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| Alternative-Heating-Info.com |
Solar Tube Skylights
Solar tube skylights, also
known as light pipes and tubular
skylights, channel the light from
a small skylight down through a
high reflectance duct to a ceiling
mounted diffusing lens.
Solar tube skylights are
advantageous in deep roof
construction or when the area
to be lighted is too small for a
standard sized skylight.
Typical installations include
bathrooms and closets, but
multiple tubes can be installed in
larger rooms for a dramatic
effect.
known as light pipes and tubular
skylights, channel the light from
a small skylight down through a
high reflectance duct to a ceiling
mounted diffusing lens.
Solar tube skylights are
advantageous in deep roof
construction or when the area
to be lighted is too small for a
standard sized skylight.
Typical installations include
bathrooms and closets, but
multiple tubes can be installed in
larger rooms for a dramatic
effect.
3. Diffusing Lens
The diffusing lens resembles a typical ceiling mounted glass fixture. Most diffusers are
round, but a transition box can used to convert the round tubing to a square diffuser for
suspended ceilings.
Most diffusers have a frosted look but other options are available depending on the
manufacturer. One is the "Fresnel" lens which delivers crystal clear daylight and an
elliptical view of the sky. Another option is the choice of various effect lenses designed to
soften or warm the light color.
Solar Tube Add-Ons
Some of the available add-ons for solar tubes include a daylight dimmer switch, compact
fluorescent light kit for night time use, and an integrated fan/diffusing lens for ventilation.
Are Solar Tube Skylights a DIY Project?
The installation is relatively straight forward but the outcome depends on your skill level
and experience. The best advice is to read through this Solatube Installation Manual and
decide for yourself.
Solar Tube Skylight Cost
You can purchase a complete 10" or 14" diameter solar tube DIY kit for around $400.
Professional installation costs $200 - $250. If you're purchasing multiple units don't
forget to ask for a discount.
Factors that determine the cost of a solar tube installation are the length and diameter
of the tube, whether you install it yourself or hire a professional, and the composition of
your roof. If your roof is tile or metal expect to pay 15 – 20% more for installation.
Will A Solar Tube Skylight Reduce My Electric Bill?
Yes, but the savings will be minimal. However, installing a solar tube in a highly trafficked
room like the bathroom will save you more money than one installed in a closet.
The diffusing lens resembles a typical ceiling mounted glass fixture. Most diffusers are
round, but a transition box can used to convert the round tubing to a square diffuser for
suspended ceilings.
Most diffusers have a frosted look but other options are available depending on the
manufacturer. One is the "Fresnel" lens which delivers crystal clear daylight and an
elliptical view of the sky. Another option is the choice of various effect lenses designed to
soften or warm the light color.
Solar Tube Add-Ons
Some of the available add-ons for solar tubes include a daylight dimmer switch, compact
fluorescent light kit for night time use, and an integrated fan/diffusing lens for ventilation.
Are Solar Tube Skylights a DIY Project?
The installation is relatively straight forward but the outcome depends on your skill level
and experience. The best advice is to read through this Solatube Installation Manual and
decide for yourself.
Solar Tube Skylight Cost
You can purchase a complete 10" or 14" diameter solar tube DIY kit for around $400.
Professional installation costs $200 - $250. If you're purchasing multiple units don't
forget to ask for a discount.
Factors that determine the cost of a solar tube installation are the length and diameter
of the tube, whether you install it yourself or hire a professional, and the composition of
your roof. If your roof is tile or metal expect to pay 15 – 20% more for installation.
Will A Solar Tube Skylight Reduce My Electric Bill?
Yes, but the savings will be minimal. However, installing a solar tube in a highly trafficked
room like the bathroom will save you more money than one installed in a closet.
Pictured on the left is the master bath of our
home in Florida lit by a solar tube. It was
installed when the house was built 19 years
ago and shows no signs of leakage.
This particular tube is the old Solatube 507
model. Today's equivalent is the 10" diameter
model 160 DSe.
The photo is lit only with light emitted from the
tube and on cloudy days it's still bright enough
to make you think someone left the lights on.
home in Florida lit by a solar tube. It was
installed when the house was built 19 years
ago and shows no signs of leakage.
This particular tube is the old Solatube 507
model. Today's equivalent is the 10" diameter
model 160 DSe.
The photo is lit only with light emitted from the
tube and on cloudy days it's still bright enough
to make you think someone left the lights on.
1. Dome
The dome collects and redirects the sunlight
down the reflective tube.
Most domes have a lens which doubles the
Effective Daylight Capturing Surface (EDCS) of
the dome when compared to a clear dome
with no lens.
Dome flashings are available for nearly all roof
types and pitches. Pitched flashings provide
the optimal position for the dome to capture
daylight on sloped roofs.
The dome collects and redirects the sunlight
down the reflective tube.
Most domes have a lens which doubles the
Effective Daylight Capturing Surface (EDCS) of
the dome when compared to a clear dome
with no lens.
Dome flashings are available for nearly all roof
types and pitches. Pitched flashings provide
the optimal position for the dome to capture
daylight on sloped roofs.
| 14" dome for the kitchen solar tube. |
2. Reflective Tubing
Unlike traditional skylights that use a drywall
shaft to channel the light down into the room,
solar tubes utilize a reflective system inside
the dome as well as a highly reflective coating
within the tube.
The result is a much higher percentage of
sunlight reaches the interior of the room and
more efficient use is made of low angle light
occurring in the early morning and evening.
According to one manufacturer good lighting
results can be expected for tube lengths up to
20' for 10" diameter tubes, and 30' for 14"
tubes.
Unlike traditional skylights that use a drywall
shaft to channel the light down into the room,
solar tubes utilize a reflective system inside
the dome as well as a highly reflective coating
within the tube.
The result is a much higher percentage of
sunlight reaches the interior of the room and
more efficient use is made of low angle light
occurring in the early morning and evening.
According to one manufacturer good lighting
results can be expected for tube lengths up to
20' for 10" diameter tubes, and 30' for 14"
tubes.
The house also has a 14" solar tube installed
in the kitchen. This photo was deliberately
taken on an overcast day, but similar to the
bathroom installation, the light loss is minimal
even with reduced sunlight.
Under ideal conditions - direct midday sun - a
10" tube produces 4,600 lumens, or 380
watts, and covers 150-200 square feet. The
14" tube produces up to 9,100 lumens, or
750 watts, and covers 250-300 square feet.
Solar tubes do not generate any heat and
are a sealed system which eliminates heat
loss and prevents condensation from forming.
in the kitchen. This photo was deliberately
taken on an overcast day, but similar to the
bathroom installation, the light loss is minimal
even with reduced sunlight.
Under ideal conditions - direct midday sun - a
10" tube produces 4,600 lumens, or 380
watts, and covers 150-200 square feet. The
14" tube produces up to 9,100 lumens, or
750 watts, and covers 250-300 square feet.
Solar tubes do not generate any heat and
are a sealed system which eliminates heat
loss and prevents condensation from forming.
Basic Parts of a Solar Tube
| 4 foot long, 10" tube for master bath |