighting System run down the outside and turn 90 degrees through a wall into the house?

The tubing system is not designed for exposed exterior applications. The standard angle adapters provide 30 degree maximum angle and an optional. A 90-degree angle is available with minimal light loss.

Will a Solatube work for a mobile home?

Yes, and they install easily without structural modifications. Solatube Daylighting Systems are a great solution for the dark interiors from windows shaded by carports and patio covers.

A Solatube 160 DS is usually adequate since tube lengths are short. Also a softening lens is often recommended.

Yes, If there is a closet or place for the tubes to run through the house from the roof to the basement. A Solatube 290 DS is recommended due to the long distance from the roof to the basement. Usually a chase is built around the daylighting system for added protection.

Can a Solatube Daylighting System work for the first floor of a two-story house?

Yes, if there is a closet or place for the tubes to run through the house from the roof to the first floor.

Solatube 290 DS is recommended due to the long distance from the roof. Usually a chase is built around the unit for added protection.

Can a Solatube Daylighting System go horizontally?

A Solatube Daylighting System's standard angle adapter can provide a 30° bend. Optional 90° bends are available, however there is a possibility that light is reflected back up the tube thus decreasing performance.

What is the product warranty?

The product warranty for all skylight components is 10 years and 5 years for all electrical components. Installation warranties up to 10 years available.

Are the light and ventilation add-on kits UL listed or CE approved?

All of the light and ventilation add-on kits are UL Listed and CE approved, for your comfort and satisfaction that a safe and reliable electrical package is being purchased.

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