Solar tubes (also known as light tube, tubular skylights, solar tube lighting, or light pipes) are tube-shaped pipes that capture natural sunlight and distribute it to the interior parts of your home or office for the purpose of illumination. Compared to traditional skylights, solar tubes are more compact and cost less to install. Let’s see if solar tube installation is worth it for your home.
How Do Solar Tubes Work?
A solar tube is a tube with a diameter of 10 or 14 inches with a polished interior assembled of sheet-metal. Commonly known as a tubular skylight, sun tunnel, light tube, and sun tube. Light will be channeled through the entire length while preserving the intensity of the light the interior acts as a continuous mirror as it captures the daylight on your roof and carries it to the interior of your home.
A solar tube on the roof captures light in a plastic globe that is weatherproof. The tube then runs into the room below via a porthole and that diffuses into the portal already installed into the ceiling. The globe on the roof collects the light from outside and is spread or dis-fused as a glow of pure white. it is certainly a dramatic effect. Homeowners often say that when they are installed, they sometimes reach to turn off lights that aren’t on, the solar tube is that effective!
Pros Of Solar Tubes
- Almost no maintenance or repairs.
- A featured preferred upgrade by Realtors when selling your home.
- They do not require major construction and cost less to install than traditional style skylights.
- Blocking out lights in rooms designed for entertainment can be achieved with dimmer switches.
- Damage and leak-proof design.
- Save money on electricity by lighting your home or office.
- A natural source of daylight with zero glare or heat gain.
- No loss of heating or cooling energy.
- Quality built construction made with Arizona temperature extremes in mind.
- Water condensation will not build over time.
- Your clothing or furniture will not fade.
- You can lower the cost of installation and receive federal tax credits.
Cons Of Solar Tubes
- A direct look to the sky s not offered by tubular skylights.
- Traditional skylights can be opened, tubular skylights can not.
- Traditional skylights are less expensive to install than tubular skylights.
- If someone tries to custom install, roof leaks may result from damaged flashing.
- Incapable of blocking out light in rooms designed for entertainment unless a dimmer kit has been installed.
- Not every tubular skylight is made for the extremes of temperatures.
How Much Light Do Solar Tubes Produce?
The 10″ solar tube is the smallest lighting option available and gives off the equivalent of 3 100-watt bulbs, or enough to light a 150 to 200 sq. ft. room. A 14-inch solar tube can increases the brightness of a room up to 300 sq. ft.
How Much Does Solar Tube Installation Cost?
Solar tube installation costs about $750, with average prices to install a tubular skylight ranging from $500 to $1,000 in the U.S. The cost to install a solar tube is much cheaper than installing traditional skylights which cost about $2,000 or higher.
If you’re confident and not afraid of roof construction, you might be able to use a kit to install tubular skylights yourself for around $200 to $400. Tubular skylights don’t need more drywall installed like skylights do. There is no need to modify framing or paint.
*This is not an actual quote – These are general estimates.
Where Can Solar Tubes Be Installed in A Home?
You can install solar tubes in many different locations, some typical areas people like homeowners install solar tubes include:
- Kitchen
- Laundry Rooms
- Stairways
- Hallways
- Bathrooms
- Walk-in Closets
Just about the only place you don’t want to install a light tube is directly above a screen, such as a TV or a computer, as this can create irritating glare.
Are Solar Tubes Worth It For Your Home?
Solar tubes can also help you reduce your electricity bill. Also, due to solar tube installations not needing alternations to a frame, there are more options when it comes to finding the right solar tube for your home or business. Examine your attic space to make sure there is enough space to run a solar tube.
We can come out and inspect your attic and room to ensure solar tubes will work for your home or business. If something is in the way, such as tubing, this can be avoided and/or moved. Installing tubular skylights are really simple when installed in vaulted ceilings, as they only need about a 1 ft of tubing. Read more about the pros & cons of solar tubes to find out if they are right for you.
GoGreen Daylight Systems, LLC In Surprise, Arizona
GoGreen Daylight Systems, LLC is a Skylight contractor and installer of top-quality Tube Skylights, Traditional Skylights, Solar Attic Fans, and Garage Fans in Phoenix, the West Valley and East Valley. Contact us today for a free quote!
